Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) 2027 - a fully funded pathway for academically talented young Africans (and eligible refugees) to pursue selected professional master’s degrees at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
Building on its first phase, the programme aims to support 351 graduate Scholars between 2024 and 2034. The Winter 2027 intake focuses on forestry, agriculture, and water and land management as enablers of sustainable entrepreneurship and community-led development. Expression of Interest deadline: 6 September 2026. Faculty applications (for invited candidates): 1 - 20 November 2026.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC |
| University | University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) |
| Intake | Winter 2027 |
| Level | Selected professional master’s degrees only |
| Funding | Fully funded scholarship package (tuition + living/study supports) |
| Who | Citizens or refugees of an African country; age 35 or younger; bachelor’s completed; no prior master’s |
| Theme | Forestry, agriculture, water and land management |
| Applications open | 31 August 2026 |
| EOI deadline | 6 September 2026, 11:59 PM PDT |
| Scholarship invite window | 15 - 30 September 2026 |
| UBC faculty application | 1 - 20 November 2026 (late applications not considered) |
| Interviews / offers | Dec 2026 - Jan 2027 interviews; offers Feb - early March 2027 |
| Arrival | August 2027 (Vancouver) |
| Official apply page | Graduate Admissions - Apply Here |
Eligible Master’s Programmes (Winter 2027)
This scholarship is for the following programmes only:
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
Eligibility
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree
- Do not already hold a Master’s degree
- Be 35 or younger at application (born in 1990 or after)
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African country
- Apply to one of the eligible master’s programmes listed above
- Meet the programme’s minimum academic requirements (check UBC international credentials by country)
- If your bachelor’s was not taught in English, arrange TOEFL or IELTS as required by UBC
What Scholars Receive
- Access to a fully funded graduate pathway at UBC Vancouver
- Enriched educational experience with academic and social support
- Programming focused on wellbeing, personal development, leadership, and transitions to dignified employment
- Membership in a growing network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars (351 graduate Scholars projected for 2024 - 2034)
Always confirm the exact funding package components on the official Scholars Program site before applying.
How to Apply
- Choose an eligible programme from the list above and confirm you meet UBC academic (and English) requirements.
- Submit an Expression of Interest by 6 September 2026:
- General Stream EOI (all candidates except refugees)
- Refugee and Displaced Persons Stream EOI
- Round 1 (15 - 30 September 2026): If invited, complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application (form, personal statements, CV, two official-letterhead references attached, transcripts).
- Round 2 (1 - 20 November 2026): If successful, apply to your UBC faculty online. Late applications are not considered. Fee waivers may be available for UN least-developed countries (or by request as instructed).
- Interviews (Round 3) typically run December 2026 - January 2027; offers follow in February - early March 2027.
Graduate enquiries: scholars.admissions@ubc.ca
Selection Criteria
- Academic merit for admission to the chosen programme
- Track record as a transformative leader and community service
- Quality of application aligned with the programme theme
- Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country
Official Links
Apply steps - Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC
Expression of Interest - General Stream
Expression of Interest - Refugee / Displaced Persons Stream
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC - homepage
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- Browse all scholarships
FAQs - Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
When is the first deadline?
Submit your Expression of Interest by 6 September 2026, 11:59 PM PDT. Invited applicants then complete the Scholars application (15 - 30 September) and faculty application (by 20 November 2026).
Is it fully funded?
Yes. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC provides a fully funded graduate scholarship pathway with academic and wellbeing supports. Confirm package details on the official site.
Can I apply to any master’s programme?
No. Only the listed programmes in Land and Food Systems, Forestry, and Science (Master of Data Science) are eligible for Winter 2027.
Who is eligible?
African citizens or refugees, age 35 or younger, with a bachelor’s degree and no prior master’s, who meet UBC programme requirements.
Where do I apply?
Start on the official Graduate Admissions - Apply Here page and use the correct EOI Qualtrics form for your stream.
