Study in Canada: University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of British Columbia is one of the best fully funded master’s scholarships in Canada for high-achieving young Africans.
This is a collaboration between the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Mastercard Foundation that aims to train the next generation of African leaders through access to world-class education, leadership development, and career support.
Building on the success of its first phase, which supported more than 171 African scholars, the expanded initiative will enable 351 exceptional students from Africa to pursue qualified master’s degrees at UBC. Scholars also benefit from mentorship, leadership development, entrepreneurship possibilities, and access to a global alumni network that enables them to have a sustainable social and economic impact across Africa.
If you are an African student seeking a fully financed master’s scholarship in Canada for 2027, this guide is for you. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the eligibility standards, suitable programmes, the benefits of the scholarship, and how to apply.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of British Columbia is a fully funded graduate scholarship that aims to provide talented young Africans with the education, leadership skills, and practical experience necessary to contribute to the development of their communities and countries.
This programme is different from many scholarships in that it combines academic distinction with leadership development, mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and community engagement. Students are encouraged to use the knowledge they have gained to come up with innovative solutions that can promote sustainable economic growth across Africa after graduation.
University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Eligible Master’s Programs
Land and Food Systems Faculty
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
Forestry Faculty
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- Master of Science in Forestry (Thesis-Based)
- Master of Applied Science in Forestry (Thesis-Based)
Science Faculty
- Master of Data Science
Requirements for the University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Not hold a master’s degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African nation.
- Apply to one of the qualifying UBC master’s programmes.
- Meet the minimum academic criteria for admission to the programme you choose.
- If you are applying without a bachelor’s degree in English, you must provide authentic English language exam results.
- Applicants must also meet the country-specific graduate entrance standards of UBC in addition to the scholarship requirements.
Benefits of the University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Full tuition fees.
- Books and learning material
- Flights from Africa to Canada and back
- Visa and Immigration Support
- Accommodation (room & board)
- Monthly living allowances
- All-inclusive health insurance
- Career service development
- Leadership and mentoring opportunities
- Access to the Global Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network
How to Apply for the University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme?
1. Firstly, Submit an Expression of Interest
Applications for an Expression of Interest open on 31 August.
2. Secondly, Get an Invitation to Apply
- Selected applicants are invited to fill out the entire scholarship application.
3. Thirdly, Submit to Your University of British Columbia Faculty
- Successful candidates will then apply for admission to the University of British Columbia’s faculty, indicating their preferred master’s programme.
4. Additionally, Conducting Interviews
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to interview in December and early January.
5. Lastly, Get Your Scholarship Offer
- Final scholarship offers are made between February and early March, and the scholars arrive in Vancouver in August for the winter academic session.
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