The University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship – The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded program designed to help international students pursue higher education at renowned universities abroad. This scholarship covers all necessary expenses, making it accessible to talented students who may not have the financial means to study abroad.
One of the prestigious institutions offering this opportunity is the University of Cambridge, through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. For the academic year 2025/2026, applications are now open for students seeking to further their education.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge offers scholarships for a wide range of master’s programs. Students can apply to most one-year, full-time postgraduate courses at the university. However, there are a few exceptions to the available courses, which include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Corporate Law (MCL), and Master of Finance. The aim of the program is to support bright individuals who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential, empowering them to become change-makers in their home countries and around the world.
This scholarship provides a unique opportunity for students to not only receive world-class education but also gain exposure to diverse experiences, helping them to make meaningful contributions to their societies.
The University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a comprehensive support package to ensure scholars can focus fully on their studies and personal development without financial concerns. The program covers a wide range of expenses and provides opportunities for mentorship and leadership development. Below are the key benefits:
- Full Tuition Costs: All tuition fees for the scholar’s selected program at the University of Cambridge are fully funded.
- Monthly Maintenance Allowance: Scholars receive a monthly allowance to cover living expenses. This allowance adjusts annually to account for inflation.
- Laptop: Scholars are provided with a laptop to support their academic needs.
- Visa and Health Costs: The scholarship covers the costs of visa applications and the International Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Travel Costs: The program includes an economy return ticket from the scholar’s home country to the United Kingdom at the start of the course, and a return flight upon completion.
- Mentorship Support: Scholars are connected with mentors who guide them in aligning their academic work with larger global challenges. This mentorship emphasizes how their education can contribute to global goals such as climate resilience and sustainability, particularly in Africa.
Beyond financial and academic support, Mastercard Foundation Scholars benefit from several unique opportunities:
- Induction Program: Before starting their courses, scholars participate in a cohort-wide induction program. This helps them integrate into the academic and social community, preparing them for the journey ahead.
- Leadership Training: Scholars engage in termly leadership development sessions, which focus on sustainable leadership. These sessions help scholars develop the collaborative skills needed to create cross-sector solutions that address sustainable development challenges.
- Professional Placements: Scholars are supported in securing 3-6 month placements with leading organizations in Africa. These placements help scholars build a foundation for impactful careers and gain hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges in their home countries.
- Alumni Networks: After graduation, Mastercard Foundation Scholars become members of both the Cambridge University Alumni group and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni network. These networks provide lifelong connections, resources, and opportunities to continue contributing to a community of African scholars and global leaders.
These benefits provide not only the financial support needed to complete a degree but also personal and professional development opportunities that equip scholars to drive meaningful change across the globe.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship and Residence: Applicants must be citizens of an African country. They should be ordinarily resident in an African country at the time of application. However, exceptions are made for those who are temporarily living abroad for study or work purposes, provided they intend to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Eligible Master’s Courses and Full-Time Study: Applicants must be applying for a full-time eligible Master’s course at the University of Cambridge. The program offers scholarships across a wide range of disciplines. The following courses are not eligible for the scholarship:
- Master of Accountancy (MACC)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFIN)
Academic Requirements: Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for the specific course they are applying for. These requirements are listed on each course’s webpage.
Only candidates who fulfill these requirements will be eligible for an application fee waiver, which helps ease the cost of applying to the university.
Steps to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge. The application process involves several important steps, from submitting an admission application to the university to choosing a college and securing a fee waiver.
Step 1: Apply for Admission to the University of Cambridge
The first step in the application process is to apply for admission to the University of Cambridge. This can be done through the University’s course directory, where details about each course, its requirements, and deadlines are provided.
- Visit the Course Directory: The directory includes essential information such as course descriptions, application deadlines, and the documents required for admission.
- Submit Your Application: Once you’ve identified the course you’re interested in, gather the necessary documents and submit your application through the University’s Graduate Application Portal.
- Include Funding Options: During this process, you will also apply for funding, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and any other applicable scholarships.
For further assistance, the University of Cambridge provides a helpful video that explains how to apply for postgraduate admission and funding.
Step 2: Submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Statement
When completing the application through the University’s Graduate Application Portal, applicants are asked to select the funding bodies they want to apply for. If you select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you will be required to submit a personal statement specifically for the scholarship.
- Mastercard Foundation Personal Statement: This is a critical part of the application where you must demonstrate your alignment with the scholarship’s goals. You will be asked to write about your commitment to creating climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa and the world. Additionally, you should explain how your chosen course at Cambridge will contribute to achieving these goals.
This personal statement is the only section where you will directly address your fit for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, so it’s important to be clear and concise in articulating your vision.
From Our Channel
Step 3: Choose a College
The University of Cambridge consists of 31 colleges, each offering its own unique opportunities and environment. Selecting the right college is an important decision, as it will be your living and learning community during your time at Cambridge.
- Consider Your Preferences: Some students may prioritize proximity to their department, while others may have preferences regarding the size or atmosphere of the college.
- Do Your Research: You can visit the Cambridge college websites and read about the different options to make an informed decision. Each college has its own character, so take your time to select the one that best fits your needs.
You can find more information about choosing a college at: Choosing a College.
Step 4: Application Fee Waiver
Typically, a £50 application fee is required when applying for a master’s program at the University of Cambridge. However, applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are eligible for an automatic fee waiver.
- Automatic Waiver: The fee will be waived for Mastercard Foundation Scholars applicants who submit the required personal statement.
- Requesting a Waiver: If the automatic waiver is not applied and you are sure you meet all the program’s eligibility requirements, you can submit a request for a fee waiver through the university’s support team.
- Applicants must ensure that they meet the academic requirements for their chosen courses. Each course at the University of Cambridge has specific entry requirements, which are detailed in the course directory. If an applicant does not meet the academic criteria for their selected course, they will not be eligible for the application fee waiver under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. To avoid disqualification, it is crucial to thoroughly review the academic requirements before submitting your application.
Deadline
The deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is aligned with the course deadlines:
- 5th December 2024: For courses with a 5th December deadline.
- 5th January 2025: For courses with a 5th January deadline.
Make sure to submit your application by the corresponding deadline to be considered for the scholarship.
