The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers fully funded online postgraduate scholarships to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who have faced significant barriers to education and demonstrate strong academic ability and leadership potential. The scholarships support part-time online Master’s degrees (up to three years) and online postgraduate diplomas (up to two years), allowing students to study flexibly from their home countries while gaining qualifications equivalent to those taught on campus. The programme includes full tuition coverage, a modest stipend to support internet access, and opportunities to participate in workshops and a broader climate leadership community.
Available study areas focus on sustainability and development-related disciplines, such as International Development, Global Food Security and Nutrition, Global Challenges, Carbon Management, One Health, Circular Economy, Sustainable Lands and Cities, and Social Justice and Community Action. Candidates typically must have completed an undergraduate degree, be under age 35, and show a commitment to addressing issues like climate change and community impact; the programme also welcomes applicants from refugee or displaced backgrounds and those with disabilities.