Location: Canada
Program: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD Degree)
Eligibility: African countries
Duration: Same with course
Deadline: October 15, 2026
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP & GET UPDATES ON SCHOLARSHIPS WORLDWIDE
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is one of the most comprehensive and transformative fully funded graduate scholarship programmes available to young Africans anywhere in the world, designed to enable the next generation of African leaders to access world-class graduate education at one of Canada’s and the world’s leading research universities, with a clear mandate to return to Africa and drive inclusive socio-economic change in their communities and countries. The scholarship is fully comprehensive, covering tuition fees, books, flights and immigration support, room and board, monthly stipends for living expenses, health insurance, and career services support, as well as access to a global Mastercard Foundation alumni network and a Social Entrepreneurship Fund for scholars who wish to start a venture on the African continent.
The University of British Columbia is one of the world’s great research universities, consistently ranked among the top 40 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings and home to over 70,000 students from more than 160 countries across its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. As one of Canada’s most internationally diverse and research-intensive institutions, UBC offers Mastercard Foundation Scholars access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant and globally connected academic community in one of the world’s most beautiful and liveable cities. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is co-funded by the Mastercard Foundation and UBC, reflecting both institutions’ shared commitment to transformative leadership development, African advancement, and the belief that exceptional young Africans with the opportunity and support to access a world-class education will go on to change their communities, countries, and continent.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This scholarship will provide the following to its recipients:
- Full tuition fees and books for the entire duration of the graduate programme
- International flights and immigration support to and from Canada
- Room and board throughout the programme
- Monthly stipends for living expenses
- Full health insurance coverage
- Career services and professional development support
- Access to the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni network
- Social Entrepreneurship Fund for scholars who wish to start a venture in Africa
- Other benefits
Also Check:
2026 Scottish Power Masters Scholarship – United Kingdom
2026 University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) – University of Manitoba, Canada
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following:
- Must be a citizen of an African country and committed to returning to Africa after completing their studies to contribute to the development of their community and continent
- Priority is given to women, refugees, internally displaced people, and persons with disabilities
- Must demonstrate excellent academic performance and the potential to succeed in a competitive graduate programme at UBC
- Must demonstrate transformative leadership potential and a clear vision for how their graduate education will enable them to drive inclusive and socio-economic change in Africa
- Must be applying for or intending to apply for a graduate degree programme (Master’s or PhD) at UBC Vancouver Campus
- Must complete an Expression of Interest through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC from August 30, 2026; candidates invited to apply in Round 1 (September 15 to October 15, 2026) must submit a full application to the program before proceeding to Round 2 faculty applications
- Must be willing to attend interviews in Round 3 (December 2026 to January 2027) if shortlisted as a successful candidate
- Scholars must commit to the programme’s ethos of giving back, community-engaged learning, and active participation in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at UBC
Note: Kindly check the official webpage for full and detailed requirements
Also Check
2026 International Creative Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship – Massey University, New Zealand
Selection Criteria
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC selection process is highly competitive and conducted in three rounds, assessing each candidate on academic excellence, demonstrated transformative leadership potential, and commitment to giving back to Africa. Academic performance is fundamental, with the committee reviewing academic records and transcripts to confirm the candidate’s readiness for graduate-level study at UBC, and strong candidates are those who combine excellent academic achievement with a compelling and clearly articulated vision for how their graduate education will enable them to address critical social, economic, or environmental challenges in Africa, supported by evidence of past leadership, community engagement, and impact.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to visit the official webpage and submit your application.
