Hey future leaders! Ever dreamt of studying abroad, getting a world-class education, and bringing your skills back to Africa? Well, buckle up because the University of British Columbia (UBC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for 2026 is here to make that dream a reality!
This incredible bursary, officially known as the University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, is designed to empower academically talented young people from across Africa – yes, that includes you, South African students! It provides fully funded access to quality university education at UBC in Canada. The goal? To equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to return and become game-changers, contributing significantly to the economic growth and social transformation of your communities back home.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for this fantastic Masters’ Degree Program at UBC, you need to meet a few key requirements:
- You must have already completed a Bachelor’s degree.
- You shouldn’t already hold a graduate or PhD degree.
- You need to be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- You must be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- You should have lived a significant part of your life in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- You must demonstrate economically disadvantaged financial circumstances.
- You need to have achieved academic excellence, especially if you did so under difficult circumstances.
- Show us your leadership qualities or potential!
- You should have a strong interest in and commitment to giving back to your home community in Africa.
- You must require a Canadian study permit to study in Canada.
- You cannot be someone who has claimed or will claim asylum or protected person status after arriving in Canada.
- Finally, you need to commit to returning to Africa after graduating to apply your training and skills for the betterment of others.
What Does It Cover?
Prepare to have your mind blown by the amazing benefits this bursary offers. It’s truly comprehensive, covering almost everything you’ll need:
- Full tuition fees & all your required books.
- Your flights to Canada & support with immigration processes.
- Room and board (accommodation and meals).
- Stipends for your daily living expenses.
- Health Insurance to keep you safe and sound.
- Access to dedicated career services & ongoing support.
- Membership in a global Mastercard Foundation alumni network – talk about connections!
- **Special Bonus:** There’s even a Social Entrepreneurship Fund for scholars who are enterprising and want to kickstart a venture back on the continent!
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Here’s how you can get started:
First, you need to submit an “Expression of Interest” (EOI). There are two streams, so pick the one that applies to you:
- General Stream EOI: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC : 2026/2027 Expression of Interest
- Refugees Only Stream EOI: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC : 2026/2027 Expression of Interest
The deadline to submit your EOI is 12 September 2025.
If you’re an eligible candidate, you’ll be contacted after September 15, 2025, to proceed with the full scholarship application for one of these fantastic programs at UBC’s Vancouver campus:
- 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), Master of Science/Master of Applied Science in Forestry (Thesis-based)
- Faculty of Science: Master of Data Science
The full application period runs from 15 September to 15 October 2025.
For more detailed information and to explore the official program page, head over here:
If this sounds like the perfect bursary to kickstart your international academic journey and bring impactful change back home, don’t wait — submit your Expression of Interest now! Explore more incredible bursaries on Bursaries Room and fund your future!
