University of Edinburgh Scholarship 2027/28: September 17 Session, Eligibility, Application Dates and Funding
The University of Edinburgh has announced a revised application process for its 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Prospective postgraduate applicants must attend a mandatory virtual information session before they can be considered for an invitation to apply for the scholarship.
A session for online applicants is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. UK time. However, the session is fully booked, and registrations for the online learning route have closed. Applicants should not confuse the September 17 session date with the scholarship application deadline.
Eligible information-session attendees will receive an application invitation on October 13, 2026. The subsequent process includes an Applicant Declaration Form and a main scholarship application, each with a separate deadline.
University of Edinburgh Scholarship: Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Edinburgh |
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| Academic year | 2027/28 |
| Study level | Eligible postgraduate programs |
| Study options | On-campus and online |
| Information sessions | September 15–24, 2026 |
| September 17 session | Online route; fully booked |
| Application invitations | October 13, 2026 |
| Declaration deadline | October 19, 2026, 5 p.m. UK time |
| Main application deadline | November 19, 2026, 5 p.m. UK time |
| Academic program begins | September 2027 |
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh supports eligible postgraduate applicants from African countries.
It offers scholarship opportunities through selected on-campus and online postgraduate programs. Eligibility depends on the scholarship's specific requirements and the applicant's chosen degree.
Applicants should review the requirements for the scholarship and academic program separately. Eligibility for one does not automatically establish eligibility for the other.
What Is Happening on September 17?
A mandatory virtual information session for online scholarship applicants is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. UK time.
The university has confirmed that this session is fully booked. Registration for the online learning information sessions has also closed because capacity has been reached.
Students who did not secure a place should not assume that an application form will be available to them without attending a qualifying session.
Why Is the Information Session Mandatory?
The university has introduced a new process intended to help applicants understand the eligibility conditions and application requirements before submitting a scholarship application.
Attendance is compulsory for the 2027/28 cycle.
However, attending does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Participants must also meet the scholarship eligibility requirements.
University of Edinburgh Scholarship Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Mandatory information sessions | September 15–24, 2026 |
| September 17 online session | 4 p.m. UK time; fully booked |
| Additional on-campus session | September 22, 2026, 3 p.m. UK time |
| Invitations issued | October 13, 2026 |
| Applicant Declaration deadline | October 19, 2026, 5 p.m. |
| Main application deadline | November 19, 2026, 5 p.m. |
| Assessment | Late 2026–early 2027 |
| Interviews and final outcomes | February–March 2027 |
| Academic program begins | September 2027 |
Which Information Sessions Are Available?
The university has scheduled separate information sessions for on-campus and online applicants.
On-Campus Applicants
- September 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. UK time: fully booked.
- September 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. UK time: fully booked.
- September 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. UK time: fully booked.
- Additional session on September 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. UK time, for new registrants.
Online Applicants
- September 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. UK time: fully booked.
- September 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. UK time: fully booked.
- September 24, 2026, at 3 p.m. UK time: fully booked.
The university has closed online-session registrations after reaching capacity. Session availability may change, so applicants should rely on the current registration status.
Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?
The program targets eligible applicants from African countries seeking postgraduate education through designated on-campus or online degree programs.
Applicants must satisfy the scholarship's detailed eligibility criteria, including any applicable academic, residency, leadership and program requirements.
The information-session registration process includes a short questionnaire used to assess preliminary eligibility.
Does Registering Guarantee Eligibility?
No. Registering for a session does not establish scholarship eligibility.
The university reviews preliminary information, and only eligible attendees can receive an invitation to apply.
Does Attending Guarantee a Scholarship?
No. Attendance is an entry requirement for the application process, not an award decision.
Eligible attendees must subsequently complete the required forms and pass the selection process.
How to Apply for the Edinburgh Scholarship
- Review the scholarship eligibility requirements.
- Identify an eligible postgraduate degree.
- Choose the appropriate on-campus or online route.
- Register for a mandatory information session, where registration remains available.
- Complete the preliminary eligibility questionnaire.
- Attend the information session.
- Wait for the October 13 invitation decision.
- Complete the Applicant Declaration Form if invited.
- Complete the main scholarship application if selected to proceed.
- Participate in any subsequent assessment or interview.
What Happens on October 13?
Eligible attendees will be notified whether they have been invited to apply.
Invited candidates will receive access to the scholarship application through the designated online application system.
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements will receive a notification confirming that they cannot proceed.
What Is the Applicant Declaration Form?
The Applicant Declaration Form is the first application stage following an invitation.
It collects additional information to confirm eligibility.
The deadline is October 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time. The university reserves the right to close the form earlier if its application limit is reached.
What Is the Main Application Deadline?
Applicants who successfully complete the declaration stage can proceed to the main scholarship application.
The deadline is November 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time.
Students should not treat October 19 and November 19 as interchangeable deadlines. They apply to different stages.
Should Students Apply for the Degree First?
Applicants following this scholarship process should initially apply for the scholarship rather than submitting a separate university degree application.
Successful scholarship candidates will subsequently be invited to apply for their chosen degree through the university's standard admissions process.
Students applying for other scholarships that require an active university application may follow the relevant separate procedures.
When Will Scholarship Results Be Announced?
The published selection timeline includes assessment during late 2026 and early 2027, followed by interview stages in February and March.
Final interview outcomes are expected toward the end of March 2027.
Applicants should follow the detailed timeline communicated to them because different stages have different notification dates.
Are Interviews Required?
Applicants selected for the relevant interview stage may be invited to participate in February or March 2027.
The on-campus and online routes have separate interview schedules.
What Funding Does the Scholarship Provide?
The program provides funding for eligible postgraduate scholars, with benefits depending on the on-campus or online scholarship route.
Applicants should consult the funding conditions associated with their selected route for the exact tuition, living-support and other benefits.
It would be incorrect to assume that online and on-campus scholarship recipients receive identical financial packages.
Can Students Apply Without Attending a Session?
No. The university has made attendance at a mandatory information session a requirement for the 2027/28 application cycle.
Sessions are not recorded, and registration alone does not satisfy the attendance requirement.
Can Applicants Submit the Form Directly?
No. The scholarship does not accept applications submitted outside its designated online application system or from applicants who have not followed the required process.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing September 17 with the scholarship application deadline.
- Assuming that registration is equivalent to attendance.
- Expecting a recording to replace a missed session.
- Assuming attendance guarantees an invitation.
- Missing the October 19 declaration deadline.
- Submitting the main application after November 19.
- Applying for an ineligible degree.
- Confusing the on-campus and online routes.
University of Edinburgh Scholarship FAQs
Is September 17 the scholarship deadline?
No. It is the date of a mandatory online information session.
Is the September 17 session fully booked?
Yes.
Are online information-session registrations open?
No. Registrations have closed after reaching capacity.
Is another on-campus session available?
An additional session was announced for September 22 at 3 p.m. UK time for new registrants, subject to remaining availability.
When do scholarship applications open?
Invitations to eligible attendees are scheduled for October 13, 2026.
What is the declaration deadline?
October 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time.
What is the main application deadline?
November 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time.
Is attending an information session compulsory?
Yes.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No.
Does attending guarantee a scholarship?
No. Applicants must satisfy eligibility requirements and complete the selection process.
When will the academic program begin?
September 2027.
Final Update
The University of Edinburgh's Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has introduced a mandatory information-session requirement for its 2027/28 scholarships.
The September 17 online session is fully booked, and online registrations have closed. Eligible attendees will be considered for application invitations on October 13, followed by separate October 19 and November 19 deadlines.
Prospective applicants should verify eligibility, follow the correct study route and complete each application stage within its published deadline.
