The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. UBC’s vision is to create an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC will take place over a ten-year period with a total of 171 Mastercard Foundation Scholars, including undergraduate and masters students.
Requirements
To be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Masters’ Degree Program at UBC, the applicant must:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree;
- Must 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 (listed here);
- 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 following faculties and programs at UBC’s Vancouver campus;
- Faculty of Forestry
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Faculty of Science
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.
These dates may vary from those posted on faculty websites. Please note that if you are applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC, you must submit all your documents (including your reference letters) by the dates requested below.
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Step 2: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application December 1, 2023
Step 3: UBC Faculty Applications:
- Forestry: January 11, 2024
- Land and Food Systems: January 9, 2024
- Science: January 9, 2024
*Applicants applying to these programs should consider the different deadlines. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Documents Required for Application
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form.
- Submit the Personal Statements.
- Submit a CV/resume.
- Provide two reference letters.
- Transcripts.
- Submit the Checklist, Application Form, Personal Statements, CV, two reference letters on official letterhead, transcripts, and signed declaration
Method of Application
Step One: Assess Your Eligibility
- Decide your Program(s) of Interest from the provided list.
- Consult the Minimum Academic Requirements/International Credentials for Graduate Students, listed by country, to determine your academic eligibility.
- Consult the program website to ensure you possess the appropriate background experience.
Step Two: Additional Tests
- If your Bachelor’s degree was not taught in English, make arrangements to take an English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS).
Step Three: MCFSP Application Package
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application by December 1, 2023.
- Submit the package electronically in a single PDF document via email to mcfsp.admissions@ubc.ca.
Step Four: UBC Faculty Applications
- Apply online as instructed upon completing the MCFSP Application.
- Review faculty application instructions and eligibility for fee waivers.
Step Five: Reviewing Process
- In February 2024, faculties will nominate candidates for admission for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
- A university-wide selection committee will review applications, rank them, and select award recipients.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a video interview in April 2024
For More Information,
Application Deadline: December 1, 2023.
