How to apply

Find out how to apply to apply to our on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships.

A new application process

We have changed the application process for the 2026/27 on-campus and online scholarships. Please read the instructions below carefully to make sure you understand each stage of the process and what you need to do.

Before you apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before registering for an information session.

Check your eligibility

Step 2: Explore our degree programmes

Review the available on-campus and online degree programmes and decide which study mode and programme you would prefer.

On-campus degree programmes

Online degree programmes

Step 3: Attend a mandatory virtual information session

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will host virtual information sessions between 15 and 24 September 2026.

Attending an information session is a mandatory step to gain access to the scholarship application form.

When you register for a session, you will complete a short questionnaire. Your responses will be reviewed to assess your preliminary eligibility.

Please note: Attending an information session does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Only attendees who also meet the scholarship eligibility requirements will receive an invitation to apply.

[Register for a virtual information session - link coming soon]

Information session dates

On-campus applicants:

15 September 2026 | 3pm (UK Time)

21 September 2026 | 11am (UK Time)

24 September 2026 | 4pm (UK Time)

Online applicants: 

17 September 2026 | 4pm (UK Time)

22 September 2026 | 11am (UK Time)

24 September 2026 | 3pm (UK Time)

What happens after the virtual information session?

Receive your invitation to apply

On 13 October 2026, eligible attendees will be notified whether they are invited to apply.

If you are invited, you will receive an invitation through SurveyMonkey Apply.

If you are not eligible to proceed, you will receive a notification confirming this.

How to apply

If you are invited to apply, you will complete the application in two stages:

Stage 1: Complete the Applicant Declaration form

The Applicant Declaration Form is the first stage of the scholarship application. It asks for additional information to confirm your eligibility.

If you are invited to apply, you should complete the form as soon as possible.

The deadline is 19 October 2026, 5pm UK time.

We reserve the right to close the form earlier once we reach our application limit. Early completion is therefore strongly recommended.

Applicants who are not successful at this stage will receive a notification and will not proceed to the main application.

Stage 2: Complete the Scholarship Main Application

Applicants who successfully complete the Applicant Declaration Form will be invited to complete the Scholarship Main Application.

The deadline for submitting the main application is:

19 November 2026, 5pm UK time

When to apply for your degree programme

At this stage, you should only apply for the scholarship, not for your chosen degree programme at the University.

If your scholarship application is successful and you receive a scholarship offer in March 2027, you will then be invited to apply for your chosen degree programme through the University's standard admissions process.

If you are applying for other scholarships that require an active University application, you may apply to the University in parallel.

Important: The Program will not accept applications submitted outside the online application system or from applicants who have not followed the application process outlined above.

Application timelines

Application timelines for the 2026/27 on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships:

View the application timelines

Have a question?

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for further details:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If your question is not answered in the FAQs, please contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Team at mcfsp@ed.ac.uk.

This article was published on