Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026-2027

Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest scholarship initiatives in the world, built to develop the next generation of transformative leaders from Africa. With over USD 1.7 billion committed and a goal of supporting 100,000 scholars by 2030, the programme gives talented young Africans who face financial barriers full funding for undergraduate and graduate studies at leading institutions across Africa, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

The support goes well beyond tuition. Scholars receive accommodation, books, mentoring, leadership development, psychosocial support, career services, and return airfare. The Mastercard Foundation works through more than 62 partner institutions, each managing its own admissions and selection. Partners include Arizona State University, Cambridge University, Sciences Po, UC Berkeley, McGill University, Makerere University, and many leading African universities.

As of 2026, the programme has committed over 45,000 scholarships. 71% of scholars are young women, and more than 20,000 alumni are already contributing to development across the continent.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Mastercard Foundation
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	Full tuition, accommodation, books, mentoring, leadership development, psychosocial support, return airfare, and career services
Deadline	Varies by institution
Duration	Full duration of the degree programme (typically 3–4 years for undergraduate, 1–2 years for graduate
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of African countries (specific dual-citizenship rules vary by partner institution)
Official Website	https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must show strong academic achievement and leadership potential. Specific requirements vary by partner institution but typically require strong secondary school results (undergraduate) or a strong Bachelor's degree (graduate). Standardised test scores may be required depending on the host university.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be citizens of an African country. The programme prioritises young people from sub-Saharan Africa, though eligibility extends to all African nations. Dual-citizenship rules vary by partner institution.

Language Requirements

Language requirements depend on the partner institution. English-medium universities require IELTS 6.0-7.0 or TOEFL 80-100. French-medium institutions require DELF/DALF or TCF certification. Some African partner institutions have different requirements.

Work Experience

No formal work experience is required. Demonstrated community service, volunteer work, and leadership activities are key selection criteria. The programme seeks candidates who have already shown commitment to improving their communities.

Other Requirements

Applicants should be 28 years old or younger at the time of application (32 or younger for applicants in the Refugee or Persons with Disabilities categories). Financial hardship is a core eligibility criterion: the programme targets students who have the talent but lack the financial means to access quality education.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition and fees coverage for the entire degree programme
• Accommodation costs covered (on-campus housing or housing allowance)
• Books, academic materials, and supplies funded
• Mentoring and academic counselling throughout the programme
• Leadership development workshops and training
• Psychosocial and well-being support services
• Return airfare to home country (for international placements)
• Career services, internship placements, and professional development opportunities
• Alumni network connecting graduates across Africa and globally
• Application fee reimbursement for selected scholars

How to Apply

1. Research Partner Institutions: Visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website and review the list of 62+ partner institutions. Identify universities and programmes that match your academic interests, degree level, and geographic preference. Each institution has its own admissions criteria.
2. Check Institution-Specific Requirements: Visit your chosen institution's Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page. Review the specific eligibility criteria, required documents, and application deadlines. Some institutions have separate scholarship application forms in addition to the standard admissions application.
3. Prepare Your Application Materials: Gather academic transcripts, language test scores, personal statements, evidence of community service and leadership, financial documentation showing need, and letters of recommendation. Tailor your personal statement to your commitment to social impact in Africa.
4. Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the partner institution's application portal. Indicate your interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program where prompted. Some institutions allow multiple applications to different Mastercard Foundation partner schools.
5. Interview and Selection: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews conducted by the partner institution. Interviews assess academic potential, leadership qualities, commitment to community development, and financial need. Selection panels look for candidates who will use their education to drive positive change in Africa.
6. Accept and Prepare: If selected, accept the scholarship offer by the stated deadline. The programme team assists with visa applications, travel arrangements, and pre-departure orientation. Scholars are connected with mentors and peer networks before arriving on campus.

Required Documents

• Completed application form (institution-specific)
• Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions
• Secondary school leaving certificate (undergraduate applicants) or Bachelor's degree certificate (graduate applicants)
• English or French language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, or equivalent)
• Personal statement or essay on leadership, community service, and future goals
• Evidence of community service and leadership activities
• Financial documentation showing financial need (family income statements, tax records, or sponsor letters)
• Two or three letters of recommendation from teachers, community leaders, or employers
• Copy of valid passport or national identity document
• Proof of African citizenship

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	Varies by institution; typically September–January for the following academic year
Application Deadline	Varies by institution; ranges from October to April depending on the partner university and programme
Results Announced	Varies by institution; typically 2–4 months after the application deadline
Course Start	Varies by institution; typically August–October for Northern Hemisphere universities

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Give specific examples of how you have served your community and shown leadership, even in informal settings
• Spell out a clear vision for how you will use your education to contribute to development in Africa after graduation
• Be honest about your financial circumstances and explain how the scholarship would change your access to education
• Share a challenge you have overcome and what it taught you about problem-solving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to only one partner institution instead of exploring multiple options across the 62+ partner network
• Writing a generic personal statement that does not address community leadership and commitment to Africa
• Failing to provide adequate financial documentation to prove genuine need
• Missing institution-specific deadlines, which vary widely across partner universities
• Not checking the age eligibility limit (28 years, or 32 for refugees and persons with disabilities)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which universities participate in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Over 62 institutions globally, including Arizona State University, University of Cambridge, Sciences Po, UC Berkeley, McGill University, University of British Columbia, Makerere University, KNUST, and many other leading African and international universities.

Can I apply to multiple partner institutions?

You can apply to multiple Mastercard Foundation partner institutions at the same time. Each application is assessed independently by the respective university.

Is the scholarship only for undergraduate students?

The programme supports both undergraduate and graduate students, including Master's and PhD candidates at select institutions. Available degree levels depend on the specific partner university.

Do I need to return to Africa after completing my studies?

The programme strongly encourages scholars to contribute to development in Africa. There is no strict contractual obligation, but the programme's mission centres on building African leadership, and scholars are expected to apply their skills to benefit the continent.

Is the scholarship need-based or merit-based?

Both. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential, but financial hardship is also a core eligibility criterion.

Can refugees apply?

Refugees with African citizenship are eligible, and the age limit is extended to 32 years for the Refugee category. Some partner institutions have dedicated tracks for refugee scholars.

What support do scholars receive beyond financial aid?

Scholars receive mentoring, leadership development workshops, psychosocial well-being services, career guidance, internship placements, and access to a growing alumni network of over 20,000 graduates.

Are application fees covered?

For institutions that charge application fees, the fees are reimbursed if the student is selected. Some institutions also offer fee assistance for candidates who cannot afford the initial cost.

What is the age limit for applicants?

28 years old or younger. The limit is extended to 32 years for applicants in the Refugee or Persons with Disabilities categories.

How many scholars does the programme support?

Over 45,000 scholarships committed as of 2026, with 71% going to young women. The Mastercard Foundation aims to reach 100,000 scholarships by 2030.

Related Scholarships

• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026
• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2026