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.
The University of British Columbia Information
Established in 1908, The University of British Columbia is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Vancouver (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), British Columbia. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Kelowna. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training, British Columbia, The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 40,000-44,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 111 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 40-50% making this Canadian higher education organization a averagely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
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
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
- Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)
- 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.
Application Process
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 .
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
Required Documents:
- 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
Established in 1908, The University of British Columbia is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Vancouver (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), British Columbia. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Kelowna. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training, British Columbia, The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 40,000-44,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 111 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 40-50% making this Canadian higher education organization a averagely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.