How a Nigerian Student Earned the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Food Security at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

My name is Nyingilayefa Gift Ernest from Bayelsa, Nigeria, a region deeply affected by flooding and food insecurity. Growing up in this environment, I became passionate about improving agricultural systems to address these challenges. This drive led me to pursue a Master’s in Food Security at the University of Edinburgh through the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Studying at a world-class institution has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to create sustainable change in agriculture. For me, this journey is not just academic, it's about making a lasting impact on my community and inspiring others to believe that change is possible, no matter where you come from.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Details

Receiving the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is a great honor. This transformative scholarship embodies a powerful commitment to reshaping the futures of young Africans, especially the girl-child, fostering lasting change in their circumstances. Here, within the vibrant community nurtured by the program, I join a network of skilled, entrepreneurial, and justice-oriented climate leaders from across the continent. The comprehensive support extends far beyond financial aid, encompassing full tuition, visa expenses, travel, accommodation, and even providing essential tools like a MacBook, ensuring every resource for success is within reach.

Crucially, the program offers invaluable mentorship, personalized development support, and access to a dynamic global network of scholars from diverse backgrounds. This incredible opportunity is not merely advancing my academic aspirations; it is empowering me with the vital resources, insightful guidance, and powerful connections necessary to forge a truly lasting impact in my world.

Educational Background

My bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, with a GPA of 4.23, provided a strong foundation in biochemistry, nutrition, and plant sciences, all of which are directly relevant to my Master’s in Food Security. My studies in food production and sustainability gave me deep insights into how environmental issues, especially climate change, impact global food systems. This solid educational background has shaped my scientific and solution-oriented mindset, equipping me to address food security challenges, particularly in regions like mine, with long-term, evidence-based strategies.

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

For my IELTS exam preparation, I relied primarily on YouTube and practicing with friends as my main strategies. I found YouTube to be an invaluable resource, offering a wide range of free tutorials, IELTS practice tests, and speaking exercises. Channels dedicated to IELTS preparation helped me understand the structure of the test and provided tips on improving listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. I watched videos from IELTS experts who shared strategies to approach each section of the exam effectively.

In addition to YouTube, I practiced speaking and writing with friends who were also preparing for the exam. We would regularly hold mock speaking tests, where we took turns asking each other questions and practicing our responses under timed conditions. This helped me build confidence and improve my fluency in real-time conversations. For writing, we exchanged essays and gave each other feedback to refine our skills.

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

 Preparing for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was a deeply transformative journey, one that began unexpectedly when I stumbled upon Solace’s YouTube story about her scholarship experience. Her story opened my eyes to an opportunity I hadn’t fully considered, sparking a passion to pursue the program.

Over the next two years, I threw myself into research, watching interviews and gathering insights from past scholars like Hammed Alabi, whose tips on the application process were invaluable. I spent countless hours refining my essay-writing skills and learning the nuances of crafting a standout personal statement.

In 2023, I submitted my first application, but I was met with rejection. While disheartening, it fuelled a period of deep reflection. I revisited my application, identifying areas for improvement and sharpening my goals. I continued researching, practicing, and refining my approach.

In 2024, I re-applied with a more refined narrative, stronger essays, and a clearer vision of the impact I wanted to make. This time, my efforts were rewarded, and I was selected as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Edinburgh. This experience taught me that success isn’t about avoiding failure but about learning from setbacks and continuously improving.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was the authenticity of my story and my clear sense of purpose. I focused on sharing my personal journey, highlighting how growing up in flood-prone community fuelled my passion for food security and sustainable agriculture. I aligned my narrative with the Mastercard Foundation’s values, emphasizing my commitment to addressing global challenges like hunger and malnutrition. My application reflected both my past achievements and my future vision to create lasting change in my community and beyond.

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 spend more time building and preparing myself for a global platform, focusing on personal growth and skill development, rather than getting caught up in self-doubt and second-guessing my decisions. I now realize that embracing the journey with confidence and a clear vision would have better positioned me to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

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

For anyone looking to apply for a similar scholarship, my advice is simple: be authentic and focus on your why. Don’t just list your achievements—connect them to a bigger purpose and show how they align with the values of the scholarship.

Start early and dedicate time to understanding the scholarship’s mission, what they value in applicants, and how you can showcase your story in a way that reflects those values. Research thoroughly, watch interviews, and learn from previous scholars’ experiences.

Most importantly, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow and improve. Seek feedback from mentors, refine your essays, and be confident in your unique journey. Your story is your strength, so share it with clarity and passion.

Finally, persist—if at first you don’t succeed, don’t give up. Keep learning, keep improving, and reapply with even greater determination.