The University of British Columbia (UBC) Partners with the Mastercard Foundation to Empower Future African Leaders
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is excited to collaborate with the Mastercard Foundation to nurture the next generation of African leaders. Building on its initial phase, which supported over 171 Mastercard Foundation Scholars, UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will now provide 351 academically talented young people from Sub-Saharan Africa with access to quality and relevant university education. Upon graduation, these scholars will leverage their education and experiences to drive economic growth and social transformation in their communities across Africa.
If you are passionate about fostering change through sustainable leadership and community-driven development, this program is for you. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program empowers young people in four key ways:
- Access & Thrive: We offer high-quality education and tailored support to young people, particularly women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities. This support is designed to ignite their potential as transformative leaders who drive inclusive socio-economic change in Africa.
- Community-Engaged Learning: UBC emphasizes experiential education, enabling students to apply their knowledge to tackle critical social and environmental challenges in collaboration with diverse community partners and stakeholders. In Phase 2, we will strengthen our network of partners in Africa, providing Mastercard Foundation Scholars with meaningful transitions into their careers.
- Dignified & Fulfilling Work: Scholars benefit from academic and social support programs, such as GradStart, faculty-specific orientations, and initiatives focused on student well-being and personal development.
- Agency & Voice: Scholars gain hands-on learning experiences and enriched training that build their skills, mindsets, and confidence, equipping them to transition into meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Master’s Degree Program at UBC, applicants must:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Have lived a significant portion of their life in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Demonstrate economically disadvantaged financial circumstances.
- Exhibit academic excellence despite challenging conditions.
- Show leadership qualities or potential.
- Have a commitment to giving back to their home community.
- Require a Canadian study permit to study in Canada.
- Not have claimed or plan to claim asylum or protected person status upon arriving in Canada.
- Commit to returning to Africa to use their training and skills for the benefit of others.
Program Benefits
Scholars selected for the program will receive:
- Tuition and books
- Flights and immigration support
- Room and board
- Stipends for living expenses
- Health insurance
- Career services and support
- Access to a global Mastercard Foundation alumni network
- A Social Entrepreneurship Fund for scholars interested in starting ventures in Africa
Application Process
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
- Select your program(s) of interest from the available list.
- Review the Minimum Academic Requirements/International Credentials for Graduate Students by country to confirm your academic eligibility.
- Visit the program website to ensure you have the necessary background experience.
Step 2: Additional Tests
- If your Bachelor’s degree was not taught in English, arrange to take an English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS).
Step 3: MCFSP Application Package
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application by October 31st, 2024.
- Submit the package electronically as a single PDF document via email to mcfsp.admissions@ubc.ca.
Step 4: UBC Faculty Applications
- Apply online following the completion of the MCFSP Application.
- Review faculty application instructions and check eligibility for fee waivers.
For further details, visit the official webpage of the University of British Columbia Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
