Thanks to the Mastercard Foundation, Africans now have a chance to study through a fully funded Masters scholarship programme, at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Mastercard has partnered with the University of Cambridge to provide top-notch education to over 500 aspiring African leaders, ready to make a difference in the world. The program, which will run till 2030 will provide an opportunity for successful applicants to undertake a wide range of Masters courses.
Launched in 2022, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge was created to provide a platform for Africa’s brightest students to enrol in postgraduate programmes towards earning a Masters degree. The programme is designed to provide the support needed for young people to emerge as strong leaders, contributing knowledge and expertise in climate resilience and sustainability.
Eligible Courses
Tackling the climate crisis calls for a variety of knowledge from scientific, arts, humanities, and social science fields. It is on this premise that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is adopting a multi-disciplinary approach.
With the exception of the following business courses, the programme offers scholarships throughout the whole range of academic disciplines offered at Cambridge: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Corporate Law (MCL), and Master of Finance (MFin).
The programme takes an anonymized approach to the assessment of all applications.
To be considered, applicants must;
- Possess evidence of exceptional intellectual capacity.
- Have a strong desire and dedication to supporting climate resilient and sustainable futures for both Africa and the global community.
- Exhibit great leadership potential
Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants;
- Must be a citizen of any African nation
- Must be a regular resident of an African nation, unless evidence of a temporary leave away for the purposes of study, business or forceful eviction can be provided.
- Can only apply for programmes that will last for at least a year.
Application Procedure
To apply, here’s what you need to do:
- Find Your Course: First, you must choose a Master’s course you want to study. You can see the full list of courses and their requirements in the course directory.
- Apply Online: You have to submit your application online. This means you need to fill out some forms and provide some documents. The University’s Graduate Application Portal is where you do this. Make sure to complete all the requirements mentioned there.
- Write a Personal Statement: When you apply, you must write a personal statement. This is where you talk about yourself, your dreams, and how your course of study will help you make Africa and the world better. Be honest and clear about your goals.
- Choose a college: The University of Cambridge has 31 different colleges. Each one has unique opportunities. Take your time to choose the one that suits you best. You can look at the colleges’ websites to get more information.
- Fee Waiver: Normally, you would be required to pay £50 to apply for a Master’s degree. However, with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, this fee has been waived. If the fee is not automatically waived, you can contact the program team to request a waiver.
Programme Timelines
Early September – Applications open
Early December to late January – Course-dependent application and funding deadline
February – Selection of scholars
March 2024 – Scholarship offered
Summary
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is a fantastic opportunity for African students and women are highly encouraged to apply. The application process may seem a little complex, but this master’s scholarship is certainly worth it and the right step towards achieving your goal. So, if you dream of studying at a world-renowned university and looking to create a lasting impact, you should click here to apply.
