Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28 | Fully Funded Master’s

The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28 is open for eligible African applicants seeking a fully funded, one-year master’s degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers core study and relocation costs, but there is no single programme-wide closing date: applicants must submit a complete course application by the funding deadline shown for their chosen eligible course.

What does the scholarship cover?

Cambridge describes this as a fully funded scholarship. The current programme information confirms support for:

• University course fees
• A maintenance or living allowance
• Travel to and from the United Kingdom
• Visa costs
• The UK Immigration Health Surcharge

Any benefit not specifically stated on the current official pages should be treated as not listed. Applicants should rely on the final award letter for the precise value and payment schedule.

Who is eligible?

The programme’s current eligibility page says applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Meet the academic entry requirements of the chosen Cambridge course
• Be a citizen of an African country
• Be ordinarily resident in Africa, except where a temporary absence is connected to study or work
• Apply for an eligible one-year, full-time master’s course for 2027/28 entry

Nationality, residence and course conditions are central to eligibility. The programme does not publish a universal minimum English-test score because Cambridge language requirements depend on the selected course.

English-language requirements

There is no single IELTS or TOEFL score for this scholarship. Applicants must meet the English-language requirement shown on their chosen course page. Cambridge requires the application itself and supporting material to be completed in English and Latin script. If proof of English is required, the accepted test and minimum scores are course-specific.

Required documents

The Mastercard Foundation programme does not list one uniform document checklist for every master’s course. Cambridge requires a complete postgraduate application, uploaded supporting documents and references by the relevant deadline. The exact documents—such as transcripts, CV, written statements or other course-specific material—must be checked on the chosen course page before submission.

How to apply

1. Choose an eligible course. Search Cambridge’s Postgraduate Course Directory and confirm that it is a one-year, full-time master’s course eligible for this programme.
2. Check the funding deadline. Use the date displayed on that course’s “Apply” or “Finance” page. The earlier applicable deadline controls.
3. Start the course application. Click “Apply Now” on the course profile and create or sign in to the Cambridge Applicant Portal.
4. Complete the application. Fill every section, upload the documents required by the course and arrange for referees to submit their references.
5. Request funding consideration. Complete the funding section of the portal and provide any additional Mastercard Foundation information presented to eligible applicants.
6. Handle the application fee. Pay any Cambridge course-application fee that applies, unless Cambridge confirms that you qualify for a fee waiver. No separate scholarship fee is listed.
7. Submit on time. The application, documents and references must be complete by 23:59 GMT on the applicable course funding deadline.

Important dates

• Applications announced open: 11 September 2026
• Main Cambridge funding deadline 1: 8 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT
• Main Cambridge funding deadline 2: 6 January 2027 at 23:59 GMT
• Your controlling deadline: the funding deadline displayed for your chosen course, or any earlier applicable course deadline
• Expected course start: October 2027 for the 2027/28 academic year

Selection notes

Admission to Cambridge and scholarship consideration are competitive. Applicants must satisfy their course’s academic requirements and the programme’s nationality, residence and degree conditions. A programme-wide interview timetable, number of awards and guaranteed decision date are not listed on the current official application pages.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. Cambridge describes the programme as fully funded and lists course fees, a living allowance, travel, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge support.

Can applicants from any country apply?

No. The programme is for eligible citizens of African countries who meet its residence and academic conditions.

Is there one deadline for all applicants?

No. The applicable funding deadline depends on the chosen course. Cambridge’s main 2027/28 funding deadlines are 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027, both at 23:59 GMT, but applicants must follow their course page.

Is IELTS compulsory?

No single English test or score is listed for the scholarship. English-language evidence and minimum scores depend on the chosen Cambridge course.

Is there a separate scholarship fee?

No separate Mastercard Foundation scholarship fee is listed. A Cambridge postgraduate application fee may apply unless the applicant qualifies for an official fee waiver.

Official sources

• 2027/28 applications-open announcement
• Official eligibility page
• Official step-by-step application guide
• Official funding and benefits page
• Cambridge postgraduate funding deadlines
• Cambridge postgraduate application instructions

Related opportunities

• Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027–2028
• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28
• UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Verification disclaimer: ScholarshipHubNow checked this guide against current official University of Cambridge and Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program pages on 14 September 2026. Programme terms and course availability can change. The official course page and Applicant Portal remain authoritative.