Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of British Columbia 2026

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is pleased to be partnering with The Mastercard Foundation to foster the next generation of African leaders. After supporting over 171 Mastercard Foundation Scholars in its first phase, The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC will provide 351 academically talented young people from Africa with access to quality and relevant university education at UBC. After graduating, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars will then utilize their learning and experiences to contribute to the economic growth and social transformation of their communities in Africa.

Building on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC’s learnings and success, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in the next 10 years, (2024 to 2034) is projected to support 351 graduate students in seven professional master’s degree programs. Mastercard Foundation Scholars will be provided with transformative learning through enriched educational experiences and a full range of programming that includes academic and social support, focus on student wellbeing, personal development, leadership, and transitions to dignified and fulfilling employment.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineSeptember 12, 2025
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorUniversity of British Columbia
• City to studyVancouver
• School to studyUniversity of British Columbia
• Course to studyApplied Science , Data Science , Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry , Forestry , Science , Food and Resource Economics , Land and Water Systems , Sustainable Forest Management , International Forestry , Geomatics for Environmental Management

Benefits

• Tuition & Books
• Flights & Immigration support
• Room and Board
• Stipends for living expenses
• Health Insurance
• Career services & Support
• Access to a global Mastercard Foundation alumni network
• **Social Entrepreneurship Fund (Initiative for scholars who are enterprising and want to start a venture back on the continent)

Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Masters’ Degree Program at UBC, the applicant must:

• have completed a Bachelor’s degree;
• not already have a Master’s degree;
• be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (i.e. born in 1990 or after);
• be a citizen or a refugee of an African country;
• be applying for a Master’s degree in one of the eligible programs listed below;
• meet the minimum academic requirements of the program they are applying to.
  • Consult the link below identifying the Minimum Academic Requirements/International Credentials for Graduate Students, listed by country to determine your academic eligibility for the degree program and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
  • If your Bachelor’s degree was not taught in English, make arrangements to take an English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS) and have the results sent to UBC. Please visit this website to confirm whether you meet UBC’s English requirement.

Selection Process

The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:

• Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admissions to the program of choice
• Track record as a transformative leader and service within their community.
• Quality of application in line with the Program theme.
• Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.

Timeline:
August 30 - Expression of interest opens
Invitation to apply - September 15 - October 15
November - Successful applicants invited to apply to faculty
December - January - Candidates called for interview
February - Scholars receive offer for winter term
August - Scholars are welcomed to School for the winter term

 

Application Documents

Your fully completed application should include (all in one application form online):

1. Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form. 
   Note: for the personal statements, succinctly answer each question.
2. Submit a CV/resume. 
3. Provide two reference letters on official letterhead. Attach these to the application. DO NOT email them 
4. Transcripts. 

Application Deadline

September 12, 2025

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to University of British Columbia on mastercardfdn.scholars.ubc.ca to apply

For more details, visit UBC Scholarship webpage