Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Postgraduate Students at University of Edinburgh 2023

The Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh will provide 3 year part-time online Master’s scholarships & 2-year part-time postgraduate Diploma scholarships to students living or working in Africa with great academic and leadership potential but few educational opportunities.

We are recruiting exceptional young people committed to pursuing their studies digitally to apply for an Online Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh. Online studies are an excellent way to earn a qualification, while at the same time continuing to work flexibly and live at home. Online qualifications though the University of Edinburgh are fully equivalent to degrees taught on campus.

Applicants can apply for either:

Online Masters (part-time over 3 years) : Masters programmes are normally aimed at those who have completed an undergraduate degree and want to develop more specialised knowledge in the same subject or similar career area.

Online Postgraduate Diploma (part-time over 2 years) : Postgraduate diplomas are aimed at those who are considering a potential change in career and tend to be more vocational. Candidates with either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university are equally able to apply (provided they will graduate from either degree before December 2022). 

Scholarships are available for the following online postgraduate programs only:

• International Development (Masters route only)
• Global Food Security and Nutrition (Masters or Diploma)
• Global Challenges (Masters or Diploma)
• Carbon Management (Masters route only)
• One Health (Masters or Diploma)

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, has supported work in 49 countries.In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy. The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.Funding is primaril... read more

• Online Masters
• Online Postgraduate Diploma

Mastercard Foundation Online Masters

Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Online Masters

• The MCF scholarship will cover the full tuition fees, a small study stipend to allow for access to high-quality internet, a laptop and the opportunity to attend an in-person summer school in Africa.
• The scholarship is designed to cover three-years of part-time online study. On top of financial support, Scholars will participate in activities as part of the wider Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, including regular online workshops, online coaching and support.
• Applicants who already have a postgraduate qualification are not able to apply for this scholarship.

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Online Masters Qualification

You must meet the eligibility criteria to apply:

• Applicants must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh for a relevant degree programme listed above. You will generally need to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or higher. 
• Applicants must have graduated from undergraduate study before December 2022 and must be in possession of a degree certificate and official, final transcript to upload alongside their application
• Applicants must be residents and citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country
• Applicants must be without the financial means to study oversees independently
• We particularly welcome applications from female scholars, scholars from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and scholars with disabilities (see FAQs below for further information)
• Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community
• If applying for the Masters programme: Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or apply to enrol) at a separate university whilst on the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
• If applying for the PG diploma: Applicants can either have an undergraduate or Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university (provided they will graduate from either degree before December 2022). If you have a Master’s degree, our admissions team will review you first degree (undergraduate) to meet the post graduate diploma entry requirement. The MCF team will review your Master’s degree transcripts to confirm the graduation date and location of your University.
• Applicants must be 35 or under on the 1 September 2023

Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation Online Masters

Timeline

• 15 December 2022 (10am UK time) : Applications open
• 13 and 20 January 2023 (4 - 5pm UK time) : Application Information Sessions - Register for the session
• 27 January 2023 (5pm UK time) : Applications close
• 10 - 13 April 2023 : Online Distance Learners (ODL) Interview shortlisting begins; both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified (Please note references will be requested for applicants invited for an interview)
• 18 April - 12 May 2023 : ODL interviews take place
• Mid-end of May 2023 : ODL Interview outcomes will be announced
• June - July 2023 : Support provided through admissions processes
• September 2023 : Academic program starts

Application Deadline

Mastercard Foundation Online Postgraduate Diploma

Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Online Postgraduate Diploma

• The scholarship will cover the full tuition fees, a small study stipend to allow for access to high-quality internet, a laptop and the opportunity to attend an in-person summer school in Africa.
• The scholarship is designed to cover two-years of part-time online study. 
• On top of financial support, Scholars will participate in activities as part of the wider Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, including regular online workshops, online coaching and support.

Mastercard Foundation Online Postgraduate Diploma Courses

• Carbon Management
• Global Challenges
• Global Food Security and Nutrition 
• International Development
• One Health 

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Online Postgraduate Diploma Qualification

• Find out more about the postgraduate entry requirements for your country

Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation Online Postgraduate Diploma

Timeline

• 15 December 2022 (10am UK time) : Applications open
• 13 and 20 January 2023 (4 - 5pm UK time) : Application Information Sessions - Register for the session
• 27 January 2023 (5pm UK time) : Applications close
• 10 - 13 April 2023 : Online Distance Learners (ODL) Interview shortlisting begins; both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified (Please note references will be requested for applicants invited for an interview)
• 18 April - 12 May 2023 : ODL interviews take place
• Mid-end of May 2023 : ODL Interview outcomes will be announced
• June - July 2023 : Support provided through admissions processes
• September 2023 : Academic program starts

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details,visit University of Edinburgh website