UBC MasterCard Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s Study in Canada
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the first Canadian universities to join the prestigious MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program—a $500 million global education initiative in partnership with top universities worldwide.
Since its inception in 2013, the program at UBC has supported outstanding students from Sub-Saharan Africa, offering them world-class education combined with leadership and community engagement opportunities. Over its 10-year span, UBC will welcome 163 Mastercard Foundation Scholars—77 undergraduates and 35 master’s students.
Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 intake of the Master’s Scholarship at UBC.
Eligible Master’s Programs
Faculty of Forestry
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
- Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)
Faculty of Science
- Master of Data Science (MDS)
Scholarship Overview
- Type: Master’s Scholarship
- Location: Canada
- University: University of British Columbia
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, travel costs, living stipend, laptop, and academic support
- Application Opens: August 30, 2025
- Application Closes: September 12, 2025
Benefits of the UBC MasterCard Scholarship
- Full coverage of tuition fees, housing, food, and travel.
- Laptop and academic resources provided.
- Comprehensive support for academic, social, and financial wellbeing.
- Access to leadership training, career development, and post-graduation mentorship.
- Internship and community engagement opportunities to build real-world experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (no prior graduate or PhD degree).
- Be 35 years or younger (born in 1988 or later).
- Be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Have lived a significant portion of their life in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Demonstrate financial need and economic disadvantage.
- Show academic excellence under challenging circumstances.
- Exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to community service.
- Intend to return to Africa after graduation to contribute to development.
- Require a Canadian study permit (not a Canadian PR or citizen).
Note:
- Applicants who claim asylum/protected status in Canada are not eligible.
- Funding applies only to programs at UBC Vancouver.
Required Application Documents
- Completed MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form.
- Personal Statements (typed, within word limits, not in essay format):
- Your personal story (200–300 words).
- Community involvement (200–300 words).
- Why UBC and your chosen program? (200–300 words).
- Overcoming a major challenge (200–300 words).
- Financial background (200–300 words).
- CV/Resume (including education and work experience).
- Two reference letters on official letterhead.
- Transcripts (unofficial copies allowed; translations required if not in English).
- Signed application checklist and declaration.
Also Apply: Application For Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship 2026 To Study in the UK
Application Timeline & Guidelines
- Submit Expression of Interest – by September 12, 2025.
- Eligible candidates will be invited to apply to the MCF Scholars Program by October 15, 2025.
- Submit your official application to your UBC Faculty by November 26, 2025.
- If successful, you’ll receive an email to complete the online UBC application.
- Applicants from the world’s 50 least-developed countries may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Deadline: 12th September, 2025
Apply here
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