This is a unique, collaborative graduate program offered jointly by the University of Edinburgh (UK) and the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), in partnership with the prestigious Mastercard Foundation. The program is designed to empower the next generation of African researchers. Unlike a standard taught Master’s, this is a Masters by Research (MScR), meaning the primary focus is on independent research, critical thinking, and contributing new knowledge to the field of sustainability.
Program Benefits
- Dual-Institution Prestige: Fellows engage with two world-class universities, gaining access to resources, libraries, and faculty from both Edinburgh and Wits.
- Fully Funded: As a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, this opportunity typically covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- A living stipend (for the duration of the program).
- Allowances for study materials and technology.
- Flexible Delivery: The program is delivered primarily online, allowing scholars to remain in their home communities while conducting research that is locally relevant.
- Capacity Building: Focuses on “African Futures,” equipping scholars with interdisciplinary skills to address complex sustainability challenges on the continent.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: Must be a national of an African country.
- Academic Excellence: A high-performing undergraduate degree (Honours equivalent) is usually required to qualify for a research master’s.
- Research Potential: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research. A strong research proposal is often the most critical part of the application.
- Leadership: Alignment with the Mastercard Foundation’s ethos of transformative leadership and giving back to the community.
Application Process
- Deadline: The specific deadline was not provided in the input text. Applicants should check the official University of Edinburgh or Wits program page immediately, as these cycles often close early in the year (e.g., January/February).
- How to Apply: Applications are typically submitted through the University of Edinburgh’s admissions portal, with a supplemental scholarship application for the Mastercard Foundation.
- Required Documents:
- Research Proposal: A detailed outline of the proposed research topic.
- Academic Transcripts.
- References: Academic and professional.
- Personal Statement: Focusing on leadership and commitment to Africa’s development.
Application Link:
For official guidelines and the application portal, visit the University of Edinburgh or Wits Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
