About the opportunity
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) provides opportunities for talented students from Africa to pursue Master’s degrees in specific eligible programs. The program focuses on identifying transformative leaders with a strong track record of community service and the potential to create a positive impact on the development of their home countries.
Funding and benefits
- Full scholarship for the Master's degree program.
- Potential fee waiver for the UBC Faculty application fee for citizens and residents of the 50 least developed countries (or upon request).
Who can apply?
- Must have completed a Bachelor's degree.
- Must not already hold a Master's degree.
- Must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (born in 1990 or after).
- Must be a citizen or a refugee of an African country.
- Must be applying for one of the eligible Master's programs at UBC.
- Must meet the minimum academic requirements of the program of choice.
Required documents
- Completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form (including personal statements).
- CV/resume.
- Two reference letters on official letterhead (attached to the application).
- Transcripts.
- English Proficiency Exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) if the Bachelor's degree was not taught in English.
When to apply
- Applications for Winter 2027 intake open: August 31, 2026.
- Expression of Interest deadline: September 6, 2026.
- Invitation to apply to the Scholars Program: September 15 – 30, 2026.
- UBC Faculty application window: November 1 – 20, 2026.
How to apply
- Decide on an eligible program of interest from the list of programs in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Faculty of Forestry, or Faculty of Science.
- Submit an expression of interest via the appropriate stream (General Stream or Refugee and Displaced Persons Only Stream) by September 6, 2026.
- If eligible, applicants will be invited to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program between September 15 and September 30, 2026.
- Successful applicants from the first round will receive an email with instructions to apply to their respective UBC Faculty between November 1 and November 20, 2026.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Citizens or refugees of African countries who have completed a Bachelor's degree.
- Transformative leaders with a strong history of community service and a commitment to their home country's development.
- Students meeting the academic requirements for specific Master's programs in UBC's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Forestry, or Science.
What should you think carefully about?
- You must be 35 or younger at the time of application.
- The application process is multi-stage, starting with an Expression of Interest followed by a separate faculty application.
- Ensure your English proficiency meets the requirements if your previous degree was not taught in English.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is a powerful vehicle for pursuing advanced studies in Canada while maintaining a focus on creating positive impact in your home country. It is designed for scholars who view their Master's degree as a stepping stone to leadership and development work within their communities.
Our take
Ambitious African scholars with a track record of community service should apply. It is less suitable for those who already hold a Master's degree or those whose academic interests fall outside the specified faculties.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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