Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge 2027/2028 — Fully Funded Master's Scholarships for Nigerians and Africans

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge 2027/2028 — Fully Funded Master's Scholarships for Africans

Key facts

• Scholarship name: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge
• Host institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Award year: 2027/2028
• Number of awards: Approximately 80
• Study level: Master's degree
• Study mode: Full-time
• Typical duration: 9–12 months, depending on the eligible course
• Funding: Full tuition fees, living stipend, eligible visa and travel costs, and a laptop allowance
• Target applicants: Eligible African students living in Africa, subject to programme exceptions
• Main programme themes: Climate resilience and sustainability
• Academic requirement: A bachelor's degree and any additional qualifications required by the chosen course
• Excluded courses: MBA, Master of Corporate Law (MCL), Master of Finance (MFin) and Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
• Application method: University of Cambridge postgraduate application portal, with the scholarship application integrated into the course application
• Course funding deadlines: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course
• Application-fee waiver deadline: 20 November 2026, for applicants who need to request a waiver

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge supports talented African students who want to develop their knowledge, leadership abilities and capacity to contribute to Africa's development.

The programme is more than financial assistance. Scholars join a community of young African leaders and take part in activities designed to strengthen their leadership, build professional relationships and prepare them to contribute to sustainable change.

The programme focuses on the challenges and opportunities involved in building sustainable futures for Africa, particularly in the areas of climate resilience and sustainability.

This does not mean applicants must study only environmental science or climate change. The programme recognises that sustainable development requires knowledge and expertise across different fields. Eligible students can apply for most full-time Master's courses at Cambridge, subject to the programme's exclusions and the academic requirements of the selected course.

For example, a student interested in using technology to improve African agriculture, a professional working on public health systems, or an engineer interested in sustainable infrastructure might have relevant goals. The important issue is to explain a genuine connection between your education, your ambitions and contributing to sustainable futures in Africa.

Who can apply?

The programme is intended for academically qualified students from African countries who want to pursue eligible Master's degrees at Cambridge.

To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Be from an African country. The programme is open to citizens of African countries, including Nigeria.
2. Meet the residence requirement. You must ordinarily live in an African country. Applicants temporarily living outside Africa for study or work may still qualify. The programme also provides exceptions for applicants who are internally displaced or have refugee status.
3. Hold a bachelor's degree. Your degree must meet the admission requirements of the Master's course you choose.
4. Meet the academic entry requirements. Cambridge courses have different requirements. Some require the equivalent of a UK first-class degree, while others accept an upper second-class degree.
5. Apply for an eligible full-time Master's course. You cannot use this scholarship to fund every degree offered at Cambridge.
6. Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to Africa. Your application should show how you hope to support sustainable futures in Africa, including the programme's themes of climate resilience and sustainability.

The programme does not state an upper age limit.

Important: Meeting these conditions does not guarantee selection. Admission to your course and selection for the scholarship are competitive processes.

Which courses are eligible?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports most full-time Master's courses at the University of Cambridge.

However, the following programmes are excluded:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
• Master of Finance (MFin)
• Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

Eligible courses vary in length, generally from 9 to 12 months.

You must check the Cambridge postgraduate course directory to confirm that your intended course meets the scholarship conditions and to identify its academic entry requirements and funding deadline.

A general subject list is not enough. A programme can be offered by Cambridge but still fall outside the scholarship's rules.

Find your course: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses

What does the scholarship cover?

The University of Cambridge describes the award as fully funded. The listed benefits include the following.

1. Full tuition fees

The programme covers the full tuition costs for the eligible Master's course.

This is a significant benefit because international tuition fees at Cambridge can be expensive, depending on the subject.

2. Living stipend

Scholars receive a maintenance allowance to help pay for living expenses while studying.

This is intended to support everyday costs during the course. Applicants should read the scholarship's current award information for the applicable stipend terms.

3. Visa and immigration health surcharge

The scholarship covers eligible student visa costs and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge under the programme's funding arrangements.

4. Travel costs

The programme provides travel support, including flights to the UK. Check the award terms for the precise travel arrangements and covered expenses.

5. Laptop allowance

The funding package includes a laptop allowance to help scholars access the technology required for their studies.

6. Leadership development and community

Scholars are expected to participate in an induction programme and termly leadership sessions.

The programme also requires participation in post-course programming at an African partner institution, typically three to six months after the course finishes. Applicants should take this commitment into account when planning their studies and next career steps.

The programme's funding arrangements are designed to help scholars pursue their education while preparing for leadership and contribution to Africa's sustainable development.

How to apply

The scholarship application is integrated into the University of Cambridge postgraduate course application. You should follow these steps.

Step 1: Choose your Master's course

Visit the Cambridge postgraduate course directory:

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses

Select a full-time Master's course that fits your academic background and professional goals. Confirm that it is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Read its entry requirements carefully, including the required degree classification, English-language requirements and any additional documents.

Step 2: Check the course's funding deadline

For 2027/2028 entry, the main University funding deadlines are:

• 8 December 2026
• 6 January 2027

The exact deadline depends on your course. Cambridge requires the complete application, including references, to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. GMT on the relevant date.

Do not automatically assume the later deadline applies to you.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificate, CV, references and any documents required by the course.

Start preparing your scholarship statement early. You will need to explain your background, leadership potential, ambitions and intended contribution to sustainable futures in Africa.

Step 4: Start your Cambridge application

Use the official postgraduate application portal:

https://apply.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

Complete the application for your chosen course. In the funding section, indicate that you wish to apply for funding. If eligible, you should then be able to select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Follow the instructions in the portal for the supplementary scholarship statement.

Step 5: Write your scholarship statement

Your statement should address:

• Your educational and career history.
• Your leadership potential.
• How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals and ambitions.
• How you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.

Use real examples from your education, work, community involvement or other experiences. Explain what you have learned and how your proposed degree could help you contribute to your chosen field.

Do not write only about why you want to travel or study abroad. Explain why the course matters to your future plans and how those plans connect with Africa's needs and opportunities.

Step 6: Request an application-fee waiver if needed

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides a separate process for applicants who need a Cambridge course application-fee waiver.

Some countries receive automatic fee waivers. Nigeria is not on the currently published automatic-waiver list. Nigerian applicants who need a waiver should submit the official request form, attaching copies of their transcript and passport.

The published deadline for this fee-waiver request is 20 November 2026.

Official instructions: https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/apply/how-apply

Do not confuse the application-fee waiver deadline with the scholarship application deadline. They are separate.

Step 7: Submit the complete application

Submit your course application, scholarship statement and required supporting documents before the funding deadline that applies to your course.

Make sure your referees submit their references by the deadline as well.

Documents to prepare

The exact requirements vary by degree, but you should prepare:

• A valid passport.
• Your bachelor's degree certificate or acceptable evidence of your qualification.
• Full academic transcripts.
• A CV outlining your education and relevant experience.
• Academic or professional references, as required by the course.
• English-language test results, if required.
• A research proposal or other additional document, if required by your course.
• The supplementary Mastercard Foundation scholarship statement.
• Copies of your passport and transcript if requesting an application-fee waiver.

Some courses have extra requirements, and the scholarship application does not replace the standard admission requirements.

If your transcripts or certificates are not in English, follow Cambridge's instructions on translation and document submission.

How are scholars selected?

Cambridge departments assess applicants for admission to their selected courses. Applicants who receive offers are then considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The scholarship selection considers the course application and the supplementary scholarship statement. The programme's published award criteria include academic merit, financial need and fit with the programme's values.

A strong application should therefore demonstrate that you meet the academic requirements, need the opportunity, have leadership potential and can explain how you intend to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.

The programme reports that departments may make admission decisions between December and February. Scholarship offers are expected in March or April 2027.

Advice for Nigerian applicants

The scholarship is competitive, so it is worth preparing carefully rather than submitting a rushed application.

Choose a course that matches your background. Check the required degree classification and relevant academic preparation before beginning your application.

Explain your contribution to Africa. Be specific about the problems, opportunities or communities you hope to contribute to. You do not need to claim that you will solve every problem. A clear and realistic plan is more useful than broad promises.

Connect your goals to sustainability. The programme focuses on climate resilience and sustainability. Explain how your chosen field could support long-term development in Africa, where this is relevant to your actual interests and experience.

Prepare your references early. Cambridge requires them by the application deadline. Give your referees enough time to write and submit them.

Do not overlook the fee-waiver process. If you need a waiver for the Cambridge application fee, check the separate process now, particularly because the published deadline is 20 November 2026.

Avoid scholarship scams. Apply through official Cambridge systems. The programme warns applicants about people falsely claiming to be connected with Cambridge and promising help in exchange for payment.

Important dates

The two Cambridge funding dates are alternatives, not a deadline range that every applicant can choose from. Check the funding deadline of your particular course.

Frequently asked questions

Can Nigerians apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge?

Yes. Nigerian citizens can apply if they meet the programme's African nationality and residence rules, academic requirements and other conditions.

Is the programme fully funded?

The Cambridge funding listing describes the programme as fully funded. It covers tuition fees and a living stipend, along with visa and travel support and a laptop allowance, according to the programme's award terms.

Can I apply for an MBA?

No. The MBA is one of the four specifically excluded courses, along with MCL, MFin and MAcc.

Can I apply if I live outside Africa?

Applicants temporarily living outside Africa for study or work may still qualify. The programme also provides exceptions for people with refugee status or who are internally displaced. Check the official eligibility rules for your individual circumstances.

What is the deadline?

Your application deadline depends on the course. The main Cambridge funding deadlines for 2027/2028 are 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027. You must submit by the date that applies to your course.

Do I need IELTS before applying?

English-language requirements depend on your course. The programme states that successful applicants may submit outstanding documents, often including IELTS results, by 31 July. Check your course's requirements and whether a conditional offer is possible.

How many scholarships are available?

The University of Cambridge funding listing gives approximately 80 awards for the 2027/2028 academic year. This is an approximate number, not a guarantee that every eligible country or course will receive a particular allocation.

Final advice

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge is an opportunity for African graduates who want to pursue a Master's degree at Cambridge and use their education to contribute to Africa's sustainable future.

The key is to choose an eligible course, meet its academic requirements, explain your leadership potential and show how your plans connect to climate resilience, sustainability or wider sustainable development in Africa.

Start here:

• Scholarship website: https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/
• Eligibility requirements: https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/apply/eligibility
• Application instructions: https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/apply/how-apply
• Cambridge postgraduate courses: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses
• University funding deadlines: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/funding

For Nigerian applicants: If you need an application-fee waiver, review the process and submit your request by 20 November 2026. Then complete your scholarship and course application by the funding deadline that applies to your chosen degree.