Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC Opens Applications for 2027–2028
Academically talented young people from Africa can now submit an Expression of Interest for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) for the Winter 2027 intake.
The programme supports young African scholars pursuing selected master’s degree programmes at UBC in Canada, with a focus on developing transformative leaders who can contribute to sustainable development and positive change across Africa.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Selected Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive support during their studies, including:
- Tuition and books
- Flights and immigration support
- Accommodation and meals
- Living expense stipends
- Health insurance
- Career services and support
- Academic and social support programmes
- Access to the global Mastercard Foundation alumni network
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship through the Social Entrepreneurship Fund
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree
- Not already hold a Master’s degree
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African country
- Apply for one of the eligible master’s programmes
- Meet the academic requirements for their chosen programme
Applicants whose Bachelor’s degree was not taught in English may also need to meet UBC’s English-language requirements.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship is available for selected programmes in three faculties:
Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Master of Food and Resource Economics
- Master of Food Science
Faculty of Forestry
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management
- Master of International Forestry
- Master of Urban Forestry Leadership
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management
- Master of Science/Master of Applied Science in Forestry (thesis-based)
Faculty of Science
- Master of Data Science
How to Apply
The application process begins with an Expression of Interest.
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
Review the eligible master’s programmes and determine which programme aligns with your academic background and future goals.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest
Eligible applicants must submit their Expression of Interest through the appropriate UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application stream.
📅 Deadline: 6 September 2026
Applicants who meet the initial eligibility requirements may then be invited to submit a full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application between 15 and 30 September 2026.
Step 3: Prepare for the Full Application
Invited applicants will be required to submit documents including:
- A completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application
- CV or résumé
- Two reference letters on official letterhead
- Academic transcripts
Successful applicants will later receive instructions on applying to their UBC faculty during the next stage of the process.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is designed to provide more than academic funding. It combines university education with leadership development, community-engaged learning, student wellbeing support and preparation for meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.
UBC says the programme’s next phase aims to support 351 graduate students, helping talented young Africans gain advanced education and use their knowledge and experiences to contribute to the economic growth and social transformation of their communities.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and submit their Expression of Interest before 6 September 2026.
Official Application Information
Apply through the official UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page
Graduate admissions enquiries: scholars.admissions@ubc.ca
