Fully Funded University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027 for African Students
The University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides talented young Africans with a fully funded opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to contributing to climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa.
The fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, a laptop, books, and travel costs, enabling successful scholars to focus on their studies and leadership development.
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University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: Study in UK
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African countries
- Study Level: Master’s Degree
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, living stipend, laptop, books and airfare
- Deadline: December 5, 2026 or January 5, 2027, depending on the course
Details of the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge supports talented young people from Africa who face significant economic or other barriers to accessing postgraduate education.
The programme aims to provide scholars with access to high-quality education while developing their leadership skills and supporting them to create positive change in their communities, countries and across Africa.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, applicants can apply for eligible full-time master’s programmes at the University of Cambridge and be considered for Mastercard Foundation funding as part of the course application process.
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities, home countries or Africa more broadly, particularly in relation to sustainability and climate resilience.
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Eligibility Requirements for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be ordinarily resident in an African country, unless temporarily living outside Africa for study or work with an intention to return, or have been displaced.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen master’s course at the University of Cambridge.
- Apply for an eligible full-time master’s programme of up to one year.
- Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to their community, home country or Africa more broadly.
- Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
Applicants must apply for an eligible course. The scholarship does not cover the following programmes:
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
Academic requirements vary by programme. Some Cambridge courses require the equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree, while others require an upper second-class degree. Applicants should check the specific entry requirements for their chosen course.
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Benefits of the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
Successful scholars will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living stipend
- Laptop
- Books and study materials
- Airfare/travel costs
As part of the application, prospective scholars will also be required to submit a supplementary statement explaining their personal commitment to building climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa.
University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship Timeline
The funding deadline depends on the application deadline for the selected course:
- December 5, 2026: For courses with a December 5 funding deadline
- January 5, 2027: For courses with a January 5 funding deadline
Applicants should carefully check the funding deadline for their chosen course and submit their application before the relevant deadline.
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How to Apply for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027
Interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory and select your preferred eligible master’s programme.
- Open the course profile and click “Apply Now” to begin your application.
- Create an account so you can save and return to your application.
- Check the Requirements section to confirm that your current degree meets the academic requirements for the selected course.
- Use the University of Cambridge International Qualifications Checker to confirm how your qualification compares with the required standard.
- Apply for an application fee waiver if eligible. Applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme can apply for a fee waiver provided they meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen course.
- During the funding section of the application, select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme if you meet the requirements.
- Complete and submit your application, including the required supplementary statement on your commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
- Submit your application before the relevant funding deadline for your chosen course.
- You will also be asked to indicate a preferred College, where you may live, eat and participate in small-group teaching and other College activities.