Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the major higher-education initiatives supporting talented young people, particularly across Africa. However, the program is frequently misunderstood because there is not one universal application form, one worldwide deadline, or one set of eligibility requirements for every applicant.

The Mastercard Foundation implements the Scholars Program through partner universities and nonprofit organizations. Each partner manages its own application process and scholarship selection, which means applicants must follow the instructions published by the specific institution they want to attend. (Mastercard Foundation)

Before choosing a scholarship, you can also explore Lamfolo’s guide to fully funded scholarships for African students in 2027.

This guide explains how the system works, the difference between undergraduate and master’s opportunities, examples of partner-specific eligibility requirements and deadlines, how to apply, what the scholarship can cover, and how to avoid fake Mastercard Foundation scholarship offers.

Important: Do not rely on websites or social-media posts claiming that there is one “Mastercard Foundation global application form.” The Foundation’s official guidance says applicants should apply directly through a partner institution, and each partner sets its own process and timeline. (Mastercard Foundation)

What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to help academically talented young people access higher education, develop leadership potential, transition into meaningful work and contribute to positive change in their communities.

The program works through a network of partner universities and organizations rather than through one central admissions office that directly awards every scholarship. (Mastercard Foundation)

The Foundation says its financial support can include tuition, accommodation, books and other academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development and, where necessary, a return air ticket to the Scholar’s country of origin. The exact package can vary by partner and program. (Mastercard Foundation)

This means you should never assume that every Mastercard Foundation Scholar receives exactly the same package at every university.

How the Mastercard Foundation Partner-University System Works

This is the most important part of understanding the scholarship.

There is no single worldwide application process in which you submit one form and select any university you like.

Instead, the system works through individual partner institutions.

A simplified version looks like this:

Mastercard Foundation → Partner institution → Applicant → Institution-specific selection

The partner institution may be a university or another implementing organization. The partner determines the programs available, publishes eligibility requirements, establishes the application process and deadline, and manages the selection process. (Mastercard Foundation)

What this means for applicants

Suppose you want to study at the University of Cape Town.

You should not search for a supposed universal Mastercard Foundation application form and then select UCT from a worldwide list.

Instead, you need to:

1. Check UCT’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information.
2. Check whether your chosen UCT degree is eligible.
3. Check UCT’s academic admission requirements.
4. Follow UCT’s specific Mastercard Foundation application process.
5. Submit everything before the applicable UCT deadline.

The same principle applies to another partner such as the University of British Columbia, the University of Edinburgh, Makerere University, or another institution listed in the Foundation’s official partner directory.

The Foundation specifically advises applicants to research the institution they want to attend and contact that institution for information about its own eligibility requirements, programs, deadlines and application instructions. (Mastercard Foundation)

Is There One Global Mastercard Foundation Application Form?

No.

As of September 29, 2026, the official Mastercard Foundation guidance states that applications are submitted through partner universities and that application processes and decisions are managed by those partners. (Mastercard Foundation)

This distinction matters because fraudulent websites sometimes present a fake central application form.

If a website says:

“Apply once here for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and choose any university”

you should verify that claim against the official Mastercard Foundation website and the university’s own Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.

The official Foundation page directs applicants to its Where to Apply directory, where partner institutions and their application information can be found. (Mastercard Foundation)

Who Can Apply?

There is no single eligibility checklist that covers every partner.

The Foundation’s FAQ explains that eligible degrees, majors and other criteria vary by partner institution. Applicants should therefore check the exact requirements of the university and program they are applying to. (Mastercard Foundation)

However, across the program there are recurring characteristics.

Many partner programs look for applicants who demonstrate some combination of:

• strong academic ability
• financial or other barriers to accessing education
• leadership potential
• community service or a commitment to giving back
• eligibility for a specific degree or program
• nationality, citizenship or residence requirements defined by the partner

The exact balance varies by university.

The Foundation also specifically encourages applications from groups including young women, people with disabilities, refugees and forcibly displaced young people. (Mastercard Foundation)

Undergraduate vs Master’s Scholarships

One of the common mistakes applicants make is assuming that every Mastercard Foundation partner offers the same academic levels.

That is not the case.

The Foundation states that the Scholars Program provides opportunities at the secondary, undergraduate and master’s levels, but scholarships are not currently available for PhD candidates. (Mastercard Foundation)

Undergraduate opportunities

Undergraduate programs are designed for students seeking their first university degree, subject to the partner’s own admission and scholarship criteria.

A partner may require:

• completion of secondary education
• specific grades or subjects
• financial need
• leadership or community involvement
• admission to a particular university
• eligibility for selected degree programs

The exact conditions can be substantially different between universities.

Master’s opportunities

Master’s opportunities generally require applicants to have completed an undergraduate degree and meet the academic requirements of the selected master’s program.

Some partners impose additional restrictions such as:

• no previous master’s degree
• age limits
• specific subject areas
• country or residency requirements
• leadership and community-service criteria

For example, the University of British Columbia requires applicants for its Mastercard Foundation master’s program to have completed a bachelor’s degree, not already hold a master’s degree, be 35 or younger at the time of application, be a citizen or refugee of an African country, apply to an eligible master’s program and satisfy the academic requirements of the chosen program. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

The University of Edinburgh similarly has its own master’s-specific requirements, including an age requirement and a restriction against applicants who have already completed a postgraduate degree for its master’s scholarship route. (Global)

Partner-Specific Eligibility: Why You Must Read the University’s Rules

A major advantage of the partner system is that applicants can determine whether their academic and personal circumstances fit a particular institution.

But it also means that meeting one partner’s requirements does not automatically mean you meet another partner’s requirements.

Here are examples from current official partner information.

University of Cape Town — Undergraduate and Postgraduate

The University of Cape Town currently has Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program opportunities for the 2027 intake.

UCT states that applicants should:

• be citizens of an African country, including South Africa
• be applying for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible postgraduate diploma, honours degree or coursework master’s program
• demonstrate academic talent
• face significant social and economic barriers to higher education
• demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership
• be committed to serving their communities and contributing to positive change

UCT says the program does not cover part-time study or qualifications that are research-only, such as a master’s by dissertation or a PhD. (University of Cape Town)

UCT’s 2027 deadlines

For the 2027 intake, UCT currently publishes:

Undergraduate Mastercard Foundation application deadline: September 30, 2026

Postgraduate Mastercard Foundation application deadline: October 31, 2026

UCT also states that undergraduate applications for admission are already closed for the 2027 intake, while postgraduate applications remain open. Applicants who already applied for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree may still submit the Mastercard Foundation application if they satisfy the scholarship requirements, but only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT will be eligible for the program. (University of Cape Town)

This is an important example of why you should check both:

university admission deadline

and

Mastercard Foundation scholarship deadline

They are not necessarily the same.

University of Edinburgh — Master’s and Postgraduate Opportunities

The University of Edinburgh is another example of why there is no universal Mastercard Foundation process.

For the 2027/28 cycle, Edinburgh has introduced a specific multi-stage application procedure.

The university says applicants must first confirm eligibility and attend a mandatory virtual information session. Its published information sessions for the 2027/28 cycle were scheduled for September 15–24, 2026. Eligible attendees are then notified on October 13, 2026 if they are invited to apply. (Global)

The application then proceeds in stages.

Edinburgh’s published 2027/28 timeline

September 15–24, 2026: Mandatory virtual information sessions

October 13, 2026: Eligible attendees notified whether they are invited to apply

October 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time: Applicant Declaration Form deadline

November 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time: Main scholarship application deadline

Early February 2027: Admission decision notifications and interview invitations begin

February–March 2027: Interviews

End of March 2027: Interview outcomes

September 2027: Academic programs begin (Global)

Edinburgh also explains that applicants should apply for the scholarship first. If the scholarship application is successful and an award is offered, the applicant is then invited to apply for the selected degree program through the university’s normal admissions process. (Global)

This is completely different from UCT’s process, which demonstrates why applicants must follow the partner-specific instructions rather than assuming one global system.

Edinburgh eligibility example

For the 2027/28 cycle, Edinburgh says applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in an African country, demonstrate leadership and service, and demonstrate experience or ambition in addressing the climate crisis.

Applicants must also be 35 or younger in the year the program begins; for 2027/28, Edinburgh says eligible applicants must have been born on or after January 1, 1992.

For its master’s scholarship route, applicants should not already have completed a postgraduate degree. (Global)

University of British Columbia — Master’s Opportunities

The University of British Columbia provides another useful example.

For the Winter 2027 intake, UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is for selected master’s programs rather than a general scholarship for every UBC graduate program.

Current eligible programs include selected master’s programs in:

• Land and Food Systems
• Forestry
• Data Science

UBC’s published page lists programs such as the Master of Food and Resource Economics, Master of Food Science, several forestry master’s programs and the Master of Data Science. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

UBC eligibility

UBC currently requires applicants to:

• have completed a bachelor’s degree
• not already have a master’s degree
• be 35 or younger at the time of application
• be a citizen or refugee of an African country
• apply for one of the eligible master’s programs
• meet the academic requirements of the chosen program

UBC also notes that English-language requirements may apply where the applicant’s bachelor’s degree was not taught in English. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

UBC’s published 2027 application timeline

The currently published process includes:

September 6, 2026: Expression of interest deadline

September 15–30, 2026: Eligible applicants invited to the Mastercard Foundation application

November 1–20, 2026: UBC faculty application period for successful applicants from the scholarship stage

December–January: Successful candidates contacted for interviews

February 2027: Selected Scholars receive offers for the Winter term (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

Because September 6, 2026 has already passed, a new applicant reading this article on September 29, 2026 should not assume that they can still start the UBC 2027 process. The partner’s official timeline is the authority.

Makerere University — Undergraduate and Master’s Example

Makerere University is another Mastercard Foundation partner that illustrates how specific eligibility can become.

For the 2026/2027 cycle, Makerere published separate scholarship announcements for undergraduate and master’s applicants.

For undergraduate applicants, the university’s published criteria included categories such as refugees or internally displaced persons, young people with disabilities, international students, people from refugee-hosting communities and other underrepresented groups. Applicants also needed admission-related qualifications, financial need, leadership or community engagement, and age requirements that varied by category. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

For the master’s route, Makerere required applicants to have completed undergraduate education in an African country, have financial constraints, demonstrate leadership or community service, and meet the university’s program requirements. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

For that 2026/2027 cycle, the application deadline was June 5, 2026. That was a 2026/2027 deadline, not a 2027/2028 deadline. Applicants should therefore not copy the old date into a 2027 article as though it were current. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

As of September 29, 2026, use Makerere’s official Mastercard Foundation portal to check whether the 2027/2028 call has been published.

Ashesi University — Another Partner With Its Own Process

Ashesi University in Ghana also demonstrates why there is no universal application route.

Ashesi explains that applicants do not choose a particular scholarship award through a separate universal Mastercard Foundation form. Instead, the information in the university’s general scholarship application is used by Ashesi’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office to determine which scholarship award, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program award, may apply. (Ashesi University)

Ashesi says its Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive support covering fees and room and board as well as learning resources and additional support, including mentoring, career counselling, internships and other development opportunities. (Ashesi University)

This is another reason applicants should never assume that the process at one partner university will be identical to another.

Mastercard Foundation Partner Deadlines Are Different

A common mistake is searching for something like:

“Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 deadline”

and assuming the first date you find applies everywhere.

It does not.

The Foundation explicitly says:

Each partner sets its own deadline. (Mastercard Foundation)

For example:

The dates above are partner-specific and can change. Always check the current university page before taking action. (University of Cape Town)

Does Admission to a Partner University Guarantee the Scholarship?

No.

The Foundation’s FAQ states that gaining admission to a partner institution does not automatically mean that you will receive the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship. The program is highly competitive and scholarship selection is handled by the partner institution. (Mastercard Foundation)

Similarly, a scholarship application does not necessarily mean you have been admitted academically.

Some partners integrate the processes differently.

For example:

• UCT: applicants must submit an academic application and the Mastercard Foundation application, and successful scholarship consideration depends on admission. (University of Cape Town)
• Edinburgh: the 2027/28 scholarship application comes first, with degree admission following after a successful scholarship outcome, subject to the partner’s process. (Global)
• UBC: applicants go through the Mastercard Foundation process first and successful applicants then proceed to the relevant UBC faculty application. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The exact award varies by partner.

The Mastercard Foundation says financial support can include:

• tuition fees
• accommodation
• books and academic materials
• mentoring
• counselling
• leadership development
• a return air ticket to the Scholar’s country of origin when necessary

The program can also include academic, social and career-development support. (Mastercard Foundation)

However, do not automatically assume that every partner provides identical benefits.

For example, UCT currently describes support that includes tuition, a laptop, accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, study-visa support where applicable and annual travel to and from UCT. (UCT News)

That level of detail comes from UCT’s own program and should not be treated as a universal package for every Mastercard Foundation partner.

Can You Apply to More Than One Partner University?

Yes, the Foundation says applicants can apply to as many partner universities as they wish because each partner manages its own application process.

However, the Foundation also notes that applying to multiple universities requires substantial effort and some institutions may charge admission fees. (Mastercard Foundation)

This means you should be strategic about where you apply.

Before submitting multiple applications, compare:

Eligible degree

Eligibility criteria

Application deadline

Application method

Academic requirements

Funding package

Location

Your ability to meet the requirements

Submitting applications without checking eligibility can waste time and money.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Although each partner has a different process, the following framework can help.

Step 1: Find an Official Partner

Start with the Mastercard Foundation’s official Where to Apply directory.

Do not rely only on a random blog, WhatsApp group, Telegram channel or social-media post to identify a partner.

The Foundation’s official directory is the safest starting point for confirming whether an institution participates in the program. (Mastercard Foundation)

Step 2: Choose a Degree Program

Look at the actual degree programs supported by the partner.

This is especially important at universities such as UBC, where the Mastercard Foundation scholarship is limited to specifically listed master’s programs. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

Do not assume that being accepted into any department automatically makes you eligible for the scholarship.

Step 3: Read the Partner’s Eligibility Requirements

Check:

• citizenship
• residence
• age
• academic qualifications
• degree level
• previous degrees
• financial circumstances
• leadership requirements
• community-service requirements
• special priority groups
• language requirements
• required documents

Do this before beginning the application.

Step 4: Check Both Admission and Scholarship Deadlines

Some universities require academic admission first.

Others start with the scholarship process.

Some require information sessions.

Some use separate application platforms.

Some have multiple stages.

For example, Edinburgh’s 2027/28 process includes a mandatory information session, an applicant declaration stage and then a main scholarship application. (Global)

Step 5: Gather Your Documents

Common documents can include:

• academic transcripts
• certificates
• identification documents
• passport or nationality evidence
• CV or resume
• recommendation letters
• personal statements
• essays
• financial information
• proof of community involvement
• leadership evidence

The exact list depends on the partner.

For example, UBC currently asks for a completed scholarship application, CV/resume, one reference letter and transcripts at its scholarship stage. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

UCT’s application materials can include financial information, a CV or resume, an essay and recommendation documentation. (University of Cape Town)

For a more detailed preparation checklist, see our guide to documents needed for fully funded scholarships.

Step 6: Prepare Your Leadership and Community-Service Evidence

A strong academic record is important, but it may not be enough.

Several partner programs assess leadership, service, community impact or the potential to create positive change.

Don’t create a list of impressive-sounding titles.

Instead, explain:

What problem existed?

What did you do?

Who benefited?

What changed?

What did you learn?

For example, instead of:

“I am a great leader in my community.”

write:

“I organized a six-month learning-support project for secondary-school students, coordinated volunteers, developed a study timetable and tracked participation.”

Specific evidence is more useful than broad descriptions.

How to Write a Strong Mastercard Foundation Application

Tell the truth about your circumstances

Don’t exaggerate financial hardship, leadership activities, community work or academic achievements.

Scholarship applications may be reviewed carefully and you may be asked for evidence.

You can also learn more about structuring scholarship essays in our guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay.

Explain your goals clearly

Show how your education connects with what you want to contribute to your community, country or wider region.

Avoid vague statements such as:

“I want to change the world.”

Instead, explain:

What problem do you understand?

What have you already done?

What do you want to learn?

How will the education help?

What do you intend to do afterward?

Use real examples

When discussing leadership, don’t simply mention that you were a class representative or club leader.

Explain the specific work you performed and the result.

Make your application consistent

Your:

• CV
• essays
• recommendation letters
• academic history
• leadership examples

should tell a coherent story.

If your CV says one thing while your personal statement describes an entirely unrelated career goal, the application may become harder to understand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Looking for one global application

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about the program.

There is no single universal Mastercard Foundation application that covers every partner university. (Mastercard Foundation)

Mistake 2: Assuming every partner has the same requirements

They do not.

Programs, degree levels, eligibility, deadlines and application procedures vary by partner. (Mastercard Foundation)

Mistake 3: Applying to an ineligible degree

Some partners only fund particular academic programs.

UBC is a clear example because its current program lists specific master’s programs. (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)

Mistake 4: Missing the university’s own admission requirements

A scholarship does not replace academic admission requirements.

You must understand both processes.

Mistake 5: Waiting until the last day

Some partners use multiple stages.

Edinburgh, for example, warns that its Applicant Declaration Form may close early after reaching its application limit. (Global)

Mistake 6: Paying a “scholarship agent”

Be extremely cautious about anyone asking for money in exchange for guaranteed selection.

The Mastercard Foundation specifically warns that groups advertising recruitment and requesting application fees may not be associated with the Foundation. (Mastercard Foundation)

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Scam Warning

Scholarship scams are a major concern, particularly when popular international scholarships are discussed on social media.

The Mastercard Foundation says it is aware of Facebook posts advertising recruitment for the Scholars Program and requesting application fees. The Foundation says those groups are not associated with it and that the Foundation does not solicit funding or request payments from individuals. (Mastercard Foundation)

KNUST, one of the program’s partner institutions, gives an additional warning: its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not use agents or intermediaries to help applicants with the application or selection process, and the program does not require applicants to pay money or provide favors during selection. (KNUST MCf)

Be suspicious if someone says:

“Pay me and I will get you the scholarship.”

“I am an official Mastercard Foundation agent.”

“There is a special Mastercard Foundation registration portal.”

“Everyone must pay a processing fee.”

“Send your password and I will complete the application for you.”

“You are guaranteed selection.”

These claims should be independently verified before you take any action.

What About Legitimate University Application Fees?

There is an important distinction.

The Mastercard Foundation says partner institutions can have their own admission fees. For institutions that require an admission fee as part of their admissions process, the Foundation says the fee may be reimbursed if the student is selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. (Mastercard Foundation)

That does not mean you should pay an individual claiming to be a scholarship agent.

Always determine:

Who is requesting the fee?

Is it an official university admission fee?

Is the payment method published on the university’s official website?

Does the partner’s official scholarship page mention the fee?

Official Mastercard Foundation Website

The safest place to begin your research is the Foundation’s official Scholars Program page and its Where to Apply directory.

The Foundation’s official program page explains how the program works, while the Where to Apply page lists partner institutions and emphasizes that applicants must apply directly through the relevant partner. (Mastercard Foundation)

Official program information: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Official partner directory: Where to Apply. Mastercard Foundation — Where to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there one Mastercard Foundation scholarship application for all universities?

No. The program is implemented through partner universities and organizations, and each partner manages its own application process and selection. (Mastercard Foundation)

Can I apply directly to the Mastercard Foundation?

The Foundation directs prospective Scholars to apply through its partner universities and organizations. You should identify the partner institution you want to attend and follow that institution’s application process. (Mastercard Foundation)

Does the Mastercard Foundation offer undergraduate scholarships?

Yes. The Foundation states that the Scholars Program operates at the secondary, undergraduate and master’s levels, although the exact degree opportunities depend on the partner institution. (Mastercard Foundation)

Does the Mastercard Foundation offer master’s scholarships?

Yes. Master’s opportunities are available through some partner institutions, but eligibility, eligible programs and deadlines vary by partner. (Mastercard Foundation)

Does the Mastercard Foundation fund PhD programs?

The Foundation’s FAQ states that scholarships are currently available at the secondary, undergraduate and master’s levels, but not for PhD candidates. (Mastercard Foundation)

Can I apply to more than one partner university?

Yes. The Foundation says candidates can apply to as many partner universities as they wish because each partner manages its own application process. However, each application may require substantial work and some partners may have application fees. (Mastercard Foundation)

Does admission to a partner university guarantee the Mastercard Foundation scholarship?

No. Admission and scholarship selection are related but not automatically the same. The Foundation states that gaining admission to a partner institution does not guarantee selection for the Scholars Program. (Mastercard Foundation)

Are Mastercard Foundation scholarships fully funded?

The program provides comprehensive support, but the exact package varies by partner. The Foundation says financial support can include tuition, accommodation, books, mentoring, counselling, leadership development and travel support where necessary. (Mastercard Foundation)

Can refugees apply?

Yes. The Foundation specifically encourages applications from refugees and forcibly displaced young people, although each partner determines its own eligibility requirements. (Mastercard Foundation)

Can people with disabilities apply?

Yes. The Foundation specifically highlights people with disabilities among groups encouraged to apply, subject to each partner’s criteria. (Mastercard Foundation)

How do I know whether a scholarship advertisement is genuine?

Start with the official Mastercard Foundation website and then check the specific partner university’s official website. Be suspicious of anyone promising guaranteed selection, asking for unofficial payments, or claiming to be an agent without evidence from the institution. (Mastercard Foundation)

Final Advice for 2027 Applicants

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can provide significant educational and developmental support, but the application process is not a single worldwide competition with one form and one deadline.

The most important thing to remember is:

There is no one global Mastercard Foundation application.

Your application belongs to a specific partner institution.

That means your research should follow this order:

Find the partner → choose an eligible program → check the partner’s eligibility → check the academic admission requirements → check the scholarship deadline → prepare the documents → submit through the official partner process.

Do not copy a deadline from another university.

Do not assume that an undergraduate rule applies to a master’s applicant.

Do not assume that admission guarantees the scholarship.

Do not pay an unofficial agent because someone promises guaranteed selection.

And do not trust a “Mastercard Foundation application portal” simply because it uses the Mastercard name or logo.

Always verify the information against the official Mastercard Foundation website and the official university partner page.

For applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other African countries, the same principle applies: the university you choose determines the specific application route you must follow.

Applicants researching other major international scholarships can also read our Chevening Scholarships 2027 complete guide.

The Foundation’s official Where to Apply directory should be your starting point for identifying partner institutions and then moving to the partner’s own application instructions. (Mastercard Foundation)

Mr Upright

Written by Mr Upright, a software developer and data analyst sharing structured insights on international remote roles and educational opportunities.