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Across the globe, diversity scholarships are changing who gets access to graduate education, from FinTech-focused funding in Germany to Indigenous leadership awards in Canada. These five diversity scholarships showcase the difference that the right funding can make.
As we move through a highly polarized world, crucial observances such as Black History Month remind us that representation and inclusion matter. Now more than ever. This is especially true when it comes to higher education and knowledge and research systems.
Diversity in higher education is an ongoing conversation. Universities and business schools continue to ask themselves how they can remove barriers to education. However, across the globe, students from underrepresented backgrounds continue to face barriers to graduate education. Visa restrictions, financial barriers, and a lack of flexible or supportive programs can lead to systemic gaps in higher education.
Diversity scholarships are one tangible way that universities can make a difference for students from minorities and underserved groups in society. With this in mind, this article aims to shed light on five unique diversity scholarships available to master’s students worldwide.
Let’s explore diversity scholarships available to master’s students worldwide and dive into what exactly they offer.
Region: United States
For: Women graduates of Spelman College & Agnes Scott College
The Rosemary and John Brown Family Scholars Program is a US$5 million scholarship endowment available to graduate students at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. The scholarship is available to graduates of Spelman College and Agnes Scott College. Scholarships are awarded based on merit. Recipients will also benefit from additional mentoring and networking during their studies.
Region: Germany
For: Women in FinTech
The Frankfurt School of Finance and Management offers a variety of diversity and merit-based scholarships. One of their unique awards is the WM Gruppe Women’s Diversity scholarship. The school endows this award specifically to outstanding female students studying the Master in Financial Technology (FinTech). The scholarship aims to expand access to FinTech careers for women, helping to overcome gender parity in the tech sector. The application deadline is May 31.
Region: France
For: Students with financial need
Four ESSEC alumni founded the ESSEC Foundation in 2011. As part of ESSEC Business School, it has since raised over €20 million for its projects. The ESSEC Foundation offers various social scholarships.
These social grants finance all or part of the tuition fees for CROUS scholarship students (a maximum of €5,200 per year). This applies only to students enrolled in the Masters in Management or Global BBA. The grants have helped over 2,000 students since 2011.
Additionally, the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Scholarship partners with ESSEC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center to provide a total of three grants (between €3,000 and €5,000) to students with entrepreneurial goals.
Region: Canada
For: Indigenous master’s students & students from minority backgrounds
The UBC Sauder School of Business offers various scholarships to its Master of Management (MM) students.
The Indigenous Community Leadership MM Scholarship Award is awarded to Indigenous Canadian applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential in their communities. Applicants must apply by May 5, 2026.
Moreover, the Dean’s Excellence in Diversity Award is awarded to two incoming MM students from underrepresented communities. Those selected must showcase academic and professional excellence and a commitment to inclusion-focused community work. International applicants must apply by March 10, 2026. Canadian citizens and permanent resident applicants must apply by May 5, 2026.
Region: South Africa
For: Students from sub-Saharan Africa with financial need
The University of Cape Town (UCT), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, offers the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. It is available to talented students from sub-Saharan Africa studying a master’s degree at UCT. The scholarship covers the entire study duration of a program. It can be renewed annually if academic performance meets expectations. Scholarship recipients must showcase a commitment to returning to their home countries to invest their new skills and knowledge in their country’s growth.
The scholarship is awarded to applicants based on academic talent, economic need, and leadership potential. The scholarship offers financial assistance with visa applications, travel, tuition fees, living costs, accommodation, and more. Applicants can apply annually from July to September.
These five diversity scholarships send a strong message about the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of research, academia, and leadership.
These scholarships bridge the gap between deserving candidates and academic opportunities, proving what becomes possible when access is prioritized. As global conversations about equity and inclusion continue to shape real-world outcomes, these funding opportunities lay the groundwork for true progress.
For more insights into scholarships, funding, and success stories, visit our Financing Your Master page.
Looking for funding? These 20 lesser-known master’s scholarships worldwide can help fund your degree. From full tuition and living costs to perks like internships and mentoring, find real support to help you study, grow, and launch your career. Master’s scholarships can make your dream of an international master’s education more affordable than ever.
