Our collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation represents one of the University’s most important partnerships in relation to our engagement with Africa. Image Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program: Phase OneThe University of Edinburgh’s Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, supports a network of scholars, who have faced barriers to their education, but who are stewards of social transformation and economic growth in their communities, countries and across Africa.Between 2016 and 2023:240 scholarships were awarded to talented students from Africa with great academic and leadership experience, who have face barriers to their education.Majority of students came to Edinburgh to study on-campus, the remaining chose to study through online distance learning.The Scholars Program provided financial scholarships, holistic support and facilitated transformative leadership programming to inspire and support scholars.Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program transformative leadership filmHear from Charlie Bevan (Program Director 2021-present), Johanna Holtan (Program Director 2016-21), and Mastercard Foundation Scholar alums, Aisha Janki Akinola and Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu, as they reflect on their learnings and experiences of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Over the past seven years, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has demonstrated that it’s not only the costs associated with tuition and living that contribute to the success of scholars but a holistic support system that allows scholars space to face challenges, adapt and be aspirational in community with others.Through this, the Scholars Program has been well-positioned to shine a light on what it takes to create a truly welcoming, nurturing environment.The Program and its scholars have helped inform the University’s recruitment and admission processes and other student support services to help ensure that Scholars and other international students facing barriers to education not only gain admission but also have every chance to succeed once here.Read the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Impact Report:Impact Report 2016-2023Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Phase TwoFrom 2023 to 2030, Phase Two of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh will nurture a community of skilled, entrepreneurial, and justice-oriented climate leaders from across Africa.Visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website:Mastercard Foundation Scholars ProgramScholar storiesRead stories from our scholar community.Scholar storiesTestimonials The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh transformed how I understand transformative leadership and how it can be applied in communities here and beyond. I learned how to reflect on leadership and how to engage with the communities I serve.Postgraduate Mastercard Foundation ScholarThe University of EdinburghIt prepared me to take on extraordinary challenges, to question and be curious, and importantly, to recognise and own your capabilities and use them to transform your life and the lives of others.Postgraduate Mastercard Foundation ScholarThe University of EdinburghRelated LinksThe Transitions and Mentoring Toolkit is where you can find information and support whether you are an international student or staff working with international students in a mentoring or other role.Visit the Transitions and Mentoring toolkitIdentities in Transition Photo Voice booklet: This photo voice book captures the experiences of twelve African students who made the journey from their respective home countries in Africa to universities in the UK and North America.View the Identities in Transition Photo Voice booklet This article was published on 2024-06-24
