Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for African Students
Every year, thousands of talented young Africans with the brains to change their continent never get the chance to prove it. Not because they lack the drive or the intelligence. But because the financial wall between them and a world-class education is simply too high to climb alone.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program exists to tear down that wall.
Since its launch in 2012, this program has grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive scholarship initiatives on the African continent — fully funding the education of academically gifted young people who have faced the steepest social and economic barriers to opportunity. If you are an African student who has ever dreamed of studying at a top university locally or internationally, this guide covers everything you need to know: what the program offers, who qualifies, how it works across its global network of partner institutions, and exactly how to apply.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship initiative managed by the Mastercard Foundation — a private foundation established in Canada in 2006 with a mission to build a more equitable and inclusive world. The program was launched in 2012 with the specific goal of providing transformative educational opportunities to young Africans who demonstrate exceptional talent but face serious barriers to accessing higher education.
What makes this program stand out from a typical scholarship is its scope. It is not just financial aid. It is a holistic development experience that combines full tuition funding, accommodation support, living expenses, leadership training, mentorship, psychosocial support, and post-graduation career assistance — all packaged into a single, comprehensive offering.
The program operates under the foundation’s broader Young Africa Works strategy, which has set an ambitious target of enabling 30 million young Africans to secure dignified and fulfilling employment by 2030. The Scholars Program is one of the key tools through which the foundation intends to achieve this goal.
Since launching, the program has supported nearly 40,000 young people across Africa in pursuing secondary or tertiary education. By 2030, the foundation aims to award 100,000 scholarships to young Africans who face significant barriers to accessing quality education.
Who Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program For?
The program is deliberately designed for a very specific kind of person. Not just any smart student — but talented young Africans who have had to fight harder than most for every opportunity they have earned.
The program prioritizes candidates who meet all of the following core criteria:
- African citizenship: Applicants must hold citizenship in an African country. This includes Africans who have been forcibly displaced or hold refugee status within the continent. Individuals with dual citizenship that includes a nationality from outside Africa are generally not eligible, and those with asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are excluded.
- Academic excellence: Scholars must demonstrate strong academic records. Most partner institutions require applicants to first gain admission into a degree program before being considered for the scholarship itself.
- Demonstrated financial need: The program is specifically designed for students who genuinely cannot afford the cost of quality higher education without external support.
- Leadership potential: Applicants must show a commitment to developing transformative leadership skills — that is, leadership that engages others in an ethical, inclusive manner to drive positive and lasting change.
- Commitment to giving back: Scholars are expected to return to Africa and contribute meaningfully to their communities, countries, and the continent as a whole. The give-back ethos is not an afterthought; it is central to the program’s philosophy.
In addition to these core requirements, several partner institutions set their own specific eligibility criteria. For example, UC Berkeley specifies that candidates applying for bachelor’s degree scholarships must be 29 years old or younger, while those applying for master’s degree scholarships must be 35 years or under.
The program also actively encourages applications from groups that have historically been underrepresented in higher education:
- Women
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
- People with disabilities
- Students from financially disadvantaged or rural backgrounds
What the Scholarship Actually Covers
This is where the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program genuinely separates itself from most scholarship programs. The financial support is comprehensive, covering virtually every major cost associated with studying away from home.
While specific packages vary by institution, the standard coverage across the program includes:
| Benefit Category | What Is Covered |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the program |
| Accommodation | Housing throughout the period of study |
| Living Expenses | Monthly stipend for food, transport, and daily needs |
| Books and Academic Materials | All required course materials |
| Travel | Economy return flights from home country to study location |
| Visa and Immigration Fees | Visa application costs and related charges (e.g., Immigration Health Surcharge for UK) |
| Health Insurance | Medical cover during studies |
| Settling-In Allowance | One-time support upon arrival at the study destination |
| Emergency Fund | Access to a Thrive Fund or emergency support for unexpected hardship |
| Leadership Development | Workshops, training programs, and community service |
| Career Support | Internship placements, career coaching, networking with employers |
| Mentorship | Access to academic and professional mentors |
| Psychosocial Support | Counselling and mental health resources |
At UC Berkeley, for instance, the full scholarship covers travel, tuition, Berkeley student fees, visa and SEVIS fees, housing, food, living expenses, and cohort signature leadership programs. At the University of Oxford, scholars receive course fees, a living costs grant at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate, economy return flights, visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, settling-down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies.
The upshot is that accepted scholars can focus entirely on their studies and personal development without the financial anxiety that derails so many talented students from lower-income backgrounds.
The Four Pillars of Scholar Support
Beyond the financial package, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is built around four core pillars of support that shape every scholar’s experience from selection to post-graduation.
1. Academic Excellence
Scholars gain access to some of the world’s most rigorous academic environments. Partner institutions are selected specifically because of their academic quality and their relevance to Africa’s development challenges. The program places a high premium on academic performance, and scholars are expected to maintain strong grades throughout their program.
2. Leadership Development
Leadership training is woven deeply into the program’s DNA. Scholars participate in workshops, community service projects, and structured programs designed to build the skills and mindsets of transformative leaders. At Carnegie Mellon University Africa, for example, scholars go through a series of tailored leadership training sessions covering personality traits, leadership styles, and community engagement strategies. The goal is to graduate not just skilled professionals, but ethical leaders who can mobilize others toward positive change.
3. Give-Back and Community Service
Every Mastercard Foundation Scholar is expected to live out the program’s give-back ethos during and after their studies. This means actively participating in community service, developing and implementing projects that address real challenges, and returning to Africa with the knowledge and skills to make a measurable difference. The University of Oxford takes this a step further with a structured Ubuntu Period of Service — a 4 to 6 month post-graduation placement in a leading Africa-based organization where scholars work on continent-focused initiatives under the mentorship of experienced practitioners.
4. Alumni Network and Lifelong Connection
Once a scholar, always a scholar. Graduates become part of the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network — a growing community of change-makers drawn from various programs under the Mastercard Foundation umbrella, including the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ashoka, the Youth Think Tank, the Anzisha Prize, and Youth Forward. This network is designed to serve as an ongoing force for social and economic transformation across Africa.
The annual Baobab Summit brings the Scholars community together to connect, co-create, share, and reflect. The 2025 Baobab Summit was held in Nairobi, Kenya, and it included the Resolution Social Venture Challenge — a competition where emerging social entrepreneurs among current scholars compete for recognition and support.
Partner Universities: Where You Can Study
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works through a growing global network of partner universities and non-governmental organizations. As of the time of writing, the network includes over 33 partner institutions spanning Africa, North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Applications to the program are made directly through the partner institution of your choice — not through the Mastercard Foundation itself. Each partner manages its own admission process, sets its own deadlines, and applies its own eligibility requirements on top of the program’s core criteria.
Below is a comprehensive look at the major partner institutions:
African Partner Institutions
| Institution | Country | Program Focus |
|---|---|---|
| African Development University | Niger | Undergraduate |
| African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) | Multiple African Countries | Postgraduate (Mathematics & Sciences) |
| African Leadership Academy | South Africa | Secondary Level |
| African Leadership University | Rwanda/Mauritius | Undergraduate |
| Ashesi University | Ghana | Undergraduate |
| Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) | Ghana | Undergraduate |
| Makerere University | Uganda | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) | Kenya | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin | Postgraduate |
| University of Cape Town | South Africa | Postgraduate |
| University of Gondar | Ethiopia | Postgraduate |
| University of Pretoria | South Africa | Postgraduate |
| University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) | Rwanda | Postgraduate (Health) |
| International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) | Burkina Faso | Postgraduate |
International Partner Institutions
| Institution | Country | Notable Program Features |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University Africa | Rwanda | MS in IT, ECE, Engineering AI |
| University of California, Berkeley | USA | Undergraduate and Master’s programs |
| Arizona State University (ASU) | USA | Engineering, Business, Technology |
| McGill University | Canada | Postgraduate |
| University of British Columbia | Canada | Postgraduate |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Postgraduate |
| University of Edinburgh | UK | 850 postgraduate scholarships (2023–2030) |
| University of Oxford | UK | Taught Master’s programs (AfOx partnership) |
| University of Cambridge | UK | Taught Master’s programs |
| Sciences Po | France | Master’s programs in humanities and social sciences |
| American University of Beirut | Lebanon | Postgraduate |
| EARTH University | Costa Rica | Undergraduate (agriculture and environment) |
Sciences Po holds a particularly notable distinction: it is the first university in continental Europe to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the only francophone university outside Africa to be a program partner.
Spotlight: Notable Partner Programs
University of Oxford (AfOx Partnership)
The Oxford partnership, managed under the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), is set to provide 400 young African scholars with fully funded opportunities to pursue taught master’s degrees in programs related to pandemic preparedness and recovery, food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, and entrepreneurship. The program is structured around four AfOx themes aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Healthy People, Integrated Societies, Green Futures, and Innovation for Prosperity.
After completing their master’s, Oxford scholars undertake the Ubuntu Period of Service — a post-graduation placement in a leading Africa-based organization designed to translate academic knowledge into on-the-ground impact.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is currently in Phase II, offering 850 postgraduate scholarships for African students between 2023 and 2030. The program spans a wide range of disciplines and includes robust career support, internship placements, and alumni engagement.
Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa)
CMU-Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda, is one of the flagship technology-focused partner institutions. As part of a global network of 33 partner institutions, CMU-Africa has been part of the Scholars Program since 2016. Scholars complete master’s degrees in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Engineering Artificial Intelligence. The program features full tuition coverage, health insurance, travel and living expenses, entrepreneurship support, and intensive career preparation.
University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley’s Scholars Program partnership supports both undergraduate and master’s students with a full scholarship that includes travel, tuition, Berkeley student fees, visa and SEVIS fees, housing, food, living expenses, and cohort leadership programs. The Center for African Studies at Berkeley also runs a 10-year partnership to support 201 master’s degree students from African countries, recruiting broadly and encouraging applications from women, people with disabilities, and refugees.
Sciences Po (Paris, France)
The Sciences Po partnership covers full tuition and living expenses in France for the entire two-year master’s program, plus reserved housing in Paris, pre-departure support, an official welcome program, a mentoring initiative co-run with Sciences Po Alumni’s Africa Division, and a careers fair focused on employment and internship opportunities in Africa. The platform opens annually in early October, with the final deadline typically in early January.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works differently from most centralized scholarships. There is no single application form submitted to the Mastercard Foundation. Instead, the process is decentralized — meaning you apply through the partner institution of your choice, and that institution handles both admissions and scholarship selection.
Here is how the process generally works:
Step 1 — Choose Your Institution and Program
Start by identifying which partner institution aligns with your academic goals, career aspirations, and personal circumstances. Consider the location, the degree being offered, the institution’s focus areas (technology, health, governance, agriculture, etc.), and the deadline calendar.
Step 2 — Confirm Your Eligibility
Before applying, verify that you meet the core eligibility criteria of the Scholars Program as well as the specific requirements of your chosen institution. Pay close attention to age limits, citizenship requirements, academic qualifications, and financial documentation requirements.
Step 3 — Apply for Admission First
Most institutions require you to first apply for admission to the degree program itself. The scholarship consideration comes after — or simultaneously with — the admissions process. At Sciences Po, for example, you apply for both the master’s program and the Scholars Program at the same time through the international graduate admissions portal. At Oxford, you apply for graduate study through the University’s admissions portal by the main December/January funding deadline.
Step 4 — Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Documents typically required across institutions include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of African citizenship (national ID, passport)
- Financial need documentation (tax returns, income statements, or official scholarship certificates)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay demonstrating leadership potential and commitment to Africa’s development
- Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) where required
- CV or resume
Step 5 — Submit and Wait for Admissions Decision
Once you submit your application for the degree program, the institution will evaluate your academic profile. If you are admitted, your application typically moves into the scholarship selection process.
Step 6 — Scholarship Selection
Scholarship selection is separate from admissions. Being admitted to a partner university does not guarantee selection for the Scholars Program. The process is highly competitive, and selections are based on the quality of your academic background, your demonstrated financial need, your leadership potential, and your commitment to social impact and the give-back ethos.
Step 7 — Application Fee Reimbursement
If your chosen institution charges an application fee and you are selected as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, the fee will be reimbursed.
One important note: the Mastercard Foundation does not solicit funding or request payments from individuals at any stage of the process. If anyone asks you to pay money to access the scholarship, that is a scam.
Fields of Study Supported by the Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not restrict scholars to a narrow set of academic disciplines. Supported fields vary by institution but broadly cover areas considered critical to Africa’s sustainable development:
- Engineering and Technology (AI, Computer Engineering, Information Technology)
- Global Health and Health Sciences
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Economics and Development Studies
- Governance and Public Policy
- Entrepreneurship and Business Management
- Mathematics and Applied Sciences
- Social Sciences and International Relations
- Water and Energy Systems
- Education and Human Development
The emphasis across all fields is on how graduates will apply their knowledge to address pressing challenges in Africa — whether that is healthcare access, climate adaptation, food security, youth unemployment, digital inclusion, or public governance.
The Young Africa Works Strategy: The Bigger Picture
To fully understand the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you need to understand the broader ecosystem it operates within. The Scholars Program is one component of the foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy — a continental development initiative with the goal of enabling 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling employment by 2030.
Africa has the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world. By 2050, more than half the continent’s population will be under 25. The challenge — and the opportunity — is ensuring that these young people can access education, develop relevant skills, and transition into meaningful work that drives economic growth and social progress.
The Scholars Program addresses this challenge directly by investing in human capital: identifying talented young Africans early, funding their education at top institutions, equipping them with leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and connecting them to networks and career opportunities that allow them to return and contribute at the highest levels.
The foundation’s strategy also recognizes that certain groups face compounded barriers. Women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities often encounter structural obstacles that go far beyond the cost of tuition. The Scholars Program’s active encouragement of applications from these groups reflects a deliberate, equity-centered approach to talent development.
What Happens After Graduation?
One of the things that makes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program genuinely different from standard fully funded scholarships is what it expects — and provides — after graduation.
Scholars are not simply handed a degree and sent back home. They are supported through the transition from academic life to meaningful employment or entrepreneurship. This post-graduation support typically includes:
- Internship placements at leading African and global organizations during and after their studies
- Career coaching and access to employer networks, job fairs, and recruitment events focused on Africa
- Entrepreneurship support — including access to business incubators, innovation centers, and entrepreneurial funds
- Mentorship from experienced practitioners — particularly for scholars undertaking post-graduation service periods like Oxford’s Ubuntu Period of Service
- Alumni network access — connecting graduates with thousands of fellow Mastercard Foundation Scholars and program alumni across the continent
The message is clear: the program’s investment does not end at graduation. The expectation is that scholars will use everything they have gained — academically, professionally, and personally — to make a measurable difference in Africa.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Given how competitive this scholarship is, small errors in the application process can be costly. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:
Applying to the wrong institution for your circumstances. Each partner institution has different deadlines, eligibility requirements, and program focuses. Do not send a generic application to multiple institutions without tailoring each one to the specific requirements.
Underestimating the importance of the personal statement. The scholarship is not awarded to the student with the highest grades alone. Your essay or personal statement needs to clearly articulate your leadership journey, your financial circumstances, your vision for Africa’s future, and why this scholarship is the bridge between where you are and where you need to be.
Failing to demonstrate the give-back commitment. Reviewers are specifically looking for evidence that you intend to return and contribute to Africa. Vague statements about “wanting to help Africa” are not enough. Give concrete examples of community work, social initiatives, or professional goals that are rooted in African development.
Missing deadlines. Each partner institution has its own deadline, and some funding deadlines are earlier than the general admissions deadline. For Oxford, for example, scholars are strongly advised to apply by the December/January funding deadline, not just the general admissions deadline.
Not preparing financial documentation in advance. Documents like tax returns, income statements, and proof of financial hardship take time to gather. Starting your application without these ready is a common cause of incomplete submissions.
Not applying for admission separately. The Scholars Program cannot be applied to directly — you must first gain or simultaneously apply for admission to the degree program at your chosen partner institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded? Yes. The scholarship is a full-cost award that covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, visa fees, and other associated costs. Specific packages vary by institution, but the program is designed so that scholars do not need additional financial support.
Can I apply for a PhD through the Scholars Program? No. The program currently supports scholarships at the secondary, undergraduate, and master’s levels only. PhD funding is not currently available through the Scholars Program.
Does admission to a partner university guarantee the scholarship? No. Admission and scholarship selection are separate processes. Many students are admitted to partner institutions each year, but scholarship spots are limited and highly competitive.
Can I apply to multiple partner institutions at the same time? Yes. You can apply to multiple institutions simultaneously, but each application must go through that institution’s individual admissions and scholarship process.
Are application fees reimbursed? Yes. If you are selected as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, application fees charged by the partner institution will be reimbursed.
Can Nigerians apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program? Yes. Nigerian citizens are fully eligible to apply, provided they meet the program’s core eligibility requirements — including financial need, academic merit, and the commitment to return and contribute to Africa. Nigeria is one of the most represented countries in the program.
What is the Baobab Summit? The Baobab Summit is the annual gathering of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community. It brings together current scholars and alumni to connect, collaborate, and reflect on their impact. It also hosts the Resolution Social Venture Challenge, where selected scholars compete with social entrepreneurship ideas.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Scholarship for You?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not designed for every student. It is designed for a specific kind of young African — one who is exceptionally talented but has been held back by circumstances beyond their control. One who already shows signs of the leader they are becoming. One who does not see a scholarship as a free ride but as a responsibility to pay forward.
If that describes you — if you have the grades, the drive, the financial need, and the genuine desire to return and build something meaningful in Africa — then this is one of the most powerful educational opportunities available to you anywhere in the world.
The application process is demanding. The competition is fierce. But the foundation’s own data shows that scholars who complete the program go on to lead companies, build healthcare systems, develop technology solutions, and shape public policy across the continent.
Start with the institution that aligns best with your goals. Read their specific requirements. Prepare your documents early. Write your personal statement with brutal honesty and genuine clarity. And apply.
Africa needs exactly what you have to offer.
