Nigeria

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh supports exceptional young African leaders who have faced significant social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related barriers to education. The scholarship covers both on-campus postgraduate study in Edinburgh and online postgraduate study, and every scholar also takes part in a dedicated Climate Leadership Programme.

This is a fully funded opportunity — no tuition, travel, or living cost barriers stand between you and a postgraduate qualification at a world-leading university. The Program especially encourages applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

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👉 Apply: Click 'Go to Opportunity' to attend the mandatory information session and begin your application before 19 November 2026.

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### **What You'll Do**

* Attend a mandatory information session (15–24 September 2026) to learn about eligibility and the application process
* Complete the Applicant Declaration Form by 19 October 2026
* Submit your full Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application by 19 November 2026
* Take part in interviews (on-campus applicants from February 2027; online applicants from mid-February 2027)
* Participate in the Climate Leadership Programme alongside your degree studies

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### **What You'll Gain**

* Full funding for a postgraduate degree or diploma at the University of Edinburgh
* Participation in a structured Climate Leadership Programme
* Membership in a global community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars, past and present
* Support through the admission and immigration process
* A strong academic and leadership network across Africa and the UK

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### **Who Should Apply**

* Residents, citizens, or refugee status holders in an African country (Nigeria included)
* Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education or in their early career
* Holders of the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor's degree or higher
* Applicants aged 35 or under (born on or after 1 January 1992 for the 2027/28 intake)
* Applicants with a track record of community leadership and service, and interest or experience in addressing the climate crisis
* Master's applicants: must not already hold a postgraduate degree or be enrolled elsewhere during the scholarship

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### ⚠️ **Important Application Information**

* Mandatory information session: 15–24 September 2026 (required first step)
* Applicant Declaration Form deadline: 19 October 2026, 5pm UK time (may close earlier if capacity is reached)
* Final application deadline: 19 November 2026, 5pm UK time
* Location: On-campus study in Edinburgh, Scotland, or online study from anywhere in Africa
* Degree certificate and official final transcript must be uploaded by 19 November 2026
* Academic programme begins September 2027

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### **Skills You'll Develop**

* Postgraduate academic research and writing
* Climate leadership and sustainability thinking
* Community leadership and service delivery
* Cross-cultural collaboration
* Interview and self-presentation skills
* Scholarship and grant application skills
* Long-term academic and career planning
* Global professional networking

English

Basic Research

Basic Writing

Career Development

Climate Analysis

Climate Resilience

Community Advocacy

Community Development

Fully funded Master's or Postgraduate Diploma in Scotland for African youth who've overcome barriers to education.

Fully Funded: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at University of Edinburgh