The University of Edinburgh has introduced a new scholarship initiative designed to assist students from Africa who demonstrate strong academic potential but face limited educational opportunities.

The Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship will provide part-time online Master’s scholarships for a duration of three years, as well as postgraduate Diploma scholarships for two years, specifically for individuals residing or working in Africa.

As reported by Scholarship Region, this initiative aims to attract young individuals who have encountered obstacles in their educational journeys. The university is dedicated to supporting those who are committed to their studies while balancing other responsibilities, such as employment or family obligations.

The Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship offers a chance for students to pursue advanced education without the need to relocate. Online learning allows participants to continue their professional careers while obtaining a degree within their local environment.

According to Scholarship Region, the scholarship fully covers tuition fees for the selected programs, enabling scholars to concentrate on their academic development.

Prospective candidates for the Master’s programs should hold an undergraduate degree and aspire to deepen their expertise in their chosen fields.

The university emphasizes that this program is specifically designed for students who have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming educational challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

Additional reports indicate that to be eligible for the Edinburgh Global Mastercard Online Scholarship, applicants must fulfill several requirements.

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants are required to possess a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, they must have completed their degree by September 2024 and submit the necessary documentation by December 8, 2024.

For candidates from Nigeria, the minimum requirement is a commendable Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university. Typically, a GPA of at least 3.5 out of 5.0, 60% or higher, or an upper second class degree or better is expected.

To learn more about the postgraduate entry requirements specific to your country, please refer to the Postgraduate entry requirements section.

2. Educational Challenges: Applicants must provide evidence of having faced significant obstacles in their educational pursuits, which may include social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related difficulties.

3. Demographic Preferences: Priority will be given to applicants who are under 35 years of age, possess refugee status, or have disabilities. The program strongly encourages applications from female scholars and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

4. Leadership and Community Engagement: A proven track record of leadership and community involvement is essential. Applicants should demonstrate their dedication to tackling urgent global challenges, such as climate change.

Application Procedure: Prospective students interested in the scholarship must first apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This initial application will assess eligibility for either the online Master’s program or the online Postgraduate Diploma.

Those who have already been accepted into a degree program should indicate this in their scholarship application.

It is important to note that the application window for the 2025/26 academic year will open on October 1, 2024, and will close on November 8, 2024.

The university advises candidates to prepare their documentation in advance to ensure they meet the deadline.

Support and Resources

The Edinburgh Global Mastercard Online Scholarship is set to provide supplementary resources aimed at enriching the educational journey of its recipients. Reports indicate that scholars will be granted an academic stipend to ensure access to high-quality internet and a laptop.

Additionally, scholars will have the chance to engage in in-person events and take part in the wider Scholars Program focused on climate leadership initiatives.

Moreover, the Scholarship Region has announced that a dedicated Online Coordinator will be available to assist students throughout their academic pursuits, with particular attention to those with disabilities, who will receive customized support tailored to their individual requirements.

For further details regarding the scholarship application process, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the university via email at mcfsp@ed.ac.uk.