3-Scholarships Sunday - QECS, MCF, and UNESCO
Opportunities you should plan to apply for this week.
Hi All!
From the really nice feedback I got last week, I’ll change this newsletter to share three opportunities every Sunday that you should check out that week.
Today, we’ll talk about QECS, MCF, and UNESCO.
1: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
Country: Different Countries (based on the course)
Program: Master’s
Deadline: 14 January 2026, 15:00 UTC
Funding details:
Fully-funded tuition fees.
Living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the award.
Return economy flights to the host country.
One-off arrival allowance.
Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval).
Application Link: https://www.acu.ac.uk/funding-opportunities/for-students/scholarships/queen-elizabeth-commonwealth-scholarships/
Tip: This is different from the popular Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. You’ll be studying a fully funded 2-year master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. This is a great opportunity to start your graduate school journey in another country.
2: Mastercard Foundation Scholars (MCF)
Country: Different Countries
Program: Master’s
Deadline: Varies based on the school
Funding details:
Tuition fees.
Living allowance (stipend).
Visa fees
Return flights
Accommodation.
Application Link: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/where-to-apply/
Tip: 6 Mastercard Scholarships are still open. Two of them are fully funded to the UK (Cambridge & Oxford), one to the US (UC Berkeley), and one to France (Sciences Po). Check whether they fund your program, then apply. I interviewed a Mastercard Scholar yesterday, and she shared how to position yourself to win. Click here to watch it.
3: UNESCO Graduate Internship Program
Country: Worldwide
Duration: 1 to 6 months
Program: Internship
Deadline: Apply anytime
Education Required: Master’s/PhD (Currently enrolled or recently graduated)
Application Link: https://careers.unesco.org/content/Internship-Programme
Tip: This isn’t a funded internship, but it’s a very good experience to have on your CV. It sets a good foundation for Chevening or Mastercard Scholarships that prioritize community impact. You also need to be currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within 12 months) from a master’s or PhD.
That’s it. See you next Sunday.
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Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:
The SA Scholarship Bootcamp: This 6-week Bootcamp is designed to help you secure fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships in Canada and the US with expert guidance every step of the way.
US Scholarships Self-paced Masterclass: This self-paced masterclass shows you the 14 steps you need to get fully-funded US scholarships for master’s and PhD - no matter your CGPA. Getting US scholarships is much easier than you think.
F1 Visa Interview Consultation: Get your F1 visa in your next interview. I combine my five F1 visa interview experiences with my expertise in learning from visa officers to prepare you for your visa interview thoroughly. We will identify your strengths and prepare you to deliver them confidently. Your story is the secret to your visa approval.
Scholarships Clarity Call: This is a one-on-one, 30-minute conversation where we’ll discuss your specific situation—your background, goals, and the biggest obstacles standing in your way right now. By the end of the call, you’ll know exactly which scholarships you should be targeting, what’s missing from your profile, and the next three steps you need to take to move forward.