Hey future game-changers! Ready to take your education to the next level, make a real impact, and study abroad, all fully funded? The incredible University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Bursary is calling your name for the 2026/2027 academic year! If you’re an ambitious young African leader with a passion for climate justice, this could be your golden ticket.
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a life-changing opportunity! The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, offers these prestigious postgraduate bursaries to exceptional young people from African countries. It’s designed for those who’ve shown incredible academic potential, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a positive change in their communities, especially when it comes to the climate crisis. The best part? It’s fully funded, meaning you can focus on your studies and making a difference without worrying about costs.
Who Can Apply?
Think this sounds like you? Here’s who the University of Edinburgh and Mastercard Foundation are looking for:
- You must qualify academically for admission to a relevant postgraduate degree programme at the University of Edinburgh. Generally, this means achieving the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or higher.
- You must be a resident, citizen, or hold refugee status in an African country (yes, South Africa is included!).
- You will have faced significant barriers to education (these could be social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related).
- You must have already graduated from an undergraduate study and have your degree certificate and official final transcript available to upload by 21 November 2025.
- You need to demonstrate a strong track record of leadership and service within your community.
- You should show experience, or at least strong ambition, in making a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis.
- You must be 35 years old or younger for the year the programme commences. For the 2026/27 academic year, this means you must have been born on or after 1 January 1991.
- You should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree (specific conditions apply for online Postgraduate Diplomas, but for on-campus, this is generally the rule).
- The programme actively encourages applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super generous and covers pretty much everything you’ll need! We’re talking about a *fully funded* experience, which includes:
- Full approved tuition fees (so no debt worries there!).
- Accommodation costs (your home away from home in Scotland!).
- Travel expenses (getting you to the UK and back).
- A living cost stipend (so you can enjoy student life without financial stress).
- All your study materials (books, resources, you name it!).
- A fantastic climate leadership programme to inspire and support you in making change.
- Participation in the Climate Enterprise School — an intensive week-long programme of training in sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Additional support for scholars with disabilities, based on an assessment of needs.
- Transitions support to help you settle in and prepare for your next steps after the programme.
How to Apply?
Ready to submit your application and grab this amazing opportunity? Here’s the deal:
- First, carefully review all the eligibility criteria mentioned above to ensure you qualify. Don’t skip this important step!
- Next, head over to the official University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage.
- You’ll need to submit your application online through their portal. Remember to have your degree certificate and official final transcript ready to upload.
- Important: The application deadline is **21 November 2025** at 17:00 (GMT). Make sure to submit your application well before the last minute!
Official Application Link:
Visit the Official University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation On-campus Postgraduate Scholarships Webpage Here!
If pursuing a postgraduate degree at a world-renowned university, making a difference in climate justice, and having it all fully funded sounds like your dream, then this is your moment! Don’t let this incredible opportunity pass you by. Apply now and start charting your path to becoming a global leader. Want to explore more amazing opportunities? Keep an eye on Bursaries Room for more bursaries that could fund your future!
