The Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a fully funded
scholarship to support outstanding African students from Sub-Saharan
countries pursuing a Master’s degree at UBC. Below are the eligibility
requirements, selection criteria, and steps to apply.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following
criteria:
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: The applicant must have completed an undergraduate degree.
- No Prior Master’s Degree: Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 35 years or younger (i.e., born in 1989 or later).
- Sub-Saharan African Citizenship: Must be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country (see the official website for the list).
- Eligible Programs: Applicants must apply to one of the following Master’s degree programs at UBC:
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 (MDS)
Important Notes:
Canadian citizens and
Permanent Residents are not eligible.
The Mastercard Foundation
Scholarship only covers expenses for admitted scholars at UBC; it cannot be
used at other institutions.
Selection Process:
The selection process is
competitive and based on:
- Academic Merit: Applicants must meet the admission criteria for their chosen program.
- Leadership: Evidence of being a transformative leader with a track record of service to the community.
- Application Quality: A strong application that aligns with the program theme.
- Potential Impact: Demonstrated potential to positively impact the applicant’s home country.
- Barriers Overcome: Priority is given to candidates who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, or health-related).
Application Steps:
Choose Your Program of Interest:
Select one of the eligible
Master’s programs listed above.
Check Eligibility:
Ensure you meet the
academic requirements by reviewing UBC's Minimum Academic
Requirements/International Credentials list for graduate students.
English Proficiency:
If your Bachelor’s degree
was not taught in English, arrange to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam and submit
your results to UBC.
Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program Application:
Complete and submit the
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application by October 31, 2024. Late or
incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Submit Supporting Documents:
Prepare and submit the
following documents:
- Application Form with personal statements (200-300 words per question)
- CV/Resume
- Two reference letters on official letterhead (upload to the application, do not email)
- Academic transcripts
UBC Faculty Application:
Once your Mastercard
Foundation Scholars Program application is complete and eligible, you will
receive an email with instructions on how to submit your application to UBC.
If eligible, request a fee
waiver during the faculty application process if you are from one of the 50
least developed countries. If not, submit the application fee.
Key Deadlines:
Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program Application Deadline: October 31, 2024.
UBC Faculty Application
Deadline: Varies based on the faculty and program.
For more details and to
apply, visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website at
UBC.
