How a Kenyan Geospatial Analyst Secured the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Study MSc Carbon Management Online at the University of Edinburgh

My name is Dickstein Mukaria, a Geospatial Analyst from Kenya. I work at Dalberg Research, where I use geospatial tools to drive insights and solutions for social impact across diverse sectors such as climate resilience and agriculture. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Carbon Management at the University of Edinburgh. My experience as a GIS Analyst working on climate projects inspired me to further my education, as I recognized the need for a deeper understanding of climate science to make a more meaningful contribution to addressing the climate crisis.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Details

I was awarded a fully funded online scholarship through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a stipend to support academic setup and internet connectivity over the course of study.

Educational Background

I graduated with First Class Honours in a Bachelor of Science in Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. My geospatial background laid a strong foundation for my master’s application, particularly through my experience at Dalberg Research, where I worked on various climate projects. These experiences not only deepened my practical skills but also sparked a strong interest in Carbon Management. As I was eager to advance my career while continuing my studies, I chose an online program that would allow me to grow both academically and professionally.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Edinburgh?

With the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, you can apply to the institution after securing the scholarship. So, after being awarded the scholarship, I proceeded to submit my application to the university. To ensure my application was strong, I clearly communicated my deep interest in the program, my achievements, and my motivations for undertaking the program.

I mostly relied on LinkedIn and Scholarship groups to find programs that would be of interest to me.

After securing the scholarship, one of the conditions for admission was an English Proficiency Test. This was my first time taking the TOEFL iBT, so I used resources like YouTube and ETS tutorials to familiarize myself with the exam format. As a result, I was able to score 109 out of 120, which exceeded the 100 required for admission.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Scholarship?

Since I wanted to deepen my understanding of climate change, I began by researching relevant programs using resources such as LinkedIn and scholarship groups. After filtering through various options, the Mastercard Foundation-funded Carbon Management program at the University of Edinburgh stood out as the ideal choice, as it aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that sharing my unique and authentic story made my application strong, as this is something the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh places great emphasis on. Through the essays, I highlighted my personal journey and motivations, my leadership experience, my commitment to community impact, why I was drawn to the Mastercard Foundation program, and most importantly, why Carbon Management.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would believe in myself more and actively reach out to past Mastercard Foundation Scholars for support and guidance during the application. Connecting with those who had already gone through the process could have given me more confidence and helpful insights.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For anyone planning to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the application call and starting your application early. When applying, be sure to highlight your unique story, your commitment to community impact, your leadership journey, and your motivations, explaining how these align with the program you’re applying to.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to past scholars for support and guidance throughout the process.

Wishing you all the best!