How a Nigerian Accountant Won the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Study Climate Change Finance at the University of Edinburgh

Hi. My name is Enogba Ende, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar from Nigeria, currently pursuing an MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment at the University of Edinburgh. With a bachelor's degree in accounting, I worked as a Finance Officer for a nonprofit organisation focused on sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 13, which addresses climate action and building environmental resilience. This experience served as a learning curve and sparked my interest in climate finance.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Details

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship program, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, is a fully funded scholarship program for Africans, particularly those who identify as women, refugees (or displaced), and/or those with disabilities who face barriers to education. The scholarship programme is limited to selected courses in the institution, and it covers your tuition, accommodation, and stipends. It also supports you through your pre-arrival phase and covers your flight expenses. It is important to note that the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program also partners with Oxford and Cambridge University in the UK and some schools in the US, Canada, and Africa, and each of these schools has its own procedures.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate degree in Accounting from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria (2010-2014) with a CGPA of 4.15/5.00. After my undergrad, I had over three years of work experience, including volunteering with the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, which added to my skills of working with young people from diverse backgrounds on climate change and sustainable development.

I also attended the Conference of the Parties, COP26, by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Seeing that climate finance plays a pivotal role in tackling climate change issues, my educational background in accounting was the stepping stone. I was keen on knowing what the nexus between finance and climate change could be, and I believe all these prepared me to apply for the Climate Change Finance and Investment programme at the University.

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

The unique aspect of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at the University of Edinburgh is that you are advised not to apply to the university until you are shortlisted for the scholarship. When I finally made the shortlist, the Mastercard team collaborated closely with me on my application to the institution, ensuring a seamless process since I had already secured the fully funded scholarship with the university.

At the University of Edinburgh, an IELTS score is required, and I took the English test since my undergraduate institution was not on the list of exempt Nigerian schools. I must mention that the Mastercard team also covered the cost. The team shared practice materials with us, but I also utilised helpful YouTube videos on how to ace my IELTS.

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

The call for applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at the University of Edinburgh usually happens towards the end of the year, between October and November. Once I met the eligibility criteria, which included providing the details of a referee for recommendation (Academic or Work-based). I also made available my Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript.

The next required step after the above is to answer some essay questions that portray your leadership and service, community and climate leadership, and the potential benefit of the program to you and your future goals and study. I answered these essay questions and submitted them before the deadline. The essays are an integral part of the scholarship selection process, and once successful, you’ll be invited for an interview, mostly on Zoom.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Originality. I was able to tell my story genuinely in the essay I wrote. In telling my story, I also showed how I have led, gotten involved in community service, etc. Like they say, you have to show what you’ve done and not just tell. To add, you must avoid plagiarism (telling other people's stories as yours).

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

Since I was successful, I’m not sure there’s anything I would want to change

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

Be authentic. Own your story and put in the work. Be ready to do in-depth research about available scholarships to know what they look for. This will help you put the right essays together that relate to what they are looking for.  Most importantly, get your relevant academic documents intact!