The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of British Columbia (UBC) 2027 provides an opportunity for academically talented young people from Africa to pursue eligible master’s degree programmes in Canada with comprehensive financial and academic support.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is part of a partnership between the University of British Columbia and The Mastercard Foundation aimed at developing the next generation of African leaders.

The current phase of the programme focuses particularly on forestry, agriculture, water and land management, sustainable entrepreneurship and community-led development.

For the Winter 2027 intake, applications to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC are scheduled to open on August 31, 2026.

Interested applicants must first submit an expression of interest by September 6, 2026. Only candidates who progress through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars selection process will be invited to apply to their selected UBC faculty.

The scholarship is highly competitive and is intended for talented African applicants who demonstrate academic ability, leadership, community service, and the potential to contribute to development in their home countries.

What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UBC Cover?

The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support designed to remove many of the financial barriers associated with studying in Canada.

According to the official UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the scholarship package includes support for:

• Tuition and books
• Flights and immigration support
• Room and board
• Living expense stipends
• Health insurance
• Career services and support
• Academic and social support
• Personal development and wellbeing programmes
• Leadership development
• Access to the Mastercard Foundation global alumni network
• Social entrepreneurship opportunities for eligible scholars

The programme is therefore substantially broader than a scholarship that simply pays tuition. Scholars receive academic, financial, social and career-related support during their studies.

Who Can Apply for the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027?

The 2027 graduate scholarship is open to applicants who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

To be considered, you 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 master’s programmes participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC.
• Meet the minimum academic requirements for the master’s programme.
• Demonstrate academic merit.
• Show a record of transformative leadership and community service.
• Demonstrate potential to contribute to the development of your home country.

UBC states that applicants should have been born in 1990 or later for the Winter 2027 intake.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship UBC 2027 Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning the application, prospective applicants should make sure they satisfy both the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program requirements and the academic requirements of their selected UBC master’s programme.

1. You Must Be From Africa

The programme is intended for applicants who are citizens or refugees of an African country.

This means applicants from eligible African countries can be considered, provided they meet the remaining requirements.

2. You Must Have a Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate bachelor’s degree before they can be considered for the master’s scholarship.

Your academic background must also satisfy the minimum academic requirements of the master’s programme you intend to study.

3. You Must Not Already Have a Master’s Degree

The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is intended for applicants seeking their first master’s degree.

Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible for consideration under the stated graduate eligibility criteria.

4. You Must Meet the Age Requirement

Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.

For the 2027 intake, UBC specifies that eligible applicants should have been born in 1990 or later.

5. You Must Demonstrate Academic Merit

Strong academic performance is one of the factors considered during the selection process.

Applicants must also satisfy the minimum academic requirements for their chosen master’s programme.

6. You Must Demonstrate Leadership and Community Service

The programme is looking for more than academic achievement.

Selection also considers an applicant’s:

• Leadership experience
• Community involvement
• Service to others
• Potential to create positive change
• Commitment to their community and home country

UBC specifically lists academic merit, transformative leadership and service, application quality, and potential impact on the applicant’s home country among its selection criteria.

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Documents Required for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before the application period begins.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars application requires:

• Academic transcripts
• CV or résumé
• Two reference letters on official letterhead
• Personal statements
• Completed scholarship application form

Additional documents may be required when applying to the selected UBC faculty or master’s programme.

Applicants should therefore check the requirements of both the scholarship programme and their chosen academic programme.