Cambridge Scholarships for Africans 2027: Apply for Mastercard & Gates Cambridge Funding

Applications are officially open for the Cambridge scholarships for Africans 2027 intake. Through the University of Cambridge postgraduate application portal, eligible African students can apply simultaneously for two premier fully funded awards: the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

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Funding Pathways in Cambridge Scholarships for Africans 2027

Both scholarships cover full postgraduate costs and are applied for directly within the single Cambridge course application:

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• Target Audience: Strictly reserved for African citizens living in Africa.

• Eligible Degrees: Full-time Master’s programs across all disciplines (excludes MBA, Master of Finance, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Corporate Law).

2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

• Target Audience: Open to outstanding applicants from any country outside the UK.

• Eligible Degrees: Full-time Master’s degrees and PhD programs across all departments.

Key Eligibility & Requirements

• Academic Qualification: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) honors degree.

• Nationality & Residency:

  • Mastercard Foundation: Must be a citizen of and currently reside in an African country.

  • Gates Cambridge: Must be a citizen of any non-UK country.

• Leadership & Impact: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding intellectual capacity, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to giving back to their home communities.

• Mode of Study: Applies exclusively to full-time study. (Part-time courses do not qualify).

Financial Benefits & Scholarship Value

• Gates Cambridge Award: Full coverage of University Composition Fees, a monthly maintenance allowance (£23,152 for 12 months), roundtrip economy airfare, visa fees, and the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge.

• Mastercard Foundation Award: Full funding package covering tuition fees, accommodation, living stipends, travel, and health insurance.

How to Apply

1. Apply via Course Portal: Start the main Cambridge course application, navigate to the “Funding” section, and tick the boxes for Mastercard Foundation and Gates Cambridge.

2. Application Fee Waiver: If your country requires an application fee and you need financial assistance, submit the Cambridge Fee Waiver Form before 18 November 2026.

3. Submit Personal Statements: Write and submit the dedicated scholarship essays demonstrating your leadership record and career plans.

Deadline

• Course Funding Deadlines: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 (depending on the specific department/course; work to the earlier date where applicable).