Fully Funded 2025 MasterCard Scholarship in Canada at the University of British Columbia

Applications are now open for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Fall 2025 intake) at the University of British Columbia, offering fully funded Master’s degree opportunities for students from Sub-Saharan Africa.

About the Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation partners with visionary organizations to empower young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada, providing access to dignified work and leadership opportunities. Their goal is a world where youth are thriving and driving transformative change.

Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, launched in 2012, over 45,000 African youth have been supported in pursuing secondary and higher education. The program addresses barriers in education, strengthens capacity, fosters innovation, and connects stakeholders to amplify impact.

By working with young people, universities, and NGOs, the Foundation aims to create inclusive education and smooth transitions into fulfilling careers, shaping a future where everyone can learn and succeed.

This scholarship is for the following programs ONLY

Faculty of Land and Food Systems

• Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
• Master of Food Science (MFS)
• Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)

Faculty of Forestry

• Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
• Master of International Forestry (MIF)
• Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
• Master of Science/Master of Applied Science in Forestry (Thesis-based)

Faculty of Science

• Master of Data Science

About the School

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.

UBC embraces innovation and transforms ideas into action. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world.

Study Programme: Postgraduate

Eligible Countries: International Students

Country Host: Canada

Scholarship Reward: Stipend, Accommodation, Travel expenses, Tuition

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Have completed a Bachelor’s degree;
• Not already have a Master’s degree;
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (i.e. born in 1989 or after);
• Be a citizen or a refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country (listed here);
• Be applying for a Master’s degree in one of the eligible programs

Benefits of the Scholarship

• Tuition & Books
• Flights & Immigration support
• Room and Board
• Stipends for living expenses
• Health Insurance
• Career 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)

Selection Criteria

• Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admission to the program of choice
• Track record as a transformative leader and service within their community.
• Quality of application in line with the Program theme.
• Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
• Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).

Required Documents

Your fully completed application should include (all in one application form online):

1. Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form.
2. Submit the Personal Statements. The essay format is not acceptable:
3. Submit a CV/resume.
4. Provide two reference letters on official letterhead.
5. Transcripts.

Application Process

Interested candidates should kindly CLICK HERE to visit the official website

Application status: Closed