2026 University of Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship

The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, is offering fully funded online Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma scholarships to young Africans for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The program targets exceptional students and professionals who have faced barriers to education but are committed to using their skills to drive change in their communities.

Scholarship Summary
Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
Study Mode: Online (Part-Time)
Eligible Countries: All African Countries
Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipend | Laptop | Leadership Support
IELTS: Not Required
Deadline: November 21, 2025

Program Overview
The Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship supports candidates who want to advance their education while staying in their local context. The program runs for:

• 3 years (part-time Online Master’s)
• 2 years (part-time Postgraduate Diploma)

It focuses on students with leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to solving real challenges, especially around climate change and sustainability.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold citizenship or refugee status in a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Be aged 35 or under by September 1, 2026.
• Have completed an undergraduate degree by September 2026.
• Meet the University of Edinburgh’s academic entry requirements (minimum Second Class Upper Bachelor’s degree).
• Show evidence of having faced barriers to education (financial, social, or health-related).
• Demonstrate leadership and community service experience.
• Be committed to addressing the climate crisis.
• Not already hold or be pursuing a postgraduate degree elsewhere.

Benefits and Rewards
The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly academic stipend to support internet access and study costs
• Laptop provision
• Participation in the University’s Climate Leadership Program
• Dedicated academic and personal support through an online coordinator
• In-person networking opportunities and events at the University

Additional support is provided for scholars with disabilities based on individual needs assessments.

How to Apply

• Applications open on October 14, 2025 (10:00 am GMT) and close on November 21, 2025 (5:00 pm GMT).
• Interested applicants must first apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, selecting either:
  • Online Master’s (3 years) or
  • Online Postgraduate Diploma (2 years).
• Only candidates who receive the scholarship offer will proceed to apply for the academic program.
• For inquiries, contact mcfsp@ed.ac.uk.

Deadline: November 21, 2025