The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious initiatives aimed at providing talented students from Africa the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. The program focuses on empowering young Africans to contribute to their communities, build leadership skills, and promote sustainable development. Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are now open, and this comprehensive article will guide you through everything you need to know about the program, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines.

Overview of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was established with the mission of developing Africa’s next generation of leaders by offering access to higher education for academically talented, economically disadvantaged African students. The University of Cambridge is among several renowned institutions partnering with the Mastercard Foundation to offer this scholarship. The program is fully funded, providing comprehensive financial support to successful candidates, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal development.

This initiative aims to prepare scholars for roles in building sustainable and climate-resilient futures in Africa. With an emphasis on returning to their home countries, scholars are expected to apply the knowledge and skills gained during their studies to benefit their communities and contribute to Africa's overall development.

Key Features of the Scholarship:

• Full tuition costs covered for the duration of the master’s program.
• A monthly maintenance allowance to cover living expenses.
• Provision of a laptop to assist with academic work.
• Coverage of additional costs such as visa application fees, International Health Surcharge (IHS), and travel expenses.

Areas of Study

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge supports students enrolling in a master’s course that is up to one year in length. A wide range of courses across various disciplines is offered by Cambridge, ensuring that scholars can pursue studies in areas that align with their academic interests and career aspirations. The University of Cambridge’s Course Directory offers details on all the available courses that eligible candidates can apply for.

These courses span fields like:

• Engineering and Technology
• Environmental and Climate Science
• Health and Medical Sciences
• Public Policy and Governance
• Development Studies
• Education, Economics, and Social Sciences

Through their chosen fields, scholars will be equipped with the knowledge to drive social, environmental, and economic change in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship and Residency

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an African country.
• Residency: Candidates must be residents of an African country at the time of application unless they can demonstrate a temporary absence for the purposes of study or work. Exceptions are also made for those with refugee status or individuals who are displaced from their home countries due to conflict or other reasons.

2. Academic Qualifications

• Applicants must be applying for a master’s course of up to one year in length at the University of Cambridge.
• They must meet the academic requirements of the course for which they are applying. This includes having an undergraduate degree with strong academic performance, often equivalent to a First Class or Upper Second Class degree in the UK.

3. Commitment to Africa’s Sustainable Future

• As part of the application process, candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to climate-resilience and sustainable futures for Africa. This will be assessed through a supplementary statement submitted with the application.

4. Diversity and Inclusion

• The program actively encourages women, refugees, internally displaced people, and people with disabilities to apply. It upholds a commitment to fostering diversity in all its forms.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers comprehensive support to its scholars, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of accessing world-class education. Here is a breakdown of the financial benefits provided:

• Full Tuition Costs: All tuition fees for the duration of the one-year master’s program are covered.
• Monthly Maintenance Allowance: This stipend is provided to cover living costs, including accommodation, meals, and other personal expenses.
• Laptop: Scholars are provided with a laptop to aid them in their studies and academic work.
• Visa Application Fees: The program covers all visa-related expenses required for international students to study in the UK.
• International Health Surcharge (IHS): This surcharge is covered, ensuring scholars have access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.
• Travel Costs: Return air travel to and from the UK is fully funded, ensuring that students can travel to the University of Cambridge with ease.

Application Process

The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to deadlines. Below are the steps to apply:

1. Apply for Admission to the University of Cambridge

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must first secure admission to a master’s course at the University of Cambridge. The application must be made through the Cambridge Course Directory: Cambridge Course Directory. This involves completing the application form, submitting required academic documents, and meeting any specific departmental requirements.

2. Meeting the Funding Deadline

The deadlines for submitting your application for admission are as follows:

• 5th December 2024: For courses with a 5th December deadline.
• 5th January 2025: For courses with a 5th January deadline.

It is crucial to pay attention to the specific deadline for your chosen course as the funding deadline must be met to be considered for the scholarship.

3. Supplementary Statement for Scholarship Application

As part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application, candidates must submit a supplementary statement. This statement should clearly articulate your commitment to advancing climate resilience and promoting sustainable futures for Africa. This personal reflection will be a key factor in the selection process, as the program prioritizes individuals who show a dedication to positively impacting their communities.

4. Application Fee Waiver

For applicants who meet the academic requirements of their chosen course, the University of Cambridge will waive the application fee. However, if academic requirements are not met, candidates will not qualify for the waiver and may have to pay the fee themselves.

5. Required Documents

To complete the application, candidates will need to provide:

• Academic transcripts.
• A detailed CV.
• References from academic or professional mentors.
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable).
• The supplementary statement outlining their commitment to Africa’s development.

Selection Process

Once applications are submitted, the University of Cambridge and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will review the documents provided. Successful applicants will be selected based on a combination of academic excellence, leadership potential, and their demonstrated commitment to Africa’s climate-resilient and sustainable future.

Candidates will be evaluated through a comprehensive assessment of their application materials, and those selected for the next stage may be invited for an interview. The final selection will be made considering both the academic and personal attributes of each candidate.

Deadlines and Important Dates

For those interested in applying, here are the critical deadlines and dates to keep in mind:

• 5th December 2024: Deadline for courses with a December funding deadline.
• 5th January 2025: Deadline for courses with a January funding deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications well in advance of these deadlines to allow time for processing and to avoid last-minute issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply if I am not currently residing in Africa?

Yes, but only if you can demonstrate that your absence from Africa is temporary, such as for study or work. Refugees and displaced individuals are also eligible to apply.

2. What if I don’t meet the academic requirements for my course?

Unfortunately, you will not be eligible for the application fee waiver or the scholarship if you do not meet the course’s academic requirements. It is important to carefully check the entry requirements for each course before applying.

3. Are email attachments accepted for application submissions?

No, all documents must be submitted through the University of Cambridge's online application portal. Email attachments will not be accepted.

4. Who should I contact if I have more questions about the application process?

If you have additional questions that are not answered in the FAQ section of the program website, you can reach out via email to: applications@mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge offers a life-changing opportunity for aspiring African leaders to further their education and contribute to the continent's sustainable development. The program's comprehensive support ensures that financial barriers are removed, allowing scholars to focus on their studies and leadership growth. By fostering diversity and encouraging applications from women, refugees, and people with disabilities, the program strives to uplift underrepresented communities.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference in Africa, this scholarship can provide the stepping stone you need. Start your application today and take a significant step toward becoming one of Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders.