Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation, with partner universities and organisations
Each partner university runs its own scholarship, so you apply to each one separately, and as many as you like. This main path builds the file they all need; each partner has its own sub-path. Comprehensive scholarships for academically talented young Africans facing financial barriers, awarded through a network of partner universities in Africa and beyond, with leadership development and a lifelong alumni community.
Last verified 1 Nov 2026. Always confirm details on the official site.
Sub-paths (10)
Each has its own form, dates and reminders. Follow one, or several at once.
- KNUST, Ghana (Mastercard Scholars)
Undergraduate scholarships at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology for school leavers in critical economic need, who must also apply for KNUST admission.
ClosedNext deadline: 30 Jun 2027 (tentative)
- Makerere University (Mastercard Scholars)
245 bachelor's and 13 master's awards for 2026/27 on the main campus, with at least 70% going to young women. Applying is free.
ClosedNext opening: 15 Mar 2027 (tentative)
- University of Cape Town (Mastercard Scholars)
For African citizens, South Africans included: a first bachelor's, or a taught honours, health sciences diploma or coursework master's. Two separate applications.
ClosedNext deadline: 30 Sept 2027 (tentative)
- University of Edinburgh (Mastercard Scholars)
On-campus and online master's scholarships for African citizens living in Africa. A two-stage process: a declaration first, then the main application.
Deadline: 19 Nov 2026Start the path - Arizona State University, in Kigali (Mastercard Scholars)
50 places for young African professionals: a full-time ASU Online master's in technology and innovation, living in Kigali. ASU's on-campus track for 2027â28 closed on 27 September 2026.
Deadline: 22 Nov 2026Start the path - Sciences Po, Paris (Mastercard Scholars)
Two-year master's scholarships for African citizens. You file a scholarship request and a Sciences Po master's application at the same time.
Deadline: 23 Nov 2026Start the path - UC Berkeley (Mastercard Scholars)
For master's programmes of two years or less. You apply to Berkeley through regular graduate admissions; programmes then nominate candidates.
Deadline: 1 Dec 2026Start the path - University of Cambridge (Mastercard Scholars)
About 80 awards a year for African citizens living in Africa, for one-year full-time master's courses. The funding deadline comes before the course deadline.
Deadline: 1 Dec 2026Start the path - McGill University (Mastercard Scholars)
Master's scholarships for African citizens living in Africa. A mandatory information session comes first, and it's the only way to get the form.
ClosedNext opening: 1 Apr 2027 (tentative)
- University of Toronto (Mastercard Scholars)
Graduate scholarships for citizens living in Sub-Saharan Africa who come from an Africa Health Collaborative partner institution. Next recruitment is for 2028â29.
ClosedNext opening: 15 May 2027 (tentative)
Key dates
âčïž Every partner sets its own calendar. Each sub-path has its own dates and reminders.
Eligibility
- Citizen of an African country (some partners name specific countries or add criteria)
- Age when you apply: 29 or under for a bachelor's, 35 or under for a master's (partners can set their own limits)
- Strong academic record and leadership potential
- Financial circumstances that make study hard without support (documented as each partner asks)
- Commitment to giving back to your community and the continent
- Meet the partner's admission requirements for the level you apply to (bachelor's, master'sâŠ)
Stipend & benefits
Scholarships are generally comprehensive: tuition, accommodation, books and supplies, travel and a living stipend. Exact coverage and amounts are set by each partner.
- Comprehensive scholarship (by partner)
- Leadership development and mentoring
- Career support
- Large alumni community across Africa
Work policy & extra income
Depends on the host country and partner. Many programmes expect studies and leadership activities to come first. Check your residence permit and scholarship terms.
Specific ways scholars earn
- On-campus jobs (assistant, library, front desk) within your permit's limits
- Summer internships, often supported by the program
- Community projects funded by program grants
Laureates of this scholarship
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