The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest and most impactful scholarship initiatives focused on Africa. It supports academically talented young people particularly those facing financial, social, or other barriers who show strong leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to their communities and the continent.
Launched in 2012, the program has committed over 58,000 scholarships and aims to reach 100,000 by 2030. More than 70% of scholars are young women, and the program has produced over 20,000 alumni. It goes far beyond tuition support by providing holistic assistance that helps scholars succeed academically, develop as leaders, and transition into meaningful work.
What the Scholarship Covers
The program typically provides comprehensive (fully funded) support that includes:
- Full tuition and academic fees
- Accommodation and living expenses (or a stipend)
- Books and other academic materials
- Mentoring, counselling, and psychosocial support
- Leadership development and community engagement opportunities
- Career services and transition-to-work support
- A return air ticket to the scholar’s country of origin (where applicable)
- In some cases, application fee reimbursement, health insurance, and other practical support
Support is available primarily at the secondary, undergraduate, and master’s levels. Doctoral/PhD funding is generally not offered through the main Scholars Program.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is set by individual partner institutions, but common criteria across the program include:
- Citizenship of an African country (dual citizenship rules vary by partner; some exclude dual citizens of non-African countries)
- Academic excellence and strong potential for success in the chosen program
- Demonstrated leadership and a commitment to community service or social impact
- Significant financial need or other barriers to accessing higher education (the program prioritizes young women, refugees/internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities)
- Age limits that often apply: typically 29 or younger for undergraduate programs and 35 or younger for master’s programs at the time of application (exact cut-offs vary)
Applicants must generally intend to use their education to contribute to sustainable development in Africa. Gaining admission to a partner university does not automatically guarantee a Mastercard Foundation scholarship—the scholarship selection is competitive and separate.
Partner Institutions
You cannot apply directly to the Mastercard Foundation. Applications are managed exclusively by partner universities and organizations. There are dozens of partners (reports cite 62+), primarily in Africa, with others in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Notable partners include (among many others):
- Africa: Makerere University (Uganda), University of Cape Town and University of Pretoria (South Africa), Ashesi University and KNUST (Ghana), African Leadership University and Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda), University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin), Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), and others such as Pan-Atlantic University (Nigeria) and University of Global Health Equity.
- Europe: University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh (UK), Sciences Po (France).
- North America: University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Toronto (Canada), Arizona State University, and others.
Each partner has its own eligible programs, timelines, and requirements. Some focus heavily on STEM, sustainability/climate, health, leadership, or entrepreneurship. Always check the specific partner’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page for the most current details.
Deadlines and How to Apply for 2026/2027 Intakes
Deadlines and processes vary significantly by institution and level of study. Many partners open applications between August and January for the following academic year (e.g., Fall 2026 or 2027 starts). Examples of recent/current timelines (subject to change—verify directly):
- University of Cambridge (master’s): Applications typically open in September; funding deadlines often fall in early December or January.
- University of Edinburgh: Information sessions in September, applications following in October–November for later intakes.
- University of British Columbia: Expression of interest periods often open in late August/early September.
- University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, Makerere, and others: Deadlines commonly in August–October for undergraduate or postgraduate cohorts.
- Sciences Po and various African partners: Specific windows in late 2025 or 2026.
General application steps:
1. Research partner institutions and eligible programs that match your academic goals, preferred location, and degree level. Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program “Where to Apply” page and each university’s dedicated Scholars Program site.
2. Confirm eligibility, required documents, and exact deadlines on the partner’s website.
3. Prepare strong application materials early. Common requirements include:
– Academic transcripts and certificates
– Proof of citizenship/identity
– Personal statement or essays (often focusing on leadership, community impact, career goals, and how you will contribute to Africa)
– Letters of recommendation
– Evidence of financial need or barriers faced
– CV/resume
– Language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) where required (some African partners do not require them)
4. Apply for admission to the university (or the specific program) and complete any separate or integrated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application or expression of interest. Some partners require mandatory information sessions first.
5. Submit by the stated funding/scholarship deadline (often earlier than general admission deadlines). Follow up only through official channels.
Application fees charged by universities are usually reimbursed if you are selected as a scholar. You may apply to multiple partners, but each application requires significant effort.
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Highlight concrete examples of leadership, community service, and resilience in overcoming barriers.
- Clearly articulate your long-term vision for contributing to Africa’s development (sustainability, climate resilience, health, education, entrepreneurship, etc., are frequent themes).
- Demonstrate genuine financial need with supporting documentation where requested.
- Prepare thoroughly for any interviews or additional assessments.
- Start early by gathering transcripts, recommendations, and test scores takes time.
- Watch for fraud: The Foundation does not solicit payments or personal financial details from applicants. Apply only through official partner university channels.
Key Resources
- Official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page: mastercardfdn.org (search for Scholars Program and “Where to Apply”)
- Individual partner university Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program websites (the most accurate source for deadlines and forms)
- Foundation FAQs and application tips series on the official site.
How to Apply
Interested Applicants should review the application and submit an application using the Link provided 👉 Here
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive but transformative. Successful scholars join a powerful pan-African and global network of peers and alumni committed to inclusive growth. If you meet the criteria and are ready to lead change, research the partners that best fit your goals and begin preparing your application now for the 2026/2027 cycles.
Always verify the latest details directly on SeedufyTech.com as timelines and requirements can be updated.
Good luck!
