Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program At UBC: Fully Funded Graduate Opportunities For Global Changemakers 2026/2027
Are you a dynamic, driven graduate hopeful from Sub-Saharan Africa looking to pursue your master’s degree abroad? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) may be your gateway to academic excellence, transformative leadership, and lifelong impact.
UBC is opening applications for the Winter 2026 intake, with the application process beginning August 30, 2025 and culminating in offers by February 2026. This prestigious, fully-funded scholarship supports promising masters’ students from eligible African nations, offering not just tuition—but a holistic ecosystem to thrive.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a completed Bachelor’s degree and not already possess a Master’s or PhD degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (born in 1990 or later).
- Be a citizen or refugee from an African country, especially Sub-Saharan nations.
- Be academically qualified for one of UBC’s eligible master’s programs, including degrees in Food Science, Forestry, Data Science, and Land & Water Systems.
- Meet UBC’s minimum academic requirements, and if your previous education was not in English, provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Additionally, applicants should demonstrate academic excellence despite adversity, leadership potential, community commitment, and a desire to return to Africa post-graduation to drive change.
What’s Covered?
This is a fully funded scholarship that offers:
- Tuition and books
- Flights and immigration support
- Room and board
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Career guidance and services
- Access to a global alumni network
- A Social Entrepreneurship Fund for launching ventures back home.
To Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide
1. Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your interest by September 12, 2025 via the General Stream (or Refugees Only Stream, as applicable).
2. Invitation to Apply (Round 1)
Qualified candidates will receive an email between September 15–October 15, 2025 inviting them to submit the full application.
Your application must include:
- A completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars application form.
- A CV or resume.
- Two reference letters (on official letterhead).
- Academic transcripts.
3. UBC Faculty Application (Round 2)
By November 26, 2025, invited candidates must apply to their chosen graduate program at UBC. Fee waivers may apply for eligible candidates from least-developed countries.
4. Interviews (Round 3)
Successful applicants are contacted for interviews during December–January.
5. Offers (Round 4)
Final offers are issued in February, welcoming selected scholars to the Winter term.
What Makes This Program Unique?
- Community-Engaged Learning – UBC’s Scholar journey is grounded in experiential learning through partnerships with local and African communities, strengthening real-world impact.
- Holistic Support – Scholars benefit from tailored academic guidance, GradStart orientation, wellness initiatives, and tools to build leadership and personal agency.
- Entrepreneurial Focus – The Social Entrepreneurship Fund is designed for scholars eager to innovate and launch sustainable ventures back home.
- Global Alumni Network – Connect with leaders across disciplines and regions through a vibrant alumni community.
Timeline at a Glance
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Expression of Interest Open | August 30, 2025 |
| EOI Deadline | September 12, 2025 |
| Invitation to Apply | Sept 15 – Oct 15, 2025 |
| UBC Faculty Application | By November 26, 2025 |
| Interviews | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Offers Issued | February 2026 |
| Winter 2026 Term Begins | August 2026 (orientation) |
ALSO READ: Databricks Software Engineering Internship 2026 In Amsterdam: Build The Future Of Data & AI
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC opens doors for young African visionaries to pursue advanced degrees in key sustainability and technology fields—fully supported, academically rigorous, and deeply connected to community transformation.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the drive to make a difference, now is your moment. Start your application on August 30, 2025, and take the leap toward becoming a global changemaker.
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