Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Online Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is now accepting Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications. We encourage exceptional young individuals with strong academic and leadership backgrounds to apply for this Online Scholarship. Those who have overcome barriers to education and are committed to advancing their studies are invited to take advantage of this opportunity.

Online studies provide an excellent path for individuals who want to continue working while studying in their local environment. These qualifications are equivalent to the degrees taught on campus, offering the same level of prestige.

Applicants can choose from two options:

• Online Masters (part-time over 3 years)
• Online Postgraduate Diploma (part-time over 2 years)

In other words, the University of Edinburgh’s online programmes are a flexible and valuable way to achieve your academic goals while maintaining other commitments.

Online Masters

Masters programmes typically target individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and seek to deepen their specialised knowledge in the same subject or a related career field. However, applicants who already possess a postgraduate qualification cannot apply for the online Masters.

Online postgraduate diploma

Postgraduate diplomas cater to individuals contemplating a potential career change and are generally more vocational. Additionally, candidates holding either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university are eligible to apply, provided they will graduate and submit their degree certificates and transcripts by the application deadline.

• 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)
• Circular Economy (Masters or Diploma)
• Sustainable Lands and Cities (Masters or Diploma)
• Social Justice and Community Action (Masters or Diploma)

Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Online Scholars Programme at the University of Edinburgh

• Applicants must meet academic qualifications for admission to the University of Edinburgh.
• Generally, you need a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or its equivalent. You can find more information about postgraduate entry requirements for your country here.
• Applicants must have faced significant barriers to education. These barriers can be social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related.
• You must have graduated from an undergraduate programme.
• Furthermore, applicants must be residents or citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country or hold refugee status.
• You should have faced barriers to both education and your early career.
• Also, demonstrate a strong record of leadership and service within your community and experience or ambition in making a meaningful impact on the climate crisis.
• Applicants must be 35 years old or younger in the year the programme starts. For the 2025/26 academic year, we accept applications from those born on or after 1 January 1990.
• Anyone born in 1989 or earlier is not eligible.
• If you are applying for the online Masters programme, do not apply if you have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
• You must not be enrolled or applying to another university.
• If you are applying for the online Postgraduate Diploma, you may have either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university. Ensure you will graduate from either degree by 8 November 2024.
• If you hold a Master’s degree, our admissions team will review your undergraduate degree to meet entry requirements.
• The program will also check your Master’s degree transcripts to confirm your graduation date and university location.
• The University of Edinburgh particularly welcomes applications from female scholars, scholars from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and scholars with disabilities.

University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 in Canada

Scholarship Benefits

• Covers full approved tuition fees: scholars will not pay for any part of the tuition fees.
• Academic stipend to allow for access to high-quality internet and laptop.
• The opportunity to attend an in-person gathering.
• Participation in activities as part of the wider Climate Leadership Programme at the University of Edinburgh, including regular online workshops, online coaching and support.
• A dedicated Online Coordinator
• Additional support is offered to Scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs.

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University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

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Selection process for the Mastercard Foundation Online Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh

The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:

• Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admission to the University of Edinburgh
• Track record as a transformative leader and service within their community
• Quality of application in line with the Program’s theme of climate justice.
• Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
• Applicants who have faced significant educational barriers (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).

How to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Online Scholars Programme at the University of Edinburgh

You must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh. The program requires that applicants apply for this Program before applying to the University.

If you have any queries regarding the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, which are not answered in the FAQs, please contact the University of Edinburgh at: mcfsp@ed.ac.uk

Applications Timeline

1 October 2024, 10am UK time	Applications Open
31 October 2024, 5pm UK time	All applicants must have completed the first stage of the application – the Declaration and Eligibility Assessment. The SM Apply system will not permit new applications after 31 October 5pm.
8 November 2024, 5pm UK time	Applications close
Mid-November 2024 – January 2025	University committees assess all submitted eligible applications
Mid-February 2025	All applicants are notified of the outcome of their applications. Online applicants are invited to Interview
End February to mid-March 2025	Online interviews take place
End March 2025	Online interview outcomes will be announced
April – August 2025	Support provided for admission processes
September 2025	Academic programme starts

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program