Applications for postgraduate study open in September for courses starting in October of the following year. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application is built into the application for your chosen course.
Watch the short video below for an introduction to postgraduate admission and funding.
The Postgraduate Application Process at Cambridge
Before getting started
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Use the postgraduate course directory to check your course’s entry requirements, funding deadline and the supporting documents you’ll need: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses
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Check if your degree meets Cambridge’s academic entry requirements using the international qualifications checker: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-qualifications
1. Start your course application via the postgraduate course directory.
Open your chosen course's profile in the postgraduate course directory and click the 'Apply Now' button. You’ll be asked to create an account, allowing you to save and return to your application later.
2. Apply for funding
During your application, you’ll be asked if you’d like to opt in for funding. Once you do so, you’ll see all the funds you may be eligible for, and if you meet your chosen course’s entry requirements, you’ll be able to select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program from the list.
You’ll then be asked to submit a scholarship statement focusing on:
- Your career / education history
- Leadership potential
- How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals and aspirations
- How you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa
3. Complete and submit your application
Your application must be submitted by your course’s funding deadline. This is usually at the beginning of December or January and is much earlier than the standard application deadline.
You’ll also be asked to choose a College – this is where you’ll live, eat and have small group teaching sessions.
Find out about the University’s 31 Colleges and how to choose one.
4. Departments select successful applicants
The department your course belongs to selects successful applicants on a rolling basis and offers are made between December and February. Selection is based on your course application and not your scholarship statement.
Some departments interview shortlisted applicants (by phone, video conference or in-person) before a formal offer is made.
5. Selection by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team
The team reviews all applications from candidates that have received an offer from their department. Mastercard Foundation Scholars are selected based on both their course application and scholarship statement. Offer letters are typically sent in March or April.
6. Post offer – submit any outstanding documents
After receiving an offer from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you’ll have until 31 July to submit any outstanding documents. This will usually include evidence of English proficiency in the form of IELTS test results. The score required by most courses is either 7.0 or 7.5 overall.
You can apply without IELTS results. If your application is successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer and we can support you with study materials and cover any costs associated with taking the test.
Please note that data relating to your Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application will be anonymised and retained for use in evaluating the programme’s outcomes and effectiveness.
Watch the 'Introduction to the programme and how to apply' webinar, recorded on 7 Oct 2025 below:
