The Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme supports the brightest and best African scholars with great potential but few educational opportunities.

Eligibility: 

• You must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh. We prefer that applicants apply to this scholarship BEFORE applying to the University. Please see section on applying below for more information;
• You must be a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country, whose personal circumstances would make accepting an offer from the University of Edinburgh difficult.  Applications from Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe are particularly welcome;
• You must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within your community; and
• You are able to present economically disadvantaged circumstances and be able to show that you lack financial means from family or other sources to pursue post-secondary (university) education in your home country or elsewhere.

The scholarship is not available to students already on programme.

The scholarship may be terminated at any time when an unsatisfactory progress report is received from the School or if the scholarship holder ceases to be registered as a full-time student at the University of Edinburgh.

Selection Criteria: 

• The scholarships are competitive and awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit. Applicants financial, personal, and family circumstances will also be taken into account.
• Applicants must also be committed to returning to Africa following their graduation to give back to their home community and country.

The scholarship will provide full scholarships, including accommodation costs, living costs, travel and tuition fees to students taking courses on campus at Edinburgh. 60 Scholars from other MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program institutions will also benefit from participating in a number of online distance learning Masters programmes offered by the University of Edinburgh. As well as receiving an excellent education at one of the top ranked universities in the world, undergraduate Scholars will:

• Participate in UK and Africa based Summer Schools;
• Complete a course on African development;
• Undertake a work-based placement in the UK;
• Receive support on their return to their home country; andPostgraduate masters Scholars will:
  • Complete six courses followed by the production of a dissertation;
  • Participate in a retreat designed to nurture leadership skills;
  • Attend a short Summer School; and
  • Undertake an internship which will include reflective learning.

  Online distance Masters Scholars will:

  • Undertake a range of online distance Masters degrees which will be available to 60 Scholars from Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program institutions.

How to Apply: 

We encourage applicants to apply to this scholarship BEFORE applying to the University (unless they are also applying to funding elsewhere). By completing a short online pre-application assessment, the MCF team will assess the student’s eligibility for the scholarship and if appropriate, provide a full application form.

Scholarship applications open on 4^th October 2016 and close at midnight (GMT) on 30^th November 2016.

Step 1: Complete an online Pre-Application Assessment

In order to assess your eligibility for the scholarship, please complete the following Pre-Application Assessment Form. Please note that full applications are not accepted before 4th October 2016, but you can complete the Pre- Application Assessment Form before that time..

Step 2: Receive a response from the MCF team

Based on your eligibility for the program as assessed through the online Pre-Application Assessment Form, we will respond to you shortly. We will send you a full scholarship application if you’re eligible for the scholarship program with further information on the terms & conditions of the program.

Step 3: Complete & submit your full scholarship Application form

Complete application and send to us from 4^th of October 2016 to midnight (GMT) on 30^th November 2016.

Please be advised full applications sent before the 4^th of October 2016 will not be considered.

Costs associated with visas, English language testing, and the application process (including deposit for application) will be covered by The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme.

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details