Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — University of British Columbia#

The University of British Columbia is a top-40 university in the world, located in Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. And through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you can study there for free.

If you are from Sub-Saharan Africa — including if you are a refugee — this scholarship could change your life.

What It Is#

Like the McGill version, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is a fully funded scholarship for students from Sub-Saharan Africa. But UBC runs its own separate program with its own application process and timeline.

UBC is located in Vancouver, British Columbia — on the west coast of Canada. The campus sits right on the ocean. The city is diverse, modern, and one of the most livable places in the world.

What It Covers#

• Full tuition and fees
• Living allowance
• Return travel to and from Canada
• Books and supplies
• Health insurance

Everything you need to study without financial stress.

Two Separate Streams#

This is an important difference from the McGill program. UBC offers two streams:

1. General stream — for students from Sub-Saharan Africa who meet the eligibility requirements
2. Refugee stream — specifically for refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa

If you are a refugee, you apply through the refugee stream. This is a dedicated pathway — you are not competing against non-refugee applicants. UBC specifically set this up to make sure refugees have a fair chance.

Who Can Apply#

To be eligible, you must:

• Be from Sub-Saharan Africa
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have strong academic potential
• Show leadership and a commitment to creating positive change in Africa
• Be applying for a Master's program at UBC

How to Apply — Step by Step#

The UBC process is different from McGill. Follow these steps exactly.

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)#

Go to the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website and submit an Expression of Interest. This is a short initial application where you provide basic information about yourself, your background, and why you want to be a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.

The EOI deadline is typically in September. Do not wait until the last day. Submit early.

Step 2: Full Scholarship Application (By Invitation Only)#

If your EOI is approved, you will be invited to complete the full scholarship application. This is the detailed application. The deadline for this is typically in October.

Your full application must include:

• Completed application form — fill out every section, do not leave anything blank
• Personal statements — you will need to answer specific questions, typically 200 to 300 words each. These are your chance to tell your story and explain your vision. Take them seriously.
• CV / Resume — include your education, work experience, leadership roles, community involvement, and achievements
• Two reference letters — these must be on official letterhead and attached directly to your application. Not emailed separately. Attached to the application. Make sure your referees understand this requirement.
• Unofficial transcripts — if your transcripts are not in English, you must include certified translations

Step 3: UBC Faculty Application (By Invitation Only)#

If your scholarship application is successful, you will receive instructions to submit your UBC faculty application — this is the actual admission application to your chosen Master's program. The deadline for this is typically in November.

Fee waivers are available if your country is on the United Nations list of least developed countries. Check the website for details.

Step 4: Selection and Notification#

UBC reviews both your scholarship application and your admission application together. Final decisions are made and communicated to successful applicants.

What They Look For#

The selection committee evaluates:

• Academic potential — your grades matter, but they also look at your trajectory and context. If you overcame difficult circumstances to achieve what you have, that counts.
• Leadership — real, tangible examples of how you have led or contributed to your community
• Commitment to transformation in Africa — what will you do with this degree? How will Africa benefit?
• Financial need — this scholarship is for students who truly need financial support

How UBC Differs from the McGill Mastercard Program#

People often ask me about the differences. Here is a quick comparison:

• UBC has a separate refugee stream. McGill accepts refugees but does not have a dedicated pathway.
• Different timeline. UBC starts with an EOI in September, while McGill starts with information sessions in August.
• Different location. Montreal vs. Vancouver — both incredible cities, but very different vibes. Montreal is more European, more affordable, and bilingual. Vancouver is on the ocean, milder weather, and very multicultural.
• Different application structure. UBC uses the EOI system. McGill requires attending an information session.

Both are excellent. If you are eligible, I recommend applying to both.

My Tips#

1. Start with the EOI early. Do not wait until the deadline. The Expression of Interest is your first impression — make it count.
2. Prepare strong personal statements. 200 to 300 words is short. Every sentence matters. Be clear, be specific, and be real. Do not waste words on generic statements. Tell them exactly who you are and what you plan to do.
3. Get your reference letters on official letterhead. This is a specific requirement that many students overlook. Talk to your referees early. Explain that the letters must be on letterhead and attached to the application — not sent separately.
4. If you need translations, start now. Getting transcripts translated and certified takes time. Do not leave this for the last week.
5. Apply to both UBC and McGill if you are eligible. Do not put all your hopes on one scholarship. Apply to every opportunity that fits you. The more applications you submit, the better your chances.

UBC Is Worth It#

UBC is a world-class university. The campus, the programs, the professors, the city — it is all exceptional. Vancouver also has a massive international community, so you will feel welcomed.

And remember — the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not just a scholarship. It is a community. You get mentorship, career support, and a network of scholars who are committed to Africa's future, just like you.

Take this opportunity seriously. Do the work. Follow every step. And apply.