Applications are now open for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28, offering fully funded Master’s degree opportunities for talented students from African countries.
The scholarship covers university tuition fees, living expenses, travel to the United Kingdom, visa costs, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and a laptop allowance. Successful applicants also benefit from leadership development and career support.
For the 2027/28 academic year, Cambridge expects to offer approximately 80 Mastercard Foundation Scholarships.
One important advantage is that students can submit their initial application without IELTS results. If they receive a conditional admission offer, they can provide the required English-language evidence later.
However, the programme is not open to everyone. Applicants must meet specific nationality, residence, academic, and course eligibility requirements.
The main application deadlines are December 8, 2026, and January 6, 2027, depending on the Master’s course selected.
This guide explains who can apply, which degrees are eligible, what the scholarship covers, how to obtain an application fee waiver, and how to complete the Cambridge application correctly.
Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 Overview
| Scholarship details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| Host university | University of Cambridge |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Academic year | 2027/28 |
| Degree level | Master’s |
| Number of scholarships | Approximately 80 |
| Eligible applicants | African citizens meeting residence and academic requirements |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Course duration | 9–12 months |
| IELTS | Not required at the initial application stage |
| Application fee | Waiver available for eligible applicants |
| Application opened | September 11, 2026 |
| Funding deadlines | December 8, 2026, or January 6, 2027 |
| Study commencement | October 2027 |
| Application method | Online through Cambridge |
Official scholarship website: Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Official application instructions: How to Apply
What Is the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is designed to help academically talented African students pursue postgraduate education while developing the leadership skills needed to contribute to their communities.
The programme is particularly concerned with two interconnected issues: climate resilience and sustainability in Africa.
However, this does not mean applicants must study environmental science or climate change.
Cambridge recognizes that addressing Africa’s development challenges requires expertise from many disciplines, including engineering, education, public health, economics, technology, agriculture, and public policy.
Students from different academic backgrounds may therefore apply for eligible Master’s courses, provided they can explain how their education and future work relate to the programme’s objectives.
The scholarship also goes beyond financial assistance. Scholars participate in leadership development activities and receive support for professional opportunities connected to Africa.
On September 11, 2026, Cambridge officially announced that applications for the 2027/28 academic year were open.
Read the official 2027/28 scholarship announcement.
What Does the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
The programme provides comprehensive funding for successful applicants.
| Scholarship benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| University tuition fees | Fully covered |
| Living expenses | Monthly maintenance allowance |
| UK student visa | Covered |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Covered |
| International airfare | Travel to and from the UK covered |
| Airport transfer | Transportation to Cambridge arranged |
| Laptop | Laptop allowance |
| Leadership development | Included |
| Professional development | Included |
| Post-study career support | Africa-focused placement support |
Tuition fees
The scholarship covers the tuition fees charged for the eligible Master’s course.
This is particularly important because tuition for international postgraduate students at Cambridge can vary considerably depending on the programme.
Successful scholars do not need to fund the covered tuition fees themselves.
Monthly living allowance
Scholars receive financial support intended to cover living expenses while studying at Cambridge.
The programme does not publish one fixed monthly stipend amount for every 2027/28 recipient on its current funding page.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on websites that promise an exact stipend without linking to an official Cambridge source.
Visa and immigration expenses
The scholarship covers the Student visa cost and the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge.
These are substantial expenses that international students normally need to consider when planning to study in the United Kingdom.
International travel and airport transfers
The programme covers international travel and arranges transportation from the airport to Cambridge.
Cambridge explains that successful students receive logistics information before travelling.
Laptop allowance
Scholars also receive support toward a laptop needed for their academic work.
This is an additional benefit beyond tuition and maintenance funding.
Leadership and career development
The programme includes induction activities, leadership sessions, and professional development opportunities.
Cambridge also supports scholars through an Africa-focused graduate placement pathway, which helps participants identify and apply for relevant placements lasting approximately three to six months.
These placements are intended to help graduates gain experience and apply their skills in African organisations. They should not be confused with a guarantee of permanent employment.
Official funding details: Cambridge Postgraduate Funding Database
Who Is Eligible for Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027?
Applicants must satisfy both the Mastercard Foundation’s requirements and the admission requirements of their chosen Cambridge Master’s programme.
The main eligibility conditions are:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.
- They must meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen Master’s course.
- They must be citizens of an African country.
- They must normally reside in an African country, subject to the programme’s stated exceptions.
- They must apply for an eligible full-time Master’s course.
- They must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to their community, country, or Africa more broadly.
- Their goals should connect with sustainability, climate resilience, or sustainable development.
Cambridge particularly encourages applications from women, refugees, internally displaced people, and people with disabilities.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
There is no universal GPA requirement that applies to every Cambridge Mastercard Foundation scholarship applicant.
Academic requirements depend on the chosen degree.
Some courses require qualifications equivalent to a UK first-class honours degree, while others accept an upper-second-class honours degree.
Applicants must check how their bachelor’s qualification compares with Cambridge’s requirements for their country.
Use the Cambridge International Qualifications Checker.
Is there an age limit?
No. Cambridge explicitly states that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has no upper age limit.
Applicants must still satisfy the other eligibility requirements, including academic qualifications and the programme’s leadership and development objectives.
Which African Countries Are Eligible?
The scholarship is intended for eligible citizens of African countries.
Students from countries including the following can potentially qualify:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Ethiopia
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Malawi
- Cameroon
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- The Gambia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Angola
- Mozambique
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Somalia
This is an illustrative list, not an exhaustive list of eligible African countries.
Nationality alone is not enough. Applicants must also satisfy the programme’s residence rules and the academic requirements of their chosen course.
Can African students living abroad apply?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
Cambridge allows eligible African citizens who are temporarily outside Africa for education or employment to apply.
For example, a Nigerian student currently completing a bachelor’s degree in another country may still qualify, provided the programme’s residence requirements are satisfied.
Cambridge also recognizes particular circumstances involving refugees and internally displaced people.
Applicants whose residence situation is unusual should contact the scholarship administration for clarification.
What if I completed my bachelor’s degree outside Africa?
A degree obtained outside Africa does not automatically make an applicant ineligible.
Cambridge confirms that applicants can be considered if they otherwise meet the programme’s residence and nationality conditions.
Are dual African and UK citizens eligible?
No. Cambridge’s official FAQ states that applicants holding both African and UK passports are not eligible for this programme.
For further clarification, read the official Mastercard Foundation eligibility criteria.
Which Master’s Courses Are Eligible?
One of the programme’s advantages is the wide range of Cambridge Master’s degrees that applicants can consider.
Most full-time Master’s courses lasting approximately 9–12 months are eligible.
Applicants do not have to select a degree exclusively focused on climate change or environmental science.
A student interested in public health, for example, could explain how their future work would strengthen healthcare resilience in vulnerable African communities.
Similarly, an applicant in engineering could connect their research interests to renewable energy, water infrastructure, or sustainable technology.
Which courses are not eligible?
Cambridge explicitly excludes four programmes:
| Excluded Master’s course | Status |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Not eligible |
| Master of Finance (MFin) | Not eligible |
| Master of Corporate Law (MCL) | Not eligible |
| Master of Accountancy (MAcc) | Not eligible |
PhD programmes and undergraduate degrees are also outside the scope of this particular Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
How can you find an eligible programme?
Visit the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory.
Search for a Master’s degree that matches your academic background and future goals.
Before applying, check the course’s duration, study mode, entry requirements, required documents, and funding deadline.
The course listing is more reliable than a third-party article claiming that every Cambridge degree is eligible.
Can You Apply Without IELTS?
Yes. Cambridge allows applicants to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship without submitting IELTS results initially.
This is an important opportunity for applicants who meet the academic requirements but have not yet taken an English-language examination.
However, applying without IELTS results is not the same as receiving an automatic exemption from English-language requirements.
How does the IELTS process work?
Applicants can submit their Cambridge Master’s application without an IELTS certificate where the course permits language evidence after admission.
If an applicant receives a conditional offer, Cambridge may require them to demonstrate English proficiency before enrollment.
The programme’s official instructions indicate that most courses require an overall IELTS score of approximately 7.0 or 7.5, although exact requirements vary.
Some programmes may have specific minimum scores for individual components.
Cambridge generally expects successful 2027/28 applicants to satisfy outstanding admission conditions by July 31, 2027.
Applicants should always check their selected course for accepted tests, required scores, and possible exemptions.
Can you apply without any English-language test?
You may be able to submit your initial application without test results.
Whether you eventually need IELTS or another form of English-language evidence depends on your course and Cambridge’s assessment of your qualifications.
Do not assume that an English-medium bachelor’s degree automatically guarantees an exemption.
Official guidance: Cambridge Supporting Documents and English-Language Requirements
Required Documents for Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
Applicants submit their documents through the University of Cambridge postgraduate application system.
The exact requirements depend on the course.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree certificate | Required for completed qualifications |
| Academic transcripts | Required |
| CV / résumé | Required |
| Academic or professional references | Normally two |
| Course personal statement | As required by the course |
| Mastercard scholarship statement | Required |
| English-language results | Can usually be provided after a conditional offer |
| Research proposal | Only if required by the course |
| Written work | Course-dependent |
| Passport and transcript copies | Required for certain scholarship fee-waiver requests |
Students who are still completing their bachelor’s degree may submit interim academic records where Cambridge permits them.
Documents that are not originally in English must be accompanied by translations prepared by an appropriate registered translator.
Academic references
Cambridge normally requires two referees for its Master’s applications.
Applicants who are currently studying or have recently graduated will generally need academic references, unless the course specifies otherwise.
Most importantly, referees must submit their recommendations through Cambridge’s online system by the relevant deadline.
Submitting your own application before the deadline does not compensate for references that arrive too late.
Read the official Cambridge reference requirements.
How to Apply for Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28
The Mastercard Foundation scholarship application is integrated into the University of Cambridge postgraduate course application.
You do not need to find a separate general Mastercard Foundation application portal for this Cambridge programme.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose an eligible Master’s course
Start with the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory.
Identify a full-time Master’s programme that matches your qualifications and interests.
Check the course’s academic entry requirements and funding deadline before preparing your application.
Step 2: Create a Cambridge application account
Open your chosen course’s page and select Apply Now.
You will be directed to the Cambridge Applicant Portal, where you can register and begin your application.
Official Applicant Portal: Cambridge Postgraduate Applications
Step 3: Request an application fee waiver
Eligible Mastercard Foundation applicants may receive a waiver of Cambridge’s standard Master’s application fee.
Some applicants receive an automatic waiver based on nationality and residence conditions. Others must submit a separate fee-waiver request.
If you need to request a waiver, do this after starting your Cambridge application but before submitting it.
The next section explains the procedure and deadlines.
Step 4: Complete your course application
Fill in your academic history, qualifications, personal information and other requested details.
Upload the documents required by your chosen Master’s programme.
Step 5: Select scholarship funding
Within the application, indicate that you want to be considered for funding.
The portal will display funding opportunities for which you may be eligible.
Select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program when it appears.
Step 6: Complete your scholarship statement
The scholarship requires an additional statement explaining your educational background, leadership potential, career plans, and intended contribution to sustainable futures in Africa.
This is separate from any academic personal statement required by your chosen course.
Step 7: Arrange your references
Nominate the required referees and confirm that they can complete their recommendations before the funding deadline.
You can track reference submissions through the application system.
Step 8: Submit before your course’s funding deadline
The main deadlines for 2027/28 are December 8, 2026, and January 6, 2027.
Your course page determines which applies.
A course may remain open for regular admission after its funding deadline, but that does not mean Mastercard Foundation applications remain open.
Step 9: Wait for admission and scholarship selection
Cambridge departments assess academic applications and make admission decisions.
The Mastercard Foundation team then evaluates eligible candidates who have received offers, considering both their course application and scholarship statement.
Scholarship offers are expected in late March or early April 2027.
Full official instructions: Cambridge Mastercard Foundation — How to Apply
Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application Fee Waiver
This is an important part of the process because Cambridge normally charges £85 to apply for a Master’s course.
Eligible Mastercard Foundation applicants may receive a fee waiver.
However, the procedure differs according to the applicant’s circumstances.
Who receives an automatic fee waiver?
Cambridge lists countries whose nationals may qualify for an automatic waiver when they also meet the university’s applicable residence conditions.
For Mastercard Foundation applicants, this includes countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Senegal, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Applicants who qualify for the automatic waiver do not need to submit a separate fee-waiver request.
Who must request a waiver?
Eligible applicants from other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, may need to submit the Mastercard Foundation fee-waiver request form.
The programme’s instructions require these applicants to provide copies of their academic transcript and passport with the request.
Cambridge’s Mastercard Foundation guidance says the fee waiver is available for one course application, rather than unlimited applications.
What is the application fee-waiver deadline?
There is an important discrepancy between two official Cambridge pages.
| Official source | Published deadline |
|---|---|
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website | November 18, 2026 |
| Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions fee-waiver page | November 20, 2026 |
Because the two official sources currently display different dates, applicants should aim to submit their fee-waiver requests by November 18, 2026, while checking directly with Cambridge for clarification.
Do not wait until the December or January scholarship deadline to start the fee-waiver process.
Official references:
Mastercard Foundation Fee-Waiver Instructions
Cambridge Postgraduate Application Fee Waiver
How to Prepare the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Statement
The scholarship statement plays an important role in selection.
Cambridge asks applicants to explain four main areas.
1. Education and career background
Describe your relevant academic background, professional experience, and the experiences that have shaped your interests.
The aim is to show a clear connection between your previous work, chosen Master’s programme, and future direction.
2. Leadership experience and potential
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a senior job title.
Relevant examples may include coordinating a community project, organizing a student initiative, mentoring others, leading research activities, or helping solve a problem in your community.
Specific examples can explain your responsibilities, the challenge involved, and the results of your contribution.
3. How the scholarship supports your goals
Explain why the Cambridge Master’s programme is relevant to what you want to achieve.
The important point is to connect the education you will receive with a realistic professional or community objective.
4. Contribution to sustainable futures in Africa
This is central to the Mastercard Foundation programme.
Applicants should explain how their knowledge and skills could address a challenge affecting African communities.
For example, a student interested in agricultural biotechnology might discuss their interest in improving food security through sustainable farming practices.
Another applicant might focus on education access, renewable energy, public health, water management, or responsible economic development.
These are possible areas of interest, not prescribed topics.
The most useful approach is to select an issue genuinely connected to your experience and explain what you hope to contribute.
Important: Cambridge has not published a single universal scholarship-statement word limit on its general instructions. Follow the limit displayed in your actual application.
Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Deadline 2027
Unlike scholarships with one fixed closing date, the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program uses the funding deadline of the selected Master’s course.
For 2027/28, Cambridge lists two main university funding deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | September 11, 2026 |
| Earlier Mastercard fee-waiver request deadline | November 18, 2026 |
| First main funding deadline | December 8, 2026 |
| Second main funding deadline | January 6, 2027 |
| Departmental admission offers | Generally December 2026–February 2027 |
| Scholarship offers | Late March–early April 2027 |
| Outstanding admission conditions | Generally July 31, 2027 |
| Master’s programmes begin | October 2027 |
The applicable funding deadline is shown in the Cambridge course directory.
Applicants should submit their complete application, including references, by 23:59 UK time on the relevant funding deadline.
Can I apply after the scholarship funding deadline?
You may still be able to apply for admission if your Master’s course remains open.
However, submitting after the relevant funding deadline normally means you cannot be considered for this scholarship in the same admission cycle.
This distinction matters because some third-party guides publish the final course admission deadline without explaining the earlier funding deadline.
Official deadline information: Cambridge Postgraduate Funding
How Does Cambridge Select Mastercard Foundation Scholars?
The selection process has two important stages.
First: Academic admission
Cambridge departments assess candidates for admission to their selected Master’s courses.
The academic decision is based on the course application and its supporting documents rather than the Mastercard Foundation scholarship statement.
Some departments may interview shortlisted candidates.
Second: Scholarship selection
After applicants have received offers, the Mastercard Foundation team reviews eligible candidates.
Selection considers academic merit, financial need, alignment with programme values, the scholarship statement, and evidence of leadership and potential impact.
An admission offer does not automatically mean that the applicant will receive Mastercard Foundation funding.
Cambridge’s funding database lists approximately 80 awards for 2027/28, so scholarship selection remains competitive.
Successful applicants are expected to receive scholarship offers in late March or early April.
What Happens After Receiving the Scholarship?
Selected applicants receive formal scholarship offers with instructions on accepting the award and completing their admission requirements.
They must satisfy any outstanding conditions set by the University.
This may include submitting final academic documents or English-language test results.
Cambridge’s published instructions identify July 31, 2027 as the general deadline for outstanding conditions.
The scholarship also expects scholars to participate in induction, leadership activities, and relevant post-course programming.
Applicants should be aware that Cambridge does not allow the scholarship offer to be transferred automatically to a later academic year if they cannot take up their place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. Applications officially opened on September 11, 2026, for the 2027/28 academic year.
Is the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The programme covers tuition, maintenance, visa and health surcharge costs, travel, and laptop support, alongside leadership and professional development activities.
How many scholarships are available?
Cambridge’s funding database lists approximately 80 awards for 2027/28.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigerian citizens may apply if they meet the programme’s residence, academic and course requirements.
Can Ghanaian and Kenyan students apply?
Yes. Eligible Ghanaian and Kenyan applicants can apply through the same Cambridge postgraduate admissions process.
Can students from Pakistan or India apply?
Pakistani or Indian nationality alone does not satisfy this scholarship’s African citizenship requirement.
Students who do not meet that requirement should explore other Cambridge funding options.
Can I apply without IELTS?
Yes. Cambridge permits applicants to apply without initial IELTS results. Successful applicants may need to satisfy an English-language condition before enrollment.
What IELTS score is required?
Many eligible Cambridge Master’s courses require IELTS 7.0 or 7.5 overall, but requirements differ by course.
Is there an age limit?
No. Cambridge specifies no upper age limit for this programme.
Can I apply with a second-class bachelor’s degree?
Some Cambridge Master’s courses accept qualifications equivalent to a UK upper-second-class honours degree.
Eligibility depends on the individual course and Cambridge’s assessment of your qualification.
Can I apply for a PhD?
No. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge funds eligible Master’s courses, not PhD programmes.
For PhD opportunities, applicants can explore the Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28.
Is the MBA eligible?
No. The MBA, MFin, MCL and MAcc are excluded.
Is a separate scholarship application required?
The scholarship application is included within the Cambridge postgraduate course application.
Applicants must opt in to funding consideration, select the Mastercard Foundation programme and complete its additional statement.
Some applicants must also submit a separate application fee-waiver request.
Can African students studying outside Africa apply?
Yes, temporary residence abroad for study or work can be permitted under the programme’s rules.
Do I need an admission offer before applying for the scholarship?
No. You apply for the course and scholarship consideration together.
However, the scholarship team selects recipients from candidates who have received offers for eligible courses.
When will scholarship results be announced?
Cambridge expects scholarship offers to be issued in late March or early April 2027.
Is there an application fee?
Cambridge normally charges £85 for a Master’s application, but eligible Mastercard Foundation applicants can receive an application fee waiver.
Does the scholarship cover dependants?
Cambridge does not provide travel funding for spouses or children through this programme. Applicants should consult current UK dependant visa rules separately.
Is a scholarship guaranteed if I receive admission?
No. Academic admission and scholarship selection are separate decisions.
Can I defer the scholarship to 2028?
No. Cambridge states that the award cannot simply be transferred to the following academic year.
Other University of Cambridge Scholarships to Consider
Students who are not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can explore other funding opportunities at Cambridge.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/28
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides full-cost postgraduate funding to outstanding eligible applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. It has different eligibility and selection criteria from the Mastercard Foundation programme.
Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28
This Cambridge Trust scholarship primarily supports eligible international PhD applicants. It is not the same as the Mastercard Foundation Master’s scholarship.
University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Another Mastercard Foundation partner programme in Africa. Students should check the University of Pretoria’s current application cycle, degree eligibility and admission requirements independently.
Applicants can also explore the University of Cambridge’s official postgraduate funding search to identify additional scholarships matching their circumstances.
Official Application and Scholarship Links
For reliable application information, use the following official Cambridge sources:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Official Website
- 2027/28 Applications Open Announcement
- Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
- How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship FAQs
- Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory
- Cambridge Postgraduate Application Portal
- Application Fee-Waiver Guidance
- Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Funding Details
Final Advice for Applicants
The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 offers an opportunity for eligible African students to study at one of the United Kingdom’s leading universities without personally funding the major costs of their Master’s education.
The programme is particularly suitable for applicants who combine strong academic preparation with a commitment to improving lives and contributing to sustainable development in Africa.
Students should pay attention to three requirements that are often misunderstood.
First, the deadline depends on the selected Master’s course. Applicants must follow the course’s funding deadline, not merely its final admission deadline.
Second, applicants may submit their initial application without IELTS results, but they must satisfy any English-language conditions before beginning their studies.
Third, the application-fee waiver has its own procedure and earlier deadline.
Applicants should therefore identify an eligible Master’s course, verify their academic qualifications, request any necessary fee waiver, prepare their scholarship statement and references, and complete the Cambridge application well before the appropriate deadline.
For the 2027/28 academic year, the main funding deadlines are December 8, 2026, and January 6, 2027.
Apply through the official University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal
Last verified: October 18, 2026. Scholarship conditions, application deadlines and admission requirements can change. Applicants should confirm the latest information directly with the University of Cambridge before submitting their applications.