2026 UBC MasterCard Scholarship in Canada (University Of British Columbia) | Fully Funded
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University Of British Columbia UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship is currently welcoming Master’s degree applications from students of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The 2026 University of British Columbia MasterCard Foundation Scholarship provides access to education for academically talented, yet economically marginalized, young people.
The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, travel costs, study expenses, and a working laptop for selected candidates.
In this post, we will highlight the details of the scholarship, its eligibility criteria, benefits, available programs, and the step-by-step application procedure.
2026 UBC MasterCard Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Abroad: Study in Canada
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Travel Costs | Laptop | Accommodation
- Application Opens: August 30, 2025
- Deadline: September 12, 2025
2026 University Of British Columbia UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Details:
The University of British Columbia stands as one of the pioneering Canadian universities to join The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, participating in a $500 million global education initiative alongside 14 other institutions.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia will take place over a ten-year period with a total of 163 Mastercard Foundation Scholars, including 77 undergraduate and 35 master’s students. Beginning with five undergraduate students in 2013, in 2018, UBC will have more than 70 Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia is currently welcoming applications for Master’s degrees into the Fall 2026 intake for the following courses:
- Faculty of Forestry
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- 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 Science
- Master of Data Science
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 University Of British Columbia MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
To be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Masters’ Degree Program at University Of British Columbia, the applicant must:
- have completed a Bachelor’s degree;
- not already have a graduate or PhD degree;
- be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (i.e. born in 1988 or after);
- be a citizen or a refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country
- have lived a significant part of their life in a Sub-Saharan African country;
- present economically disadvantaged financial circumstances
- have achieved academic excellence under difficult circumstances
- show leadership qualities or potential;
- demonstrate an interest in and commitment to giving back to their home community
- be a person who requires a Canadian study permit to study in Canada;
- not be a person who claimed or will claim asylum or protected person status after arriving in Canada;
- commit to returning to Africa in order to apply their training and skills to the betterment of others;
- Be applying for a Master’s degree in one of the faculties and programs mentioned above at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus.
NB: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program only covers the expenses of the admitted scholars.
Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents are not eligible to apply for this award.
Funds from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC cannot be applied to pursue programs at other academic institutions.
Benefits of 2026 UBC MasterCard Scholarship
- Chosen students will be granted a scholarship covering all expenses associated with earning a degree, encompassing travel, tuition, textbooks, housing, food, and living expenses.
- Additionally, you will receive comprehensive support in the areas of finance, academics, social engagement, and post-graduation assistance, fostering the development of crucial experiences and competencies essential for academic achievement.
Required Documents for 2026 University Of British Columbia MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form.
- Personal Statements. An answer to each question not exceeding the word limit must be typed and submitted, essay format is not acceptable:
- Submit a CV/resume. This should include any relevant education and work experience
- Provide two reference letters.
- Transcripts. Please attach a legible copy of your (unofficial) transcripts. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, note that you will be required to also provide a translation.
- Submit the Checklist, Application Form, Personal Statements, CV, two reference letters on official letterhead, transcripts, and signed declaration.
- Please tell us your story. What is of importance to you and reflects who you are? (200-300 words max.)
- Describe a recent, meaningful involvement in your community, including what your role is/has been in the activity/ies. (200-300 words max.)
- Why are you interested in studying at UBC, and how do you envision your chosen program of study at UBC helping you to reach your long-term career and personal goals? What drives you to achieve your goals? (200 – 300 words max.)
- Persistence is crucial to the completion of this application. Please describe a situation where you had to overcome a significant obstacle/challenge(s) to reach a goal. How did you react to this challenge, and what did you learn from the situation? (200 – 300 words max.)
- What else should we know about your financial condition in order to consider you for this scholarship? (200-300 words max.)
How to Apply for 2026 UBC MasterCard Scholarship (Step by Step)
Please read through all the application steps outlined below before proceeding to the application.
To apply for the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program 2026, interested candidates will first;
- Submit an Expression of Interest by September 12th, 2025.
- Applicants who are eligible will be invited to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by October 15th, 2025.
- Apply to your UBC Faculty by November 26th 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
- Once your Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application is complete, successful applicants will receive an email with instructions to submit an online application to UBC.
- You may be eligible for a fee waiver if your citizenship and correspondence address is located in one of the world’s 50 least developed countries
Deadline: September 12, 2025
