The University of British Columbia in Canada is inviting applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme for Africans for the 2020/2021 academic session.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is pleased to be partnering with The Mastercard Foundation to foster the next generation of African leaders. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC will provide 163 academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people from Sub-Saharan Africa with access to quality and relevant university education at UBC.
After graduating, the scholars will then utilize their learning and experiences to contribute to the economic growth and social transformation of their communities in Africa. On this website, you can learn more about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC, find out how to apply, and meet UBC’s current scholars.
Worth of Award
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme covers;
- All expenses associated with UBC tuition, housing, and food.
- Scholars also receive a stipend each month to support their lives in Vancouver.
Eligibility
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 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, and be able to show a lack of financial means from family or other sources to pursue graduate education in their home country or elsewhere;
- Have achieved academic excellence under difficult circumstances and show leadership qualities or potential;
- Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to giving back to his/her home community in ways that enhance the economic growth and social development of Africa, through engagement in activities in their current profession, university or community;
How to Apply
Applications are in the following steps;
- Step One: Admissibility Submission
- 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) and have the results sent to UBC.
- Step Three: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility Package
In order for the Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for this scholarship, you must demonstrate financial need, a commitment to give back and how your education will contribute towards the transformation of your community, your region or your country in Africa. You must:
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility Form. If submitting a hand-written Eligibility Form, ensure that the document is clearly legible.
- Submit the Personal Statements. An answer to each question not exceeding the word limit must be typed and submitted:
- 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 (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.)
- Submit a CV/resume. This should include any relevant education and work experience
- Provide two reference letters. Please provide two reference letters on official letterhead that will attest and speak extensively to your community service, volunteering abilities, and leadership potential.
- 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, Eligibility Form, Personal Statements, CV, two reference letters on official letterhead, transcripts, and signed declaration.
Deadline: Applications for scholarships close December 13, 2019
Click here for more details and to apply
