Study at one of the best universities in the world Great news! Applications are now being accepted for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship for the 2026 school year. This post will go into great detail regarding this well-known scholarship, its benefits, and how to apply for it step by step

The 2026 University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship is a fully funded, life-changing chance for smart African students who show great academic ability and leadership potential. This scholarship pays for all of the student's tuition, living expenses, and full support for their master's studies at the University of Cambridge It gives African academics a chance to become change-makers in their communities 

Fully Funded 2026 University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship in the UK

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is a breakthrough partnership that aims to create a new generation of African leaders who will bring about social and economic change across the continent. 

This all-encompassing program gives chosen scholars not only a top-notch education, but also chances to improve their leadership skills, get advice from mentors, and make connections that go beyond their academic pursuits. The program is aimed at students who have experienced major obstacles to getting an education and who are committed to going back to Africa to help with long-term development

The Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cambridge, which is continuously recognized as one of the best colleges in the world, are working together to fix the fact that there have not been enough African students in elite universities in the past. The program's main goal is to find outstanding talent from all around Africa and give them full support that helps them with both academic and non-academic problems. In addition to financial help, students get personalized leadership training, career growth, and a vibrant community of like-minded people who want to make a difference in Africa 

What are the benefits of the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship? It is a chance to get a world-class education and be part of a pan-African network of researchers and leaders who are determined to making a difference in the world. The program's holistic approach makes sure that scholars not only become great students, but also gain the leadership skills, connections, and real-world experience they need to make a real difference in their own communities and across Africa

Summary of the Scholarship

• Level of Study: Master's
• Donor: Mastercard Foundation; Institution: University of Cambridge
• Study in: UK
• All African countries are eligible
• Courses Offered: All master's programs at Cambridge Click here to check courses 
• Program Period: Length of the degree program
• Number of Awards: Several scholarships available
• Deadline:
  • Course-specific deadlines from December 2025 to January 2026

Coverage for Scholarships

The University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship gives its winners a full set of benefits, including

• Full Tuition Fees: Covers all college and university fees
• Living Stipend: A generous stipend for living and housing costs
• Travel Costs: Round-trip travel from your native country to the UK
• Visa and Health Surcharge: Covers the costs of getting a visa and getting medical treatment
• Research Funding: Money for fieldwork, conferences, and academic resources
• Leadership Programming: Access to special activities for developing leadership skills
• Mentorship: Getting paired with academic and professional mentors
• Internship Support: Money for professional internships and placements
• Getting involved in the community: chances to work on real community projects
• Alumni Network: You can use the Mastercard Foundation Scholars network for life

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Requirements for the Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship

To be able to get the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship, applicants must complete the following requirements

• Languages Needed: English
• Countries that can apply: All African countries You must be a citizen of an African country and show that you are a great student and have the capacity to be a leader
• Must indicate a willingness to go back to Africa after school and help with development
• Must have faced major obstacles to getting an education or finding work
• For graduate programs: Must complete all academic requirements for the Cambridge program of choiceClick here to check eligibility 
• Must show that they require money and can't pay for their own schooling
• Must provide proof of community involvement and leadership experience
• Must believe in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program's ideals and goals

Fields of Study You Can Choose From

1. Graduate Programs
   • MPhil in a number of fields
   • MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School
   • MSt in Sustainability Leadership
   • PhD programs in all faculties
   • Master of Law (LLM) and Master of Finance
2. Areas of Importance
   • STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, and math)
   • public policy and governance
   • business and entrepreneurship
   • sustainable development
   • education and healthcare

How can you apply for the Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship?

To apply for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship, please follow these steps

1. Check to see whether you qualify and get your papers ready
   • Make sure you meet all the requirements
   • Make copies of academic records and certifications
   • Update your resume or CV to show off your leadership skills
   • Choose two academic referees
   • Write a strong personal statement

2. Send in your application to the University of Cambridge

   For postgraduate applicants: Submit your application through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal, meet specific course deadlines (usually December to January), and upload all required academic documents

3. Fill out the application for the Mastercard Scholarship
   • Go to theMastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application
   • Fill out the unique scholarship application form
   • Send in the necessary papers:
     • Personal statement (focused on leadership and dedication to Africa)
     • Financial information and needs assessment
     • Community engagement portfolio
     • Leadership experience documentation
4. Send in the documents that support your claim
   • Academic transcripts and certifications
   • Two letters of recommendation
   • Proof of citizenship and residency
   • Scores on the English language proficiency test
   • Proposal for research (for research degrees)
   • Writing samples (if the department needs them)
5. The Interview Process
   • Candidates who made the short list were asked to come in for interviews
   • Interviews are usually done online
   • Could have questions about both schoolwork and values
   • Chance to talk on how you see Africa's future
6. Choosing and starting work
   • Candidates who are chosen get an offer from both the Cambridge and Mastercard Foundation
   • Finish your pre-departure orientation
   • Go to the Scholars Program induction
   • Start the visa application process with help from the program

How to Choose and What to Look For

There is a lot of competition for the selection process, which is based on:

• Academic Excellence (30%): A great academic record and potential
• Leadership Potential (25%): Evidence of leadership and initiative
• Commitment to Africa (25%): A clear plan for helping Africa grow
• Overcoming Barriers (10%): Evidence of overcoming big problems
• Performance in the Interview (10%): how well you communicate and how well you fit with the program's ideals 21

Parts of the Program and Their Benefits

1. Help with schoolwork
   • One-on-one academic mentorship
   • Help with writing and research
   • Workshops on study techniques
   • Access to learning materials
2. Developing Leaders
   • Workshops and retreats for leaders
   • Mentoring from African leaders
   • Training in public speaking
   • Skills in project management
3. Building a community
   • Making connections with other scholars in Cambridge
   • Networking with Mastercard Scholars at other schools
   • Getting involved with alumni and mentoring them
   • Attending networking events in your area and on the continent
4. Growth in your career
   • Internships with top companies
   • Help with career counseling and job placement
   • Workshops on professional skills
   • Training and support for starting a business

Important Tips for Applying

1. Get started early—start getting ready 12 to 18 months before the due date
2. Show real leadership by giving real examples and showing how they affect people
3. Clearly explain how you plan to help Africa grow
4. Use specific instances and show how you have overcome obstacles to show your strength
5. Get good references from people who know your work well
6. Look into Cambridge's specific programs and make sure your application fits
7. Get ready for interviews by practicing how to talk about your vision for Africa

Important Dates and Timeline

• The application cycle starts in September 2025
• Postgraduate application dates are from December 2025 to January 2026
• February to March 2026: Time for interviews
• April 2026: The winners of the scholarships will be announced
• July and August 2026: Orientation before leaving
• The academic program starts in October 2026 21

Effect and Success of Alumni

In the past, Mastercard Scholars have:

• Started social businesses all throughout Africa
• Took on leadership roles in government and non-profits
• Made healthcare and education better via innovation
• Helped make and carry out policies
• Set up programs to help future students become mentors

Follow our YouTube channel for a step-by-step guide to the application process

Website

For further details on the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship, go to the official websites:

The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programhttps://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/ 

Getting into the University of Cambridge as an undergraduate https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how

Graduate Admissions at the University of Cambridge https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply

For questions about specific scholarships, email mastercardfoundation@admin.cam.ac.uk

Please note that the deadlines for applications and the requirements may vary Always check the official University of Cambridge channels for the most up-to-date information The scholarship competition is really tough since it is looking for future leaders who will bring about big changes in Africa