Applications for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia are now available. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is happy to collaborate with The Mastercard Foundation to develop 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 bright young people from Sub-Saharan Africa with access to a high-quality, relevant university education. After graduation, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars will apply what they’ve learnt and experienced to help their communities in Africa flourish economically and socially.
Apply to be part of the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to driving change via sustainable leadership and community-led development. We empower youth.
Apply to be part of the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to driving change via sustainable leadership and community-led development. We empower young people in four major ways:
- Access & Thrive: Enable young people, particularly women, refugees, internally displaced people, and people with disabilities, to gain access to high-quality education while receiving intentional and tailored wrap-around support, empowering them to become transformative leaders driving inclusive and socioeconomic change in Africa.
- Community-Engaged Learning: UBC is committed to developing an experiential education that will allow students to apply their knowledge to assist address major social and environmental challenges in conjunction with a variety of community partners and stakeholders. This progressive learning journey allows students to align with community goals. Phase 2 will expand its existing network with African partners to help Mastercard Foundation Scholars make a meaningful transition into their jobs.
- Dignified & Fulfilling Work: Our scholars benefit from academic and social support programs such as GradStart, faculty-focused orientation, degree program specific orientations, and programs focused on student wellbeing and personal development.
- Agency & Voice: Mastercard Foundation Scholars are provided opportunities in a variety of hands-on learning experiences and enriched  educational training to develop their skills, mindsets, agency, and voice that will enable them to transition to meaningful employment and/or entrepreneurship.
Requirements:
To be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Masters’ Degree Program at UBC, the applicant must:
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree.
- Not already hold a graduate or doctoral degree.
- Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.
- Be a citizen or refugee from a sub-Saharan African country.
- Have spent a major portion of their life in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Economically disadvantaged financial situation.
- Have achieved academic achievement under tough circumstances.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities or potential.
- Show an interest in and commitment to give back to their local community.
- Be someone who needs a Canadian study permit to study in Canada.
- Not be someone who has claimed or will claim asylum or protected person status after landing in Canada.
- Commit to returning to Africa to use their expertise and abilities for the benefit of others.
Benefits
- Tuition & BooksFlights & Immigration support
- Room and BoardStipends for living expenses
- Health InsuranceCareer 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)
Method of Application
Steps to Apply
Step One: Assess Your Eligibility
- Decide your Program(s) of Interest from the provided list.
- Consult the Minimum Academic Requirements/International Credentials for Graduate Students, listed by country, to determine your academic eligibility.
- Consult the program website to ensure you possess the appropriate background experience.
Step Two: Additional Tests
- If your Bachelor’s degree was not taught in English, make arrangements to take an English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS).
Step Three: MCFSP Application Package
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application by October 31st, 2024.
- Submit the package electronically in a single PDF document via email to mcfsp.admissions@ubc.ca.
Step Four: UBC Faculty Applications
- Apply online as instructed upon completing the MCFSP Application.
- Review faculty application instructions and eligibility for fee waivers.
