Mastercard Cambridge University African Scholarship Programme 2025 for Graduate African Students

International; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious scholarship program offers fully-funded Master's opportunities at the University of Cambridge for talented African students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program not only covers tuition fees but also provides living expenses, travel, and support for families. Candidates must show a commitment to contributing to climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa and the world.

Benefits

Full funding for tuition and living expenses

Support for travel and accommodation

Induction program prior to course commencement

Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of an African country and demonstrate that they are from an economically marginalized background.
• Must be applying for a one-year Master's course at the University of Cambridge.
• Commitment to contributing to climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa.

Job description

Mastercard Cambridge University African Scholars Programme 2025 for Graduate African Students. Apply below.

Table of Contents

When are Application Deadlines?

• Application Deadline (for courses with a December deadline): December 2025
• Application Deadline (for courses with a January deadline): January 2026

What is the Mastercard Cambridge University African Scholars Programme?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge is designed to provide talented students from economically marginalised and hard-to-reach communities in Africa with fully-funded opportunities to complete their Master’s training, grow in transformative leadership, and contribute to climate resilience and sustainability in Africa. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers the cost of travel and visas, accommodation, meals, allowance for a laptop, health cover, and a living stipend – as well as tuition costs. It also provides an allowance for dependant children who may accompany a Scholar.

Which Fields is/are Eligible?

Prospective Mastercard Foundation Scholars can apply to the majority of courses available at the University* – seeavailable programmes– since addressing the climate crisis requires a range of expertise across both scientific/STEM disciplines and the arts, humanities and social sciences. The Program trains these scholars in a range of academic disciplines – from the creative arts and writing, through the social sciences, to more scientific and technical disciplines: because a multidisciplinary approach to climate action and response is critical.

Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.

Who is Eligible for Mastercard Cambridge University African Scholars Programme?

• Must be a citizen of an African country* and demonstrate that they are from an economically marginalised, or economically disadvantaged, background.
• 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 one-year Master’s course at the University of Cambridge.
• Prospective Scholars can apply across a wide range of disciplines.***

* evidence will be required at a later stage of the Scholarship selection process.

** see for further information about support available to refugees at Cambridge University.

*** exceptions are the Master of Accountancy, Business Administration, Master of Corporate Law, Master of Finance, MASt, MSts.

How are Applicants Selected?

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

* exceptions are the Master of Accountancy, Business Administration, Master of Corporate Law, Master of Finance, MASt, MSts.

We are looking to support students with academic talent and a commitment to giving back to their community, in particular a desire and commitment to contribute to climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa and the world. African women, refugees and internally displaced people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

What is the Benefit of Mastercard Cambridge University African Scholars Programme?

• This is a full-cost award available to Master’s students, covering tuition fees, maintenance and expenses (for e.g. travel, visa costs and the immigration health surcharge). An allowance for dependant children joining a student in Cambridge is available.
• In addition to full funding (fees and maintenance), the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge will provide scholars with support for travel to and from the UK (including visas, if needed). In addition, Scholars will benefit from a cohort-wide induction programme, likely to require early arrival in Cambridge before the start of the course.

How to Apply for Mastercard Cambridge University African Scholars Programme:

(a) Apply for admission to the University via the course directory by the funding deadline for your chosen course of study and indicate that you wish to apply for funding (the deadline will either be December 2025 or Jan 2026 – check the course directory for the relevant funding deadline.

The University of Cambridge has created a very helpful video about applying for postgraduate admission and funding.

(b) As part of the application process in the University’s graduate application portal, students are asked to select funding bodies they are interested in applying to. A range of options are presented to the applicant. Once you select the Mastercard foundation scholars programme, you would be required to submit a mandatory personal statement. This is the only part of the application process where applicants are specifically asked about their fit for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program. You should endeavour to demonstrate how you specifically meet the Program’s criteria. You will be expected to write about your desire and commitment towards climate‑resilient and sustainable futures for Africa and the world, and how your chosen course of study at Cambridge contributes towards that goal.

(c) The University is composed of 31 colleges, each offering varied opportunities. It is important that you take time to consider the college you wish to live in. You may want a college near to your department, or any other specific requirement. Please read up about the college system to enable you make an informed choice: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges/choosing-a-college .

(d) Fee waiver

Master’s applications require a £50 application fee. However, the fee will be automatically waived for applicants of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars programme. Please note you must submit the scholarship statement to benefit from the automatic waiver. Students who do not get an automatic waiver and are certain they meet all conditions of the Scholars programme are invited to contact the team [e-mail] .

Kindly note that data relating to your application/place on the Program will be retained and anonymised for use in the evaluation of the Program’s outcomes and effectiveness.