The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026 enable talented young scholars from African countries or who are refugees in Africa to pursue master’s degrees at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. This is a fully funded programme designed to develop leaders who will transform their communities and contribute to development in their home countries. Applications for the Winter 2026 intake open August 30, 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Canada |
| Disciplines | Any of the eligible graduate programmes at UBC (see Programmes Available) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based |
| Eligible Country | All African countries (citizens or refugees) |
Grant
This is a fully funded grant, covering tuition, fees, living costs, and additional supports. The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program also offers graduate assistance, monthly stipends, and mentoring to support scholar success.
Believe It’s Possible
Many students stop reading because they feel scholarships are “too competitive” or “not for them.” But here’s the truth: every scholarship winner once thought the same. The difference is — they tried.
Scholarship Type: Merit Based
Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, community service / transformative leadership, and potential impact on the scholar’s home country. It’s not a need-based scholarship in the primary sense, but being from an African country or refugee status is a required eligibility criterion.
Programmes Available
Eligible Master’s programmes are from selected faculties at UBC. These include:
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems
• Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
• Master of Food Science (MFS)
• Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS) - Faculty of Forestry
• Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
• Master of International Forestry (MIF)
• 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 for Application to UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
To apply you must:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree (i.e., first degree)
- Not already hold a Master’s degree
- Be 35 years old or younger at time of application (born in 1990 or later for Winter 2026)
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African country
- Be applying to one of the eligible Master’s programmes listed above
- Meet UBC’s minimum academic requirements for graduate students (and international credential requirements) for the programme chosen
- If your undergraduate degree was not taught in English, arrange to meet UBC’s English-proficiency requirement, via TOEFL or IELTS or as listed by UBC.
Benefits of UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
This scholarship offers many advantages including but not limited to:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| No Application Fee | Applicants are not required to pay a fee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application. |
| No IELTS | If your prior degree is taught in English, the IELTS requirement may be waived; otherwise, you may need to submit proof of English proficiency. The “no IELTS” part is conditional. |
| Fully Funded | Covers tuition, fees, living expenses etc. |
| Monthly Stipends | Scholars receive support to cover living costs through stipend/graduate assistance. |
| Graduate Assistance | Mentoring, transitions support, assistance through academic requirements etc. |
Criteria for Application
Selection is based on:
- Academic merit (grades, performance in prior study)
- Demonstrated leadership / community service or transformative leadership in your community
- Clarity, quality and relevance of your application in line with the program theme
- Potential for impact in your home country or wider region of Africa
Required Documents Checklist for UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
Before applying, make sure you have these documents ready:
- Completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form (online)
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Two Reference Letters on official letterhead
- University Transcripts of all previous study
- Personal Statement(s) answering prompts clearly
- Proof of English proficiency if required (TOEFL, IELTS) if your degree was not in English
- Any additional documents required by your chosen UBC Faculty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fully funded: removes financial barriers
- Monthly stipends and graduate assistance
- Prestige of UBC degree + global network
- Opportunities for leadership development and community impact
Cons:
- Highly competitive with many applicants
- Limited to specific Master’s programmes only
- Age limit (35 years or younger) excludes some candidates
- May require English test if your previous degree was non-English
Scholarship Application Formatting: Common Errors
Often applications are rejected or delayed because of avoidable formatting issues such as:
- Wrong file type (uploading PDF when DOCX or other format required)
- Exceeding or not meeting the word-count limits for essays or personal statements
- Missing signature in required places (e-sign, physical signature)
- Unclear or messy formatting in CV/resume
Make sure to follow the guidelines in the application instructions exactly.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Decide your programme(s) of interest from the eligible programmes list.
- Submit an Expression of Interest by September 12, 2025: General Stream or Refugees Only Stream.
- Round 1: If eligible, invited to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by October 15, 2025.
- Round 2: Apply to your UBC Faculty by November 26, 2025 (for Winter 2026).
- Await notifications, interviews, and final offers.
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Application Deadline: Not Specified
The webpage doesn’t state one fixed deadline beyond the rounds deadlines: Expression of Interest deadline September 12, 2025, then Faculty application by November 26, 2025. If you miss these, you will not be considered for Winter 2026.
Scholarship Timeline & Planning
- August 30, 2025: Applications open
- September 12, 2025: Expression of Interest deadline
- October 15, 2025: Round 1 applications due (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)
- November 26, 2025: Deadline to apply to UBC Faculty (if invited)
- Dec-Jan: Interviews & selection phases
- February: Offers made to selected scholars
- Winter term: Program begins in Vancouver campus
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until last minute to prepare documents
- Submitting incomplete or illegible transcripts
- Not checking eligibility (age, citizenship, programme availability)
- Poorly written essays that do not address the prompt or theme clearly
- Reference letters that are generic or unsigned
Tips for Winning Essay
- Understand the theme and program purpose (leadership, community impact)
- Use concrete examples from your life or work to show leadership and service
- Be specific about how the scholarship will help your goals and your country
- Keep it clear and succinct; follow word-counts
- Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, structure
Tips for Strong Reference Letter
- Choose referees who know you well academically or in community / leadership work
- Ask them early, give them your CV, statement, and some points to highlight
- Ensure they use official letterhead, signature, and contact details
- Letters should address your character, leadership, academic ability
Scholarship-Friendly CV/Resume
- Highlight academic achievements (GPA, honours, awards)
- Include leadership roles, volunteering or service initiatives
- Include publications or presentations if any
- Keep format clean and easy to read, consistent formatting
- Include contact information clearly
Post-application Phase: What to Do After Successful Submission
- Monitor your email regularly for communications from UBC / Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- If requested, prepare for interviews or additional documentation
- Ensure you accept any offers promptly
- Prepare for visa / relocation if accepted
Visa Route
If accepted, you will need to apply for a Canadian student visa. Key steps:
- Obtain your UBC offer letter
- Secure proof of financial support (often scholarship documents serve)
- Apply through Canadian immigration portals
- Provide required biometrics, health exams if needed
- Plan travel and accommodation in Vancouver
Work After Study Options & Possible Jobs Opportunity
UBC and Canadian policy allow many international graduates to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing eligible programs. With your Master’s degree, you may pursue roles relevant to your field (e.g. forestry, environmental management, data science, food science etc.). Leading NGOs, government bodies, research institutions, private sector are possible employers, especially given your leadership skills.
Alternatives If You Don’t Win
- Other fully funded scholarships such as Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Commonwealth Scholarships
- University-specific funding at home or abroad
- Regional scholarships (e.g. African Union, local foundations)
- Part-funded options with external sponsorship
Conclusion
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026 present an extraordinary chance for African scholars or refugees to pursue master’s degrees in high-impact fields with full funding, leadership training, and real post-study opportunities. If you meet the eligibility, assemble your documents now, polish your essays, secure strong references, apply via the Expression of Interest by September 12, 2025, and aim to submit all materials on time.
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