Mastercard Foundation Announces Fully Funded Scholarships for Kenyans, Other Africans

The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, has announced the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program recruitment for the 2027/28 academic year, opening postgraduate scholarship opportunities to young people from Kenya and other African countries.

The programme will recruit Scholars to begin their studies in September 2027, with opportunities available for both on-campus Master’s programmes and online distance-learning programmes.

The initiative seeks to support young Africans with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to contribute to sustainable development and respond to the climate crisis.

“In response to the climate crisis the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh will invest in a community of skilled, entrepreneurial, and compassionate future leaders from across Africa,” Mastercard Foundation stated.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Target Future African Leaders

Through the programme, the University of Edinburgh will provide talented young people with sustainability-focused postgraduate learning opportunities.

“Through the Program at the University of Edinburgh, we will offer talented young people an exciting array of high-quality, sustainability-focused postgraduate learning opportunities, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and networks to promote sustainable transitions,” the university stated.

The university will recruit Scholars for both on-campus and online study programmes beginning in September 2027.

Applications are particularly encouraged from young women, young people with disabilities, and young people with refugee and displaced status.

Scholarships Available for On-Campus Master’s Programmes

The programme covers a range of on-campus Master’s programmes at the University of Edinburgh. They include:

• Africa & International Development
• Climate Change Finance & Investment
• Data, Inequality & Society
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Environment & Development
• Environmental Sustainability
• Food Security
• Operational Research
• Planetary Health
• Sustainable Energy Systems

Additionally, applicants who prefer remote study can apply for the available online distance-learning programmes.

Also Read: Dedan Kimathi and Kisii Universities Announce Scholarship Opportunities

Online Distance-Learning Programmes

The online scholarship opportunities cover several areas of study including:

• Biodiversity, Wildlife & Ecosystem Health — MSc or Diploma
• Climate Change Management — MSc route only
• Data-Driven Breeding & Genetics — MSc or Diploma
• Data Science Technologies — MSc route only
• Digital Education — MSc or Diploma
• Global Food Security & Nutrition — MSc or Diploma
• Global Health & Infectious Diseases — MSc or Diploma
• International Development — MSc route only
• One Health — MSc or Diploma
• Social Justice & Community Action — MSc or Diploma

However, the University of Edinburgh has cautioned that the degree programmes listed in the recruitment information may change.

Applicants should therefore check the university’s website regularly for the latest programme information before applying.

Mastercard Foundation Changes 2027/28 Recruitment Process

The University of Edinburgh has also changed its recruitment process for the 2027/28 intake.

Under the new process, applicants must first register to join an information session. The university will then assess attendees against the scholarship’s eligibility requirements before inviting eligible candidates to apply.

“Applicants must register to join an information session. Only attendees who also meet the eligibility requirements for the Scholarship will receive the invitation to apply,” the university stated.

The information sessions will run from September 15 to September 24, 2026.

Therefore, attending an information session alone will not guarantee an invitation to apply. Applicants must also satisfy the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.

Also Read: KCB Foundation Launches Scholarship Programme in South Sudan

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application Timeline

After the information sessions, the university will invite eligible attendees to proceed with the application process.

The key dates for the 2027/28 recruitment include:

• September 15–24, 2026: Information sessions
• October 13, 2026: Eligible attendees invited to apply
• October 19, 2026: Applicant Declaration Form deadline
• November 19, 2026: Main scholarship application deadline
• September 2027: Academic programmes begin

Applicants should prepare early and follow the university’s instructions throughout the recruitment process.

Kenyans and other eligible African applicants seeking more information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, registration and available study programmes can visit the official University of Edinburgh website:

https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation

Applicants can also contact the programme team through mcfsp@ed.ac.uk.

The university has advised prospective applicants to regularly check its website because the degree programmes listed in the recruitment information are subject to change.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.

A photo of the University of Edinburgh and an insert of Mastercard Foundation logo. PHOTO/ Scotland.org/ Mastercard Foundation