Your Guide to Two Premier Fully-Funded Master’s Scholarships in 2026
Are you an aspiring global leader looking for a life-changing, fully-funded master’s degree opportunity? Two of the most prestigious scholarship programs for 2026 are now announcing their application timelines: the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh and the Erasmus Mundus Global MINDS Scholarship.
This guide breaks down both opportunities, helping you determine which one aligns with your academic goals and how you can apply.
Opportunity 1: Mastercard Foundation Online Postgraduate Scholarships
Empowering African Leaders for a Sustainable Future
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is inviting exceptional young leaders from Africa to apply for its fully-funded online postgraduate scholarships. This program is ideal for those who wish to continue working or prefer to study within their local context while earning a world-class qualification.
Key Highlights:
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Host: University of Edinburgh, UK
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Study Mode: Online (Part-time)
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Eligibility: Exceptional young African leaders with great academic and leadership experience who have overcome barriers to their education.
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Programs Offered: Scholarships are available for online Masters (up to 3 years) or Postgraduate Diplomas (up to 2 years) in critical fields like:
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Climate Change Management
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Global Food Security and Nutrition
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Social Justice and Community Action
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Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health
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Data Science Technologies
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What the Scholarship Covers:
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Full tuition fees
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A stipend for a laptop and high-quality internet
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Participation in a Climate Leadership Programme
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Opportunity to attend an in-person gathering
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Comprehensive support system
Key Application Dates:
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Applications Open: October 14, 2025
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Applicant Information Session: October 16, 2025
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Application Deadline: To be confirmed (Apply once the portal opens)
How to Apply: Applicants must apply for the scholarship first through the Mastercard Foundation portal. Only successful candidates will then be invited to apply for admission to the University of Edinburgh.
Opportunity 2: Erasmus Mundus Global MINDS Scholarship 2026
A Multicultural Journey in Social Psychology
The Erasmus Mundus Global MINDS program is a fully-funded master’s scholarship for international students of all nationalities. This unique program focuses on the Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion, and Diversity in Society, offering a truly international study experience across multiple European countries.
Key Highlights:
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Host Universities: A consortium of universities in Ireland, Portugal, Poland, and Norway.
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Study Mode: In-person, with mobility across Europe
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Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
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Program Structure: A 2-year program with semesters in different countries and a mandatory internship.
What the Scholarship Covers:
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is comprehensive and includes:
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Full tuition fee coverage
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A monthly stipend for living expenses
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Travel and visa costs
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Full insurance coverage
Key Application Dates:
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Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
How to Apply: There is no application fee. Applicants must submit an online application form along with required documents like transcripts, a degree certificate, proof of English proficiency, and a Europass CV.
Which Scholarship is Right for You?
| Feature | Mastercard Foundation | Erasmus Mundus Global MINDS |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | African nationals | All nationalities |
| Study Mode | Online, Part-time | In-person, Full-time with mobility |
| Focus Areas | Climate, Development, Global Health | Social Psychology, Mobility, Inclusion |
| Key Benefit | Flexibility to work and study | Immersive, multi-country experience |
Your Next Steps to a Fully-Funded Future
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Determine Your Fit: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and program focus for each scholarship.
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Mark Your Calendar: Note the critical application dates to ensure you don’t miss a deadline.
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Prepare in Advance: Start gathering necessary documents like transcripts, degree certificates, and your CV now.
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Craft a Compelling Application: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership experience, and commitment to creating positive change in your community and the world.
Both the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Erasmus Mundus Global MINDS scholarship represent incredible opportunities to advance your education and career without financial burden. By understanding the differences and preparing a strong application, you can take a significant step toward becoming a part of the next generation of global leaders.
For more information and to apply, please visit the official links for each program.
