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The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is now accepting applications for the Winter 2027 intake for eligible African students seeking to pursue a master’s degree in Canada. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition and books, flights and immigration support, room and board, living stipends, health insurance, career services, and access to the Mastercard Foundation alumni network.
If you are looking for a fully funded scholarship in Canada, a master’s scholarship for African students, or a UBC scholarship for international students, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is worth considering. UBC says the current phase of the program is expected to support 351 graduate students between 2024 and 2034.
The program supports graduate students in selected fields related to forestry, agriculture, food systems, land management, and data science. Applicants must meet both the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program requirements and the academic requirements of their chosen UBC graduate program.
WhatsApp ChannelUBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 Summary
| Host Country | Canada |
| Host University | The University of British Columbia (UBC) |
| Eligible Nationalities | African citizens and refugees |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Scholarship Duration | Varies by eligible master’s program |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Deadline | 6 September 2026 for Expression of Interest |
UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC provides financial and academic support to selected scholars.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition and books
- Flights and immigration support
- Room and board
- Living expense stipends
- Health insurance
- Career services and support
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation global alumni network
- Social Entrepreneurship Fund opportunities for eligible scholars
In addition to financial support, the program provides academic and social support, student wellbeing services, leadership development, and career transition support.
Also Check: La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship 2027 in Australia
Eligible Master’s Programs at UBC
The scholarship is available only for selected master’s programs.
Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
Faculty of Forestry
- 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/Master of Applied Science in Forestry, thesis-based
Faculty of Science
- Master of Data Science
Also Check: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 in UK
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Not already hold a master’s degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African country.
- Apply to one of the eligible master’s programs.
- Meet the minimum academic requirements for the selected program.
- Meet UBC’s English language requirements where applicable.
Applicants whose bachelor’s degree was not taught in English may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS results, depending on UBC’s requirements.
UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The Winter 2027 application process begins on August 31, 2026. Applicants must first submit an expression of interest by September 6, 2026. Eligible candidates will then be invited to submit a full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application between September 15 and September 30, 2026.
The next stage requires successful applicants to apply to their UBC faculty between November 1 and November 20, 2026. Late faculty applications will not be considered.
The selection timeline is:
- August 31, 2026: Expression of interest opens
- September 6, 2026: Expression of interest deadline
- September 15–30, 2026: Invited applicants submit scholarship applications
- November 1–20, 2026: Faculty application period
- December 2026–January 2027: Interviews
- February 2027: Selected scholars receive offers for the Winter term
How to Apply for the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Applicants should first select an eligible UBC master’s program and confirm that they meet the scholarship and academic requirements. They must then submit an expression of interest through the appropriate UBC form.
Applicants who are invited to continue will submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application, along with:
- Personal statements
- CV or resume
- Two reference letters on official letterhead
- Academic transcripts
Successful scholarship applicants will later receive instructions for submitting the UBC faculty application.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is designed for academically qualified young people from Africa who want to pursue graduate education in Canada while developing skills for leadership, employment, entrepreneurship, and community development.
