Official source: University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Applications now open for 2027/2028 (11 September 2026)
The University of Cambridge has announced that applications for its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2027/28 academic year are open. The programme supports eligible African applicants pursuing a qualifying full-time, one-year master's course at Cambridge.
The scholarship route is built into the Cambridge course application. Before applying, confirm that your chosen course is eligible and check its individual funding deadline. Cambridge says funding deadlines are usually at the beginning of December or January and are earlier than the standard application deadline.
Quick Overview
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| Feature | Officially published detail |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge |
| Academic year | 2027/28 applications are open |
| Study level | Eligible full-time, one-year master's courses |
| Course exclusions | MBA, MCL, MFIN and MACC |
| Eligibility baseline | Bachelor's degree; relevant course-entry requirements; African-country origin and residence conditions; commitment to community, Africa, sustainability and climate resilience |
| Published coverage | Course fee, monthly living or maintenance allowance, visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and a return flight |
| Application route | Opt into funding in the chosen Cambridge course application, then select the programme if eligible |
| Deadline | The funding deadline for the selected course — Cambridge says this is usually early December or January |
What the Programme Covers
The official programme states that it covers the course fee, a monthly living or maintenance allowance, visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and a return flight.
Cambridge also describes additional programme support for scholars.
Who Can Apply
You must have a bachelor's degree, meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen course, and apply for an eligible full-time master's course.
Applicants must be from and live in an African country. Cambridge says that applicants who are temporarily outside Africa for study or work can apply. The programme particularly encourages applications from women, refugees, internally displaced people and people with disabilities.
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their community, home country or Africa more broadly, including commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
Course eligibility matters
The official announcement says prospective scholars may apply for eligible full-time, one-year postgraduate courses. The programme's eligibility guidance describes the eligible route as full-time master's study, excluding:
- Master of Accountancy (MACC)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFIN)
Check the official Cambridge postgraduate course directory before starting an application. Entry requirements, supporting documents and funding deadlines are set at course level.
How to Apply
1. Identify an eligible course
Use Cambridge's postgraduate course directory to find a qualifying course. Check its entry requirements, supporting documents and funding deadline before you begin.
2. Start the course application
Open the course profile in the postgraduate course directory and use the application route provided there. You can create an account, save your application and return to it.
3. Opt into funding
During the course application, opt into funding. If you meet the selected course's entry requirements, you can select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program from the funding options.
The scholarship statement asks applicants to address their career or education history, leadership potential, how the scholarship would support their goals, and how they hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.
4. Submit by your course's funding deadline
Your completed application must be submitted by the funding deadline for your chosen course. Cambridge says this is usually at the beginning of December or January and is earlier than the standard application deadline. Do not rely on a general date: confirm the exact date on the course page.
5. Understand the selection process
Cambridge departments assess course applications and make course offers on their own timetable. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team then reviews applications from candidates who have received a departmental offer, using both the course application and scholarship statement.
The official guidance says programme offer letters are typically sent in March or April. Applicants who receive an offer have until 31 July to submit outstanding documents. This commonly includes English-proficiency evidence, but the requirement and score depend on the chosen course.
Before You Apply
- Confirm you meet the entry requirements for your selected course.
- Confirm the course is eligible for the programme and is not one of the stated exclusions.
- Check the course-specific funding deadline.
- Prepare the scholarship statement around your education or career history, leadership potential, goals and contribution to sustainable futures in Africa.
- Use the official application route only. Do not rely on third-party agents or unofficial deadline summaries.