Mastercard Foundation MScR Sustainable African Futures 2026/27

The University of Edinburgh (UoE) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) are pleased to invite eligible scholarship applications for the MSc by Research in Sustainable African Futures. Please note that recruitment is for an online Masters programme only, and there is no affiliated funding for an associated WESAF doctoral programme.

The MSc by Research (MScR) in Sustainable African Futures will be delivered predominantly online and administered by the University of Edinburgh. All applications should be made through the University of Edinburgh admission portal. The MScR programme will provide the necessary skills to undertake advanced research through a structured programme of research training. Students will have the opportunity to undertake additional specialist research training (through courses and sustainability schools) alongside an independent research project.

This scholarship is for the MScR Sustainable African Futures (online, full-time) only. It does not include a PhD component.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 2 February 2026
2. Value: Fully funded (covers tuition + scholarship support; online MScR)
3. Study Level: Master’s by Research (MScR)
4. Sponsor: Mastercard Foundation
5. Course to Study: MScR Sustainable African Futures
6. Eligible Country: African countries

Eligibility Criteria for Mastercard Foundation MScR Sustainable African Futures 2026/27

The target group for scholarships are early-career researchers and University staff members who meet the requirements to pursue a social sciences masters degree at the University of Edinburgh. To apply for this programme, applicants must:

1. Have successfully completed a university degree that will qualify for entry into a Masters programme at the University of Edinburgh (A UK 2:1 Honours degree, or its international equivalent).
2. Ideally demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable the candidate to succeed in their studies, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. Support may be offered to offer holders who are slightly below the required IELTS band to help them reach the necessary admissions requirement, but all applicants will need a foundation in English to be eligible.

Be either:

1. Recent graduates from the 14 partner universities with strong interests in pursuing a career in academia and/or research, OR
2. Demonstrably involved in research projects of one of the 14 partner universities OR
3. A staff member at one of the 14 partner universities (including lecturers, early career researchers, professional service staff in arts and humanities, etc).have generally completed their last university degree not more than 3.5 years ago at the time of application
4. Applicants must be 35 or under the year the programme commences. Therefore, for the 2026/27 academic year, we accept applications from those born on or after 1 January 1991. Anyone born in 1990 and prior is not eligible.
5. Be a resident and citizen or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
6. Women, applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds, candidates with disabilities, and candidates who have not completed a Masters degree are especially encouraged to apply

Application Process

Application Process for the MSc by Research Applications will open between 10th December 2025 and 2nd February 2026. UoE and Wits will recruit applications from a pool of early career researchers and staff in 14 African partner institutions. These partner institutions are:

1. Ain Shams University

2. University of Dar es Salaam 6

3. University of Ghana

4. University of Ibadan

5. University of Malawi

6. University of Mauritius

7. University of Rwanda

8. University of the Witwatersrand

9. University of Free State

10. Eduardo Mondlane University

11. Makerere University, Uganda

12. Universite Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar

13. University of Namibia

14. Moi University

Documents Required for Application

In addition to the online application form, candidates will need to upload the following mandatory documents:

• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable)

• Your final official university degree certificate and final official transcript

Benefits of Mastercard Foundation MScR Sustainable African Futures 2026/27

The program is delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

Costs covered during the 12 months of the MSc by Research program are:

1. MSc by Research fees
2. Participation in two sustainability schools (in person) in Johannesburg. Covered costs include visa applications for South Africa entry, vaccinations as necessary, accommodation and subsistence while in Johannesburg, return flights and internal travel.
3. Workload relief for faculty / work experience stipend for early career researchers
4. Laptops and connectivity stipends where appropriate
5. Reading material will be accessible online through the University of Edinburgh library, and other resources will be made available by course lecturers (no cost will be attached to courses or the dissertation).

How to Apply

Click here to view a call for Scholarship Applications Guidelines 2026.

For more details, visit University of the Witwatersrand Scholarship webpage.

Application Deadline

February 2, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Mastercard Foundation MScR Sustainable African Futures 2026/27