2026 University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship in UK

Summary:

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026/2027 University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship academic year are now open.

The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. All people, no matter where their starting point in life, should have an equal chance to succeed. We believe that with access to education, financial services, and skills training, people can have that chance.

Our focus is on helping economically disadvantaged young people in Africa to find opportunities to move themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty to a better life

Eligibilities:

To be eligible for this scholarship, you;

• Must be a citizen of an African country,

• Must be ordinarily resident in an African country unless you can show temporary absence for study/work with an intention to return, or unless you have been displaced.

• Must be applying for a Master’s course of up to one year in length, at the University of Cambridge.

• Have a bachelor’s degree. 

• Meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen course. Some courses require the equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree and others an upper second-class degree. Please use the postgraduate study course directory to check your course’s entry requirements.

• Be from, and live in, an African country. You can apply if you’re temporarily living outside of Africa for study or work.

• Apply for an eligible course. This can be any full-time master’s excluding:

• Master of Accountancy (MACC)

  • Business Administration (MBA)

  • Master of Corporate Law (MCL)

  • Master of Finance (MFIN) 

• Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to your community, home country or Africa more generally, and to the themes of sustainability and climate resilience.

Benefits:

Full Scholarship 

• Accommodation 

• Monthly Stipends

• Airfare Tickets 

The funding application is embedded in the course application process. 

 As part of the application process, prospective scholars will be required to provide a supplementary statement that indicates their personal commitment to contributing to climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa.

Deadline:

January 5, 2026 (Varies by Deadline)

To learn more, click here.