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University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2026 UK

The University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded program that provides academically outstanding and socially committed young people from Africa, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented communities, with an opportunity to pursue a one-year full-time master’s degree at one of the most renowned universities in the world, the University of Cambridge, while at the same time fostering leadership development, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability initiatives across the African continent.

This scholarship, which is jointly supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cambridge, is not only a financial aid package but also a transformative leadership program designed to equip future African leaders with the intellectual tools, professional networks, and practical experiences that they need in order to return home and contribute to addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing their societies, including the impacts of climate change, the pursuit of economic development, and the strengthening of community resilience.

Scholarship Summary

Host Country: United Kingdom
University: University of Cambridge
Provider: Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the University of Cambridge
Level of Study: Master’s degree (one-year, full-time)
Funding: Fully funded scholarship covering tuition, living costs, and travel
Application Deadline: 5 January 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 offers one of the most comprehensive financial and academic support packages available for African students, ensuring that those who are selected can focus fully on their academic work, leadership training, and community engagement without being hindered by financial burdens that often prevent talented students from pursuing higher education abroad.

The funding package includes the complete coverage of tuition fees for the chosen master’s program, a living allowance or maintenance stipend sufficient to cover housing, meals, and other personal expenses during the course of study, and the provision of a laptop to enable students to carry out their research and academic tasks effectively, while in addition, the scholarship covers visa application fees, the United Kingdom’s International Health Surcharge, and all necessary travel expenses, including the cost of flights to and from Cambridge, thereby ensuring that scholars have everything they need from the moment they begin their journey until the time they return home.

Another distinctive aspect of this program is its emphasis on leadership and post-study engagement, as it provides induction sessions, tailored leadership development training, and opportunities for scholars to participate in internships, fellowships, or community placements in Africa after their graduation, reinforcing the expectation that graduates will apply their skills and experiences toward the sustainable development of their home countries.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2026 must satisfy a range of academic and personal criteria, since the program is designed not only for those with excellent academic ability but also for those who are committed to making a meaningful impact in Africa.

First, applicants must be citizens of an African country and generally must also be residents in Africa, unless they are temporarily outside the continent for purposes such as study or work, and the program is inclusive of refugees and displaced individuals who meet the other requirements.

Second, candidates must apply for a one-year full-time master’s program at the University of Cambridge and must demonstrate that they meet all of the academic entry requirements of the chosen course; however, it is important to note that not all courses are eligible for funding under this scheme, since programs such as the MBA, Master of Corporate Law, and Master of Finance are specifically excluded.

Lastly, applicants are required to demonstrate a strong commitment to climate resilience and sustainable futures in Africa, and to that end, they must submit a supplementary personal statement outlining their leadership vision, their dedication to sustainable development, and the ways in which they plan to use their Cambridge experience to contribute to Africa’s long-term growth and resilience.

How to Apply for the Scholarship

The application process for the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 requires careful preparation, as it involves multiple steps that must all be completed within the deadlines set by the University of Cambridge.

Step 1: Choose a Master’s Course

Applicants must begin by identifying the master’s program they wish to pursue through the Postgraduate Study Course Directory on the University of Cambridge website, ensuring that the chosen program is eligible for funding under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Step 2: Submit a University Application

Once the appropriate course has been identified, candidates should apply for admission to the University of Cambridge through the official Applicant Portal, providing all required supporting documents such as transcripts, academic references, and proof of English language proficiency where necessary.

Step 3: Indicate Mastercard Scholarship Interest

During the online application process, there is a specific section where candidates can indicate their wish to be considered for funding through the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program, and it is essential to complete this section accurately to be considered.

Step 4: Provide a Supplementary Personal Statement

In addition to the standard university requirements, applicants must submit a personal statement that specifically addresses their commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa, their leadership potential, and the role they envision for themselves in contributing to the continent after their studies.

Step 5: Request an Application Fee Waiver

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can request an application fee waiver, and in some cases, students from certain countries automatically qualify, which removes the financial barrier of the application cost.

Step 6: Meet the Funding Deadline

The critical deadline for funding applications is 5 January 2026, although some courses may have earlier deadlines in December 2025, so applicants must confirm the exact deadline for their chosen program and ensure that all components of the application, including supporting documents and the scholarship request, are submitted on time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get a full scholarship to Cambridge?

To obtain a full scholarship, applicants must first apply for admission to a master’s program at Cambridge, indicate their wish to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, and submit all required documents by the specified deadline.

Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

Eligibility extends to citizens of African countries who are residents in Africa, including refugees and displaced individuals, and who can demonstrate both academic excellence and a strong commitment to climate resilience and sustainable futures.

Does Cambridge University offer other scholarships?

Yes, the University of Cambridge offers a variety of funding opportunities through the Cambridge Trust and other donors, some of which include bursaries worth up to £3,500 annually, with larger awards available for students with particular needs, such as care leavers.

How competitive is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The program is highly competitive, as admission to Cambridge itself is demanding, and the scholarship is awarded only to those who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership potential and a clear vision for contributing to Africa’s development.

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University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2026 UK