Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: The Complete Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply

What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, officially known as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarship initiatives in the world. It is designed to unlock higher education for academically talented young Africans who face significant social and economic barriers. Since its founding, the program has committed over USD $1.2 billion to supporting the education and leadership development of more than 40,000 young people across the globe.

At its core, the Mastercard Scholarships is not simply a financial award. It is a comprehensive, transformative experience built around one powerful idea: that education is a catalyst for lasting social and economic change. Scholars are not just funded; they are mentored, trained, and prepared to become ethical, entrepreneurial leaders who return to their communities and drive meaningful impact across Africa.

The program operates through a Pan-African and global network of partner universities and non-governmental organizations. Its ambition is enormous: by 2030, the Mastercard-Foundation Scholars Program aims to award 100,000 scholarships to young Africans as part of the Foundation’s broader Young Africa Works strategy — a strategy that seeks to enable 30 million young people, especially women, to access dignified and fulfilling employment.

Who Is Eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships?

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step toward a successful application. While specific requirements vary by partner institution, the following general criteria apply across most programs:

Citizenship and Academic Background
Applicants must hold citizenship in an African country. Candidates who hold a second citizenship from outside the African continent are generally not eligible. Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a qualifying Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program at an eligible institution.

Academic Merit
The Foundation Scholarship is highly competitive and targets students who have demonstrated strong academic performance. A compelling academic record is one of the most critical factors in the selection process.

Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need — showing that without the scholarship, accessing quality education would be out of reach. The program specifically seeks students whose ambitions far exceed their financial resources.

Leadership and Community Engagement
Scholarship applicants are expected to have demonstrated leadership potential. This may take the form of community service, initiatives, volunteer work, or other contributions that show a commitment to giving back.

Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship places a strong emphasis on inclusivity. At least 70% of scholarships are awarded to young women. Additionally, at least 25% are reserved for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and at least 10% for young people living with disabilities. Women from rural communities, people from isolated regions, and those from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Age Limit
Most partner institutions require applicants to be 35 years or younger at the time of application. Refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities may qualify up to the age of 40.

What Does the Mastercard-Foundation Scholarship Cover?

One of the most compelling aspects of the Mastercard Scholarship is the comprehensive, wrap-around support it provides. This goes well beyond tuition. Here is a breakdown of what scholars typically receive:

• Full tuition and academic fees — covered for the entire duration of the program
• Accommodation and housing — scholars are housed comfortably throughout their studies
• Monthly living allowance — to cover day-to-day living expenses
• Travel expenses — including international airfares, visa application fees, and passport costs
• Health insurance — full medical coverage during the scholarship period
• Books and learning materials — funding for all required academic resources
• Psychosocial and counselling support — wellness resources for scholars’ mental health
• Mentorship and leadership training — structured programs to build professional and personal skills
• Career preparation and internship opportunities — to ease the transition from education to employment
• Post-graduation support — including convocation regalia and return flights home

Partner Universities Offering the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

The Mastercard=Foundation Scholarships is implemented through a growing network of 33+ partner institutions spanning Africa, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Some of the most prominent universities currently offering the scholarship include:

• University of Toronto (Canada) — focuses on health-related graduate disciplines
• McGill University (Canada) — supports scholars in nutrition, public health, public policy, and sustainable agriculture
• UC Berkeley (United States) — emphasizes technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship
• Arizona State University (United States) — offers programs in engineering, business, and artificial intelligence
• Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda) — graduate programs in information technology, engineering, and AI
• Sciences Po (France) — the only EU institution and only francophone university outside Africa in the network
• University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) — postgraduate applications open each September
• Makerere University (Uganda) — offers both undergraduate and graduate scholarships
• African Leadership University — focused on African-centered learning and leadership

Partner institutions primarily based in Africa are a key focus as the Foundation continues expanding its network across the continent.

Levels of Study Covered by the  Scholarship

The Scholarship is available at three academic levels:

1. Secondary Education — for gifted students at the pre-university stage
2. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degrees — available at several African partner universities
3. Master’s Degrees — the most widely available level, offered at both African and international partner institutions

It is important to note that PhD and doctoral scholarships are not currently offered under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Students seeking doctoral degrees should explore alternative funding opportunities.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

The application process is managed individually by each partner university, not by the Mastercard Foundation directly. Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the process:

Step 1: Choose a Partner Institution
Start by identifying which partner university aligns with your academic goals, field of study, and country preferences. Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website and browse the full list of partner institutions.

Step 2: Apply for Admission First
Before you can be considered for the scholarship, you must apply and gain admission to a partner university through their standard admissions process. Acceptance to a partner university, however, does not guarantee a scholarship — the two processes are separate and competitive.

Step 3: Apply for the Scholarship
Once you apply for admission, eligible candidates are typically invited to apply for the Scholarship directly through the partner institution. The scholarship application is separate from the general admissions process.

Step 4: Meet the Deadlines
Each partner university sets its own application deadlines, which differ significantly. For example, Sciences Po typically has a January deadline for master’s applications, while the University of Toronto’s deadline for the 2026-27 academic year was November 2025. Always check the specific institution’s website for the most current deadlines.

Step 5: Submit a Strong Application
A competitive Mastercard-Foundation Scholarships application typically includes a compelling personal statement, evidence of leadership experience, proof of financial need, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Highlight your commitment to returning to your community and contributing to Africa’s social and economic development.

Important Note: The Mastercard-Foundation does not solicit payments or funding from applicants. Any entity asking for money in exchange for a scholarship placement is fraudulent. Apply only through official institutional portals.

Life as a Mastercard  Scholar: Beyond the Classroom

Winning the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship opens a door to an experience that is immersive, empowering, and lifelong. Scholars become part of a vibrant global community of peers, mentors, and alumni who share a commitment to transformative change.

Scholars participate in leadership development workshops, entrepreneurship boot camps, internship placements, and career mentoring sessions throughout their studies. Events like the annual Baobab Summit — held in Nairobi in 2025 — bring scholars from across the globe together to connect, co-create, and celebrate collective impact. At the Summit, emerging entrepreneurs compete in the Resolution Social Venture Challenge, a competition designed to recognize young leaders committed to social innovation.

After graduation, scholars are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to the growth and development of their communities. The alumni network remains a powerful lifelong resource for professional development, networking, and continued impact.

Why the Mastercard Scholarship Matters

Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. The Mastercard-Foundation  exists because talent is universal, but opportunity is not. By removing financial barriers and investing in exceptional young people, the program is building a generation of leaders who are not just academically excellent — but deeply committed to changing the world.

With over $1.2 billion committed, more than 40,000 scholars supported, and a bold target of 100,000 scholarships by 2030, the Mastercard  Scholarship stands as the largest scholarship and leadership initiative of its kind in Africa. For any aspiring scholar who meets the criteria, it represents one of the most powerful opportunities available today.