The application process for the 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh has changed this year, with a new approach designed to improve the efficiency of the application process for both prospective scholars and staff involved in recruitment. Applications for both online and on-campus scholarships will open on 13 October 2026. However, prospective applicants must take an important step before they can access the scholarship application form. Virtual information session attendance is now required Prospective applicants must attend one of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program virtual information sessions taking place between 15 and 24 September 2026. These sessions will provide prospective applicants with important information about the scholarship and the application process, helping them to understand the opportunity and what will be required before they decide to apply. The sessions will not be recorded, and attendance is the only route to being considered for an invitation to apply this cycle. Prospective applicants who do not attend one of the sessions will not be able to apply for a 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Attendance at a session does not, however, guarantee an invitation to apply. Only attendees who also meet the programme's eligibility criteria will receive an invitation to apply and the application link on 13 October 2026. What this means for colleagues We are asking colleagues who work with prospective applicants, partners and relevant networks to help us communicate this change as widely and as early as possible. Please share the virtual information session registration link with any prospective applicants, partner organisations or networks you are in contact with. You can also direct prospective applicants to the eligibility criteria so they can check whether they are eligible before registering for a session. This revised approach will help ensure that prospective applicants have access to the information they need at an early stage, while also making the recruitment and application process more efficient for everyone involved. Key dates 15–24 September 2026: Mandatory virtual information sessions 13 October 2026: Invitations to eligible information-session attendees issued via SurveyMonkey Apply 19 October 2026, 5pm UK time: Applicant Declaration Form closes. This may close earlier if the application limit is reached. 19 November 2026, 5pm UK time: Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application closes Early to mid-February 2027: Applicants notified of the outcome Further information and enquiries Full information about the application process and eligibility requirements is available on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship webpages. Scholarship information Prospective applicants must attend one of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program virtual information sessions taking place between 15 and 24 September 2026. Register for the virtual information sessions For any further enquiries please contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at: mcfsp@ed.ac.uk. This article was published on Thursday 27 August 2026
