African students and young professionals seeking fully funded opportunities abroad can apply for several scholarship programmes currently open or scheduled to open in September and October 2026.
Here are some of the latest opportunities available to eligible Africans.
1. Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/2028
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University in the United States is offering 30 fully funded graduate opportunities for young African professionals for the 2027/2028 academic year.
The scholarship covers full tuition and fees, on-campus accommodation, books, visa expenses, airfare and medical expenses. Scholars will also receive leadership development, academic support and a two-month internship.
Eligible programmes include Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, Robotics, Clean Energy Systems, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Global Technology and Development, among others.
Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Deadline: September 27, 2026.
Apply here: “Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/0)
2. University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme 2027
The University of Cape Town in South Africa has opened applications for its 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme for young African leaders.
The programme offers scholarship opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is designed for academically strong young Africans who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change.
Undergraduate applications close on September 30, 2026, while postgraduate applications close on October 31, 2026.
Apply here: “University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarship” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/1)
3. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/2028
The University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom is offering Mastercard Foundation scholarships for African students seeking postgraduate study through selected on-campus and online programmes.
Eligible fields include Africa and International Development, Climate Change Finance and Investment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Food Security, Environment and Development, Planetary Health, Sustainable Energy Systems, Data Science Technologies and other selected programmes.
The application process has changed for the 2027/2028 cycle. Prospective applicants must attend a mandatory virtual information session between September 15 and 24, 2026 before they can be invited to apply.
The main scholarship application closes on November 19, 2026, while the Applicant Declaration Form closes on October 19.
Apply and check eligibility here: “University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/2)
4. ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
The African Risk Capacity Limited, in partnership with the Global Shield Solutions Platform, has opened applications for a fully funded postgraduate scholarship programme designed to develop Africa’s next generation of specialists.
The programme focuses on areas including actuarial science, disaster risk management, climate resilience, insurance and applied statistics.
The scholarship is aimed at African students pursuing relevant postgraduate studies.
Deadline: October 7, 2026.
Application details: “ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/3)
5. University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme 2027
The University of British Columbia in Canada has also opened its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme for eligible African students.
The programme is targeted at young Africans with strong academic potential, leadership qualities and a commitment to community development.
Interested applicants should check the programme’s official application portal for eligibility requirements, eligible programmes and the current deadline.
Apply here: “UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/4)
Important advice for applicants
Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements of each scholarship before applying. Some programmes require admission to a university, while others have a separate scholarship application process.
Applicants should also prepare their academic transcripts, certificates, CV, personal statement and other supporting documents early.
Most importantly, do not pay anyone to “secure” a scholarship. Applications should be submitted through the official scholarship or university platforms.
More Mastercard Foundation scholarship opportunities can be found through its official partner-university directory: “Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme – Where to Apply” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/5)
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