meon oliviaAre you an academically talented student from Sub-Saharan Africa, seeking to further your studies but facing economic challenges? The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers an exceptional opportunity to bridge that gap through the UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. The scholarship program is designed to help academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged students pursue their Master’s degrees at one of Canada’s leading institutions.
The 2025 UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded program aimed at supporting the next generation of African leaders. With applications now open, students from Sub-Saharan Africa are encouraged to apply for an array of programs offered by UBC. Let’s dive into the key details, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how you can be part of this incredible opportunity.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level: Postgraduate/Master’s Degree
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Nations
- Scholarship Coverage: Full scholarship, living stipends, travel expenses, accommodation, and more
- Application Opens: August 30, 2024
- Deadline: October 31, 2024
About the UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative aimed at empowering young people, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing them access to world-class education. The program collaborates with institutions around the world to offer fully-funded scholarships to bright students who demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership potential.
UBC is proud to be part of this $500 million initiative, alongside 14 other institutions worldwide. Since its inception at UBC in 2013, the program has supported over 163 scholars, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The program is expected to continue for ten years, creating a transformative impact in the lives of young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Participating Faculties and Programs
The scholarship is open for students applying to specific Master’s programs across the following faculties at UBC’s Vancouver campus:
1. Faculty of Forestry:
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
2. Faculty of Land and Food Systems:
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
- Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)
3. Faculty of Science:
- Master of Data Science
These programs are designed to address some of the most pressing challenges in today’s world, including sustainable management of natural resources, food security, and data-driven solutions to environmental problems. By focusing on these critical areas, UBC aims to equip scholars with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to their home countries upon their return.
Eligibility Criteria for the UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
To apply for the UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background:
- Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before applying for a Master’s program.
- Those who already hold a graduate or PhD degree are not eligible.
- Age Limit:
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (i.e., born in 1988 or after).
- Nationality:
- Must be a citizen or recognized refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Applicants should have lived a significant part of their lives in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Financial Need:
- Applicants must demonstrate economically disadvantaged financial circumstances that would prevent them from pursuing higher education without external support.
- Academic Excellence:
- Candidates must have achieved academic excellence, often overcoming difficult circumstances to do so.
- Leadership and Community Engagement:
- Applicants should show evidence of leadership qualities or potential, as well as a strong commitment to giving back to their home communities.
- Canadian Study Permit:
- Applicants must require a study permit to study in Canada and must not have applied for or plan to apply for asylum or protected person status in Canada.
- Commitment to Africa:
- Scholars are expected to return to Africa after completing their studies to apply their training and skills to the development and betterment of their home communities.
- Eligible Programs:
- The applicant must be applying to one of the eligible Master’s programs in the Faculty of Forestry, Land and Food Systems, or Science.
Benefits of the 2025 UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
The UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship offers comprehensive support to its recipients, covering:
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship pays for all tuition fees for the entire duration of the Master’s program.
- Living Expenses: Scholars receive a stipend to cover housing, food, and other daily living costs.
- Travel Costs: Airfare and travel expenses are covered to help students relocate to Canada for their studies.
- Technology Support: Scholars are provided with a laptop to aid in their studies.
- Post-Graduation Support: Beyond financial support, the program offers comprehensive academic, social, and professional assistance to ensure scholars’ success both during and after their studies.
This holistic support system allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies, personal growth, and community leadership without worrying about financial burdens.
Application Process and Required Documents
Applying for the UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship requires diligence and careful preparation. The following documents are required to complete the application process:
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form: Complete the application form accurately and thoroughly.
- Personal Statements: Applicants must answer several personal statement questions within the specified word limits. These questions are designed to gauge the applicant’s leadership qualities, commitment to community, and future goals.
- Example topics include:
- Telling your story and what is important to you (200-300 words).
- Describing your meaningful involvement in your community (200-300 words).
- Explaining your interest in UBC and how the program aligns with your career goals (200-300 words).
- Discussing a significant challenge you’ve overcome and what you learned from the experience (200-300 words).
- Providing insight into your financial situation and why you need the scholarship (200-300 words).
- Example topics include:
- CV/Resume: Include a detailed CV outlining your educational background and any relevant work experience.
- Reference Letters: Submit two reference letters on official letterhead from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and leadership potential.
- Transcripts: Attach legible copies of your unofficial transcripts. If these are not in English, a translated version must also be provided.
Once all documents are collected, applicants must submit their complete package, including the checklist, signed declaration, and personal statements, by the deadline of October 31, 2024.
Why Choose UBC?
The University of British Columbia is one of the top public universities in Canada and globally recognized for its academic excellence, innovation, and sustainability efforts. UBC offers a diverse and inclusive environment where students from around the world come together to learn, grow, and tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.
As part of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, UBC provides scholars not only with academic knowledge but also with practical experiences and leadership development opportunities. Scholars will be empowered to create positive change in their communities, bringing the lessons learned at UBC back to Africa to contribute to the continent’s development.
The UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program represents a life-changing opportunity for students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue their dreams of higher education. By providing full financial support and access to world-class education, UBC and the MasterCard Foundation aim to nurture the next generation of African leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.
If you are an academically talented student with a passion for leadership and community development, don’t miss this chance. Applications are now open, and the deadline is fast approaching. Take the first step toward a brighter future by applying for the 2025 UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship today!
For more information, visit UBC’s official website and start preparing your application. With persistence and determination, you could be one of the next scholars embarking on a transformative educational journey at UBC in Canada.
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