The scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to contributing to climate-resilient and sustainable futures in Africa.
Successful scholars receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, airfare, and other essential study-related costs.
In this article, we provide detailed information about the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027/2028, including the eligibility requirements, benefits, eligible courses, application deadlines, and application procedure.
University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027/2028 – Summary
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Programme | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Eligible Countries | African Countries |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Tuition Fees | Fully Covered |
| Accommodation | Provided |
| Living Expenses | Stipend Provided |
| Airfare | Covered |
| Study Duration | Up to 1 year, depending on the course |
| Application Deadline | 5 December 2026 or 5 January 2027, depending on the course |
About the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge provides opportunities for talented young Africans who may otherwise face financial barriers to accessing postgraduate education.
The programme is based on the Mastercard Foundation’s vision of creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. It seeks to support economically disadvantaged young people in Africa by providing access to education, skills development, leadership opportunities and networks that can contribute to positive change.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, eligible African students can apply for funding to pursue an eligible full-time master’s programme at the University of Cambridge.
As part of the scholarship, applicants are expected to demonstrate their commitment to making a positive contribution to their communities, countries and Africa more broadly, particularly in areas related to sustainability and climate resilience.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be ordinarily resident in an African country. Applicants who are temporarily outside Africa for study or work may also be eligible if they intend to return.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for the master’s course they intend to study at Cambridge.
- Be applying for an eligible full-time master’s course of up to one year.
- Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their community, home country or Africa more broadly.
- Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate-resilient development in Africa.
- Meet any additional academic or course-specific requirements set by the University of Cambridge.
Applicants should carefully check the specific entry requirements of their chosen course because academic requirements may differ between programmes.
Eligible Courses
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme supports eligible full-time master’s programmes at the University of Cambridge.
However, the following programmes are not eligible for the scholarship:
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
Applicants should check the postgraduate course directory to confirm whether their preferred master’s programme is eligible before applying.
Benefits of the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
Successful Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive financial support for their studies.
1. Full Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the approved master’s programme at the University of Cambridge.
2. Accommodation
Successful scholars receive support towards their accommodation during their studies.
3. Living Stipend
Scholars receive financial support to help cover their living expenses while studying in the United Kingdom.
4. Airfare
The scholarship provides support for travel to and from the United Kingdom.
5. Study Support
The scholarship package may also include support for essential study-related expenses, such as books and a laptop, subject to the applicable scholarship arrangements.
Duration of the Scholarship
The scholarship is intended for master’s programmes of up to one year in duration.
The exact duration and funding arrangements may depend on the specific master’s course selected by the applicant.
University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship Application Deadline
Applicants must pay close attention to the funding deadline for their chosen course.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, the stated funding deadlines are:
- 5 December 2026 – for courses with a 5 December funding deadline.
- 5 January 2027 – for courses with a 5 January funding deadline.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications. The deadline applicable to each applicant depends on the course being applied for.
How to Apply for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027
The application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme is incorporated into the University of Cambridge postgraduate course application process.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Course
Open the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory and select the master’s programme you wish to study.
Make sure the programme is eligible for Mastercard Foundation funding.
Step 2: Check the Entry Requirements
Open the profile of your chosen course and carefully review its admission requirements.
You should also use Cambridge’s international qualifications information to determine whether your bachelor’s degree meets the required academic standard.
Step 3: Start Your Application
Click “Apply Now” on your chosen course page and create an account.
You can save your application and return to complete it later.
Step 4: Apply for an Application Fee Waiver
Eligible Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme applicants may apply for an application fee waiver, provided they meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen course.
Step 5: Apply for Mastercard Foundation Funding
If you meet the requirements of your chosen course, you will be able to indicate that you wish to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
Applicants will also be required to provide a supplementary statement explaining their personal commitment to contributing to climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa.
Step 6: Submit Your Application Before the Funding Deadline
Complete and submit your application before the applicable funding deadline for your chosen course.
It is important to note that the funding deadline may be earlier than the standard application deadline.
Step 7: Select a College
During the application process, you will also be asked to indicate a College preference.
Your Cambridge College is an important part of student life and may provide accommodation, dining facilities and opportunities for small-group teaching and community activities.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should carefully review all requirements before submitting their applications. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection for the scholarship.
Candidates should also ensure that their academic qualifications, personal statement and supplementary scholarship statement clearly demonstrate their suitability for both the chosen master’s programme and the objectives of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
Conclusion
The University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027/2028 provides eligible African students with an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge with comprehensive financial support.
Interested applicants should identify an eligible master’s course, carefully review the admission and scholarship requirements, and submit their application before the applicable December 2026 or January 2027 funding deadline.
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