Lesotho Lawyer Awarded Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Study LLM at the University of Cambridge

My name is Thato Katiba, and I’m from the Kingdom of Lesotho, and I am a corporate and financial lawyer. I hold a first-class law degree from the National University of Lesotho and recently completed an LLM at the University of Cambridge. My academic and professional journey has focused on corporate finance, international commercial tax law, and financial regulation. I am also a researcher and have published about three academic reports now with the International Review of Constitutional Reform (IRCR) publication. I decided to pursue further education to deepen my understanding of the law, particularly in the context of sustainable development.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge for my LLM program. While I also applied for other scholarships, including the Chevening Scholarship, I ultimately accepted the one offered by Cambridge, which significantly covered my tuition and living expenses.

The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program was established in 2022 as a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and Mastercard Foundation. The program aims to sponsor over 500 African students, and it sponsors a wide range of Master's courses at Cambridge. Their main goal is to provide bright minds with the opportunity to complete Master’s training, develop transformative leadership skills, and help them contribute to climate resilience and sustainable futures in Africa.

As I mentioned above, they sponsor a wide range of master’s programs, and they believe that a multi-disciplinary approach is the best way to tackle the climate crisis, particularly in Africa. So they are looking for academically endowed people, and people with the desire and commitment to contributing to climate resilience and sustainable futures for Africa. They are also looking for leadership potential.

The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, and flight costs to and from the UK. They also give recipients a monthly stipend for their living expenses. They also cover things like transport from the airport to the college and provide a laptop allowance. Furthermore, since they have partnered with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership, they have tailored a bespoke leadership training program for their recipients, and there is a certificate upon completion. The program also supports students post their studies in Cambridge; they give them information about other scholarship opportunities, jobs, internships, and fellowships. They also provide their students who are taking placements in Africa with financial support.

The scholarship application process is quite unique per department. First, one must apply for admission to the University of Cambridge. They simply have to go through the course directory, identify the course they want to pursue, ensure that they meet the minimum requirements, and once they have done that then they must put together the required documents. These include: a CV, official transcripts, and English proficiency results. As part of their application process, students must note their interests in applying for MCF funding. They will then be asked to submit a personal statement, in which they have to show their commitment towards solving climate problems in Africa. Another important point for interested students is that they must get good references to support their applications. References can make your application weak or strong. They must make sure that they communicate with their referees on time.

Educational Background

Before Cambridge, I completed my undergraduate studies at the National University of Lesotho with first-class honours in Law. My strong academic record played a key role in preparing me for postgraduate study. I also gained practical experience in the banking and compliance sectors, which strengthened my understanding of legal application in financial systems.

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

I began by researching programs that aligned with my interests. I relied heavily on university websites. Once I identified a course, I wanted to study. I made sure I compiled all the necessary documentation on time, communicated with my referees, and saved up money for the English proficiency exam. I scored Band 8 with 8.5 in 2 components, 8, and a 7 in other components. I prepared independently, focusing on past papers and online resources. Since English is not my first language, I gave myself a month to prepare and made sure to practice all components regularly, and scored highly, which helped my application stand out.

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

I approached scholarship applications strategically, ensuring each personal statement was tailored to the values and goals of the scholarship provider. I asked previous recipients for guidance on my essays and made sure to highlight my academic achievements, leadership experience, and community engagement. I also gathered strong reference letters from professors and professional supervisors who could speak to my character and potential. A tip towards acing your scholarship essay is understanding the scholarship’s objectives, establishing your interests, and making sure that you find a connecting factor that links your interests with the scholarship’s objectives.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my combination of academic excellence, relevant professional experience, and commitment to development in my home country made my application compelling. I also told a clear story about how my background and future goals aligned with the scholarship’s mission.

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

I would start earlier with gathering references and preparing personal statements. I also would’ve spent more time reflecting on how to better articulate my long-term goals in a more compelling narrative. Lastly, I would’ve applied to more scholarships to increase my chances and give myself more options.

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

Start early and be thorough. Know your story-why you’re pursuing this path, and what impact you want to make. Tailor every application to the specific scholarship and seek feedback from people who’ve gone through the process. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. And most importantly, don’t underestimate yourself or where you’re from—your unique background is an asset.