The University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 is a fully funded Master’s opportunity for talented students from Africa who want to study at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year are now open. The programme is much more than a tuition scholarship: it supports scholars with course fees, a monthly living allowance, travel, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs, a laptop, leadership development and other support designed to help students succeed at Cambridge and beyond.
There is no separate scholarship portal. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application is built into the Cambridge course application. Applicants choose an eligible full-time Master’s course, opt in for funding, select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and submit the required scholarship statement.
Quick Facts
🎓 Degree Level: Master’s
🇬🇧 Country: United Kingdom
🏫 University: University of Cambridge
🌍 Eligibility: Citizens of African countries who are normally resident in Africa
💰 Funding: Fully Funded
📅 Funding Deadline: Depends on course – usually 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027
📖 IELTS: You can apply without IELTS results; successful applicants can submit required English evidence later if their offer is conditional
If you are comparing other UK opportunities, you can also explore University of Warwick Scholarships 2027 and University of Glasgow Scholarships for International Students on ScholarInt.
Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 – Quick Summary
| Scholarship Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| University | University of Cambridge |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of African countries who are normally resident in Africa |
| Course Length | Most eligible full-time Master’s courses lasting about 9–12 months |
| Application Opens | September 2026 |
| Main Funding Deadlines | 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course |
| IELTS at Application Stage | Not required to submit with the initial application if other conditions are met; may be required later for a conditional offer |
| Application Method | Built into the normal Cambridge postgraduate course application |
| Application Status | Open |
What Is the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge was created to support outstanding African students who want to complete a Master’s degree and build strong leadership skills.
The programme focuses on preparing young people to make a positive difference in their communities, countries and across Africa.
Its main themes are:
- Climate resilience
- Sustainability
- Leadership
- Community impact
- Long-term development in Africa
Cambridge says the programme is designed as a community, not just a scholarship. Scholars receive financial support, mentoring, leadership development and career guidance during their time at the University.
Is the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes.
This is one of the cases where the term fully funded scholarship is appropriate because the official programme covers much more than tuition.
The funding can include:
- Full course fees
- Monthly maintenance or living allowance
- Student visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Return travel, including flights
- Transport into Cambridge on arrival
- Laptop
Scholars also receive non-financial support, including orientation, mentoring, leadership development, entrepreneurship training and career support.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge, you must meet the programme’s main conditions.
1. You Must Have a Bachelor’s Degree
You need an undergraduate degree that meets the academic entry requirement of the Master’s course you want to study.
2. You Must Meet the Course Academic Requirement
Cambridge Master’s programmes have different academic standards.
Some courses require the equivalent of a UK First-Class Honours degree, while others accept a strong Upper Second-Class degree.
Applicants should check the exact requirement in the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory.
3. You Must Be From an African Country
You must be a citizen of an African country.
4. You Must Normally Live in Africa
You should normally be resident in an African country.
You can still apply if you are temporarily outside Africa for study or work. The programme also provides specific consideration for refugees and internally displaced people.
5. You Must Apply for an Eligible Full-Time Master’s Course
Most full-time one-year Master’s programmes at Cambridge are eligible.
6. You Must Show Commitment to Africa
The scholarship looks for applicants who can demonstrate a real commitment to giving back to their community, home country or Africa more broadly.
Your application should also show an interest in sustainability and climate resilience.
Which Cambridge Master’s Courses Are Eligible?
Applicants can apply for most full-time Master’s courses at the University of Cambridge.
Eligible courses normally run for around 9 to 12 months.
However, four programmes are excluded:
- Master of Accountancy (MACC)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFIN)
Applicants should always check the current course page before applying because each Master’s programme has its own academic, English-language and funding deadline requirements.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes, but this scholarship is not open to all international students worldwide.
It is specifically designed for students from Africa.
You must be a citizen of an African country and normally resident in Africa, subject to the programme’s stated exceptions.
Cambridge particularly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Refugees
- Internally displaced people
- People with disabilities
Can You Apply Without IELTS?
Yes, you can submit the scholarship and course application without having your IELTS result ready.
This is an important point for applicants.
Cambridge states that if your application is successful, you may receive a conditional offer and submit outstanding documents later. This will often include English-language test results.
The programme asks successful applicants to submit outstanding documents by 31 July.
Most courses require an IELTS overall score of either 7.0 or 7.5, but the exact English requirement depends on the Master’s course.
This means the correct description is:
You can apply without IELTS results initially, but you must still meet the English-language condition of your course before enrolment if Cambridge requires it.
ScholarInt Tip: “Apply without IELTS initially” is more accurate than calling this a permanent “No IELTS scholarship.” Always check the language requirement of your selected Cambridge course.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Course Fees
The programme covers the tuition or course fee for the successful scholar’s eligible Master’s programme.
Monthly Living Allowance
Scholars receive a monthly maintenance allowance to help with living costs while studying in Cambridge.
Visa and Health Costs
The programme covers the student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Travel
Support includes return flights and transport from the airport into Cambridge.
Laptop
Scholars receive a laptop to support their academic work.
Leadership and Career Support
Financial support is only one part of the programme.
Scholars can also receive:
- Pre-course orientation
- Mentoring
- Leadership development
- Entrepreneurship training
- Career planning support
- Support for selected placements in Africa-based organisations
Academic Requirements
There is no single GPA or degree classification that applies to every Cambridge Master’s course.
Requirements depend on the programme.
Many Cambridge Master’s courses expect the equivalent of a First-Class undergraduate degree. Some accept a strong Upper Second-Class degree.
Before applying, use the University’s international qualifications checker to see how your degree compares with Cambridge requirements.
Documents to Prepare
Required documents vary by course, but applicants should usually prepare:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or current academic record
- Official academic transcripts
- CV or resume where required
- Personal or academic statement where required
- References
- Course-specific supporting documents
- Passport or identity documents
- English-language evidence if available or required at that stage
- Mastercard Foundation scholarship statement
Do not wait until the funding deadline to start collecting references and transcripts.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Statement
During the Cambridge application, eligible applicants can select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
You will be asked to write a scholarship statement.
Your statement should explain:
- Your career and education history
- Your leadership potential
- How the scholarship will help you reach your goals
- Your future aspirations
- How you plan to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa
This is not the place for generic claims.
Use real examples from your studies, work, volunteering, leadership or community experience to show what you have already done and what you hope to do next.
How to Apply for the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Step 1: Find an Eligible Master’s Course
Use Cambridge’s Postgraduate Course Directory to find the full-time Master’s programme that best matches your academic background and career plans.
Step 2: Check the Course Requirements
Before starting the application, check:
- Academic entry requirement
- International qualification equivalence
- English-language requirement
- Supporting documents
- Funding deadline
Step 3: Start Your Cambridge Course Application
Open the course page and click Apply Now.
Create your Cambridge applicant account and begin the normal postgraduate application.
Step 4: Select Funding
During the application, opt in for funding opportunities.
If you meet the academic requirement of your selected course, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program should appear as an available funding option.
Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Statement
Write your Mastercard Foundation statement carefully, focusing on your background, leadership, goals and contribution to sustainable development in Africa.
Step 6: Submit by the Course Funding Deadline
This is very important.
Do not use the normal course application closing date.
You need to submit by the funding deadline, which is earlier.
For 2027/28 entry, Cambridge’s main funding deadlines are:
- 8 December 2026
- 6 January 2027
Your exact deadline depends on your course.
Step 7: Departmental Review
Academic departments review course applications between December and February.
Some departments may interview shortlisted candidates.
Step 8: Scholarship Selection
The Mastercard Foundation team reviews applicants who have been offered admission.
Scholarship selection normally takes place around late February or early March.
Step 9: Scholarship Offers
Scholarship offers are normally sent in March or April.
Start with the Official Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory
Application Timeline for 2027/28
| Stage | Expected Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | September 2026 |
| Funding Deadline | 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on course |
| Departmental Selection | December 2026 – February 2027 |
| Mastercard Foundation Selection | Late February / Early March 2027 |
| Scholarship Offers | March / April 2027 |
| Outstanding Documents | By 31 July 2027 where required |
| Course Start | October 2027 |
Application Fee Waiver
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applicants who meet the academic entry requirements can be eligible for a Cambridge application fee waiver.
For applicants from a number of African countries, the fee waiver can be applied automatically.
Applicants from other eligible African countries may need to request a waiver before submitting their application.
Because fee-waiver timing is linked to the funding deadline and Cambridge publishes specific dates, check the latest official instructions early rather than waiting until December.
How to Make Your Application Stronger
Choose a Course That Fits Your Background
A strong scholarship application begins with a strong academic match.
Choose a course where your previous degree, skills and experience clearly support your application.
Show Leadership With Real Examples
Do not simply write that you are a leader.
Explain a situation where you helped solve a problem, supported others, started an initiative or created measurable change.
Connect Your Goals to Africa
The programme is designed to support future African leaders.
Explain how your Cambridge education will help you contribute to your community, country or region.
Link Your Plans to Sustainability
Sustainability and climate resilience are central themes of the programme.
Even if your course is not directly about climate science, think about how your field can support a more sustainable future.
Start Before the Funding Deadline
References, transcripts, course documents and scholarship statements take time.
Start early and aim to submit before the final funding deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The programme covers course fees, a monthly living allowance, visa and health surcharge costs, travel and a laptop, together with additional development support.
2. Who can apply for the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Applicants must be citizens of an African country, normally resident in Africa, hold a Bachelor’s degree and meet the academic requirements of an eligible Cambridge Master’s course.
3. Can all international students apply?
No. The programme is specifically for eligible African students.
4. Is the scholarship available for PhD study?
No. The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is for Master’s study only.
5. Can I apply without IELTS?
Yes, you can apply without submitting IELTS results at the initial application stage. If English evidence is later required, a successful applicant may receive a conditional offer and submit the result by the required date.
6. What IELTS score is normally required?
Many Cambridge courses require IELTS 7.0 or 7.5 overall, but the exact score depends on the course.
7. Is there a separate Mastercard Foundation scholarship application?
No. The scholarship application is built into the normal Cambridge postgraduate course application.
8. What is the deadline for the 2027 scholarship?
The deadline depends on the Master’s course. For 2027/28 entry, the main Cambridge funding deadlines are 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027.
9. Which courses are not eligible?
The MBA, MCL, MFIN and MACC are excluded. Most other full-time Master’s courses are eligible.
10. When are scholarship results announced?
Scholarship offers are generally sent in March or April after course departments and the Mastercard Foundation team complete their selection processes.
Final Thoughts
The University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 is one of the strongest fully funded Master’s opportunities available for eligible African students.
The programme covers the major financial costs of studying at Cambridge and also gives scholars access to mentoring, leadership development and career support.
Applications are already open for October 2027 entry.
The biggest deadline mistake applicants can make is waiting for the normal course closing date. To be considered for funding, submit your complete application by your course’s funding deadline, usually 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027.
You can also apply before you have an IELTS result. However, if your course requires English evidence, you must satisfy that condition later.
Before submitting, always check your exact course page and the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website for the latest requirements.
Scholarship Summary
| Application Deadline | Course-specific: usually 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Sponsor | Mastercard Foundation / University of Cambridge |
| City to Study | Cambridge |
| School to Study | University of Cambridge |
| Course to Study | Most eligible full-time Master’s courses |
| Eligible Country | African countries |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| IELTS Requirement | You can apply without IELTS initially; English evidence may be required later depending on the course |
| Application Status | Open |
| Official Application Route | Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory / course application |