Canadian University Launches Fully Funded Master's Scholarships for African Youth
Nairobi, 20 August 2026
Opening on 31 August 2026, the University of British Columbia’s fully funded scholarship scheme offers African students and refugees complete coverage of tuition, travel, and living expenses in Canada.
Comprehensive Financial Coverage and Scope
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program represents a massive global investment in higher education, operating as a ten-year, $500 million initiative across 14 or 15 premier partner institutions [2]. At the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, this partnership is projected to support 351 graduate students between 2024 and 2034 [1]. For the individual scholar, the funding package is exceptionally comprehensive, covering full tuition, accommodation, flights, immigration support, health insurance, living stipends, study expenses, and even providing a working laptop [1][2]. Beyond financial assistance, selected scholars receive robust academic, financial, and post-graduation career development support to ensure their long-term professional success [2].
Calculating the Educational Impact
To understand the distribution of this academic opportunity, the broader initiative at UBC aims to support 163 total scholars over its ten-year cycle, which includes 77 undergraduate and 35 master’s students [2]. This means master’s candidates represent approximately 21.472% of the total planned scholar cohort under this specific branch of the initiative [2]. This targeted allocation of resources ensures that highly qualified African graduates can access advanced specialised training without carrying any financial burden [1][2].
Strict Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for this competitive opportunity, applicants must be citizens or refugees of a Sub-Saharan African country [2] (or an African country generally [1][3][4]). Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree and must not already possess any prior Master’s or PhD degree [1][2][3][4]. Furthermore, applicants must require a Canadian study permit to enrol, meaning Canadian citizens and permanent residents are strictly ineligible [2]. The age limit is set at 35 years or younger at the time of application, meaning eligible candidates must have been born in 1988 or after [2] (with some program streams specifying 1990 or later [1][3][4]).
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship is strictly restricted to specific postgraduate programmes at UBC’s Vancouver campus [2]. Within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, eligible degrees include the Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) and the Master of Food Science (MFS) [1][2][3][4]. The Faculty of Forestry offers several eligible pathways, including the Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM), Master of International Forestry (MIF), Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL), Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM), and selected thesis-based Forestry Master’s programmes [1][2][3][4]. Additionally, students can apply for the Master of Data Science through the Faculty of Science [1][3][4]. Any programmes outside this designated list are ineligible for funding [3].
Step-by-Step Application Process and Deadlines
The application process is split into two distinct streams: the General Stream for non-refugees, and the Refugee and Displaced Persons Stream for refugee and displaced applicants [3]. The first essential step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which opens on 31 August 2026 and closes on 6 September 2026 [1][2][3][4]. Meeting this initial deadline is vital, as late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances [2]. Following the EOI phase, selected eligible candidates will receive emailed instructions and be invited to submit a full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application between 15 September 2026 and 30 September 2026 [1][2][3][4].
Faculty Applications and Final Timeline
Once the scholarship application is completed, candidates must submit a separate application to their chosen UBC Faculty between 1 November 2026 and 20 November 2026 [1][2][3][4]. The university will conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates between December 2026 and January 2027 [1]. Official scholarship offers are expected to be sent out to successful applicants between February and early March 2027, preparing them for their planned arrival in Vancouver in August 2027 [1].
Essential Documentation and Fraud Warnings
Applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of documents, including a completed application form, a detailed CV or résumé, academic transcripts, personal statements, and two reference letters written on official letterhead [1][4]. Candidates must also satisfy UBC’s rigorous academic and English proficiency standards, which may require submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores [3]. For candidates residing in and applying from one of the world’s 50 least developed countries, application fee waivers are available [2]. Finally, applicants are strongly warned that the Mastercard Foundation does not request any form of payment at any stage of the application; any request for money is entirely fraudulent and should be ignored [1].