FAQ
In recognition of the wide range of expertise needed to drive sustainable change, you can apply for most full-time master’s courses available. The only exceptions are:
- Master of Accountancy (MACC)
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFIN)
Courses will vary in length from 9 – 12 months – that’s fine as long as they’re full-time.
First, please review the Pre-Application Mentorship Project toolkit here. The toolkit was put together by University of Cambridge students who have successfully navigated the application process.
For questions, please contact admin@mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk.
Please note - we have been made aware of a scam where applicants are offered support with their application from someone claiming to be associated with the University of Cambridge in return for payment. You should not pay anyone for support with your application.
Academic entry requirements differ depending by course. Please check the requirements for your chosen course using the postgraduate course directory before you apply (Course Directory | Postgraduate Study).
Many courses require a first-class degree. Some an upper second.
There is no upper age limit for the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program in Cambridge.
We aim to cover everything you need to pursue your master’s and get the most out of your time in Cambridge, including:
- Course fee
- Maintenance / living allowance
- Visa and health surcharge
- Travel inc. flights and taxi into Cambridge
- Laptop
No, you will receive an application fee waiver for one course. We recommend thinking carefully about the course you’re best suited to and focus on making that application as strong as possible.
The deadline differs by course but is generally either the first week of December or the first week of January.
Please note: it’s the funding deadline you need to work towards which will be earlier than the standard course application deadline listed. If not listed or unclear, please get in touch with your department and ask.
No, the scholarship offer is subject to you meeting all other University conditions set for the year of application. It cannot be transferred to the following year.
Cambridge is collegiate university, meaning you’ll be a member of one of 31 colleges.
Colleges are responsible for admitting students, providing accommodation, and for pastoral care.
Your college will be your home away from home, and you’ll be a part of a community of students studying a variety of subjects. Some of the other advantages of college membership include induction in your first weeks, financial advice and assistance, and opportunities for research, teaching, and professional development.
Colleges administer formal processes, including matriculation (formally joining the University and College), monitoring international students' status for visa purposes, and graduation.
All colleges have their own websites you can look at and you can take You can take virtual tours of many colleges too.
www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges
www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges/college-listing
Scholarship offer letters are sent in April.
This will be covered in your offer letter. Normally 10 working days from the date the offer was made.
As of January 2024, the UK Home Office stopped allowing students on one-year master's programmes to bring their spouse and/or children on their visa. This means we cannot support travel expenses for a spouse or child.
We arrange transport from the airport to Cambridge and will share a logistics note with details of transfers before you travel.
The African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU), a body run by African students, offers help, support and a community away from home.
You can also access support through the University’s Newcomers and Visiting Scholars group.
Yes, as long as you’re resident in Africa or you’re currently away studying.
No.
Not from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in Cambridge.
We suggest using the postgraduate funding search on the student funding website. You’ll find several opportunities including the Cambridge Trust Changemakers Scholarship and the Gates Cambridge and Harding PhD scholarships.