About this opportunity
Since it began, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has funded more than 45,000 scholarships, 71% of them to young women, working toward a goal of reaching 100,000 scholars by 2030. The program runs through more than 62 partner institutions across Africa, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, each with its own admission cycle and supplementary application.
The program exists to remove financial barriers for academically strong young people from Africa, fund them through undergraduate or postgraduate study, and support their return to the continent afterward. Scholars are expected to return to Africa after their studies to contribute to its development, backed by mentorship, leadership training, and career-transition support built into the program.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship offered by MasterCard Foundation (in partnership with select universities) for applicants heading to Multiple countries.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Citizens of an African country
- Strong academic record -- this is a highly competitive, merit-linked award, not a general-needs grant
- Demonstrated financial need alongside academic strength
- Separate admission to one of the 62+ partner universities is required; the scholarship does not itself grant admission
What the opportunity may offer
- Full tuition and mandatory fees at the partner university
- A living stipend sized to the local cost of living
- Return airfare for scholars attending universities outside Africa, plus health insurance
- Structured mentorship, leadership development, and career-transition support
Required documents
- Standard admission application for the chosen partner university
- Proof of academic record and transcripts
- Financial need documentation
- Scholarship-specific essay or interview materials where required
Application process
- Identify a partner university offering the program at your intended level of study
- Apply for admission to that university through its standard process and deadline
- Complete any scholarship-specific application component the institution requires
- Submit transcripts, references, and proof of financial need per that institution's list
- Attend any interview or selection panel set by the partner institution
Before you apply
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by MasterCard Foundation (in partnership with select universities)
- □Prepare your 4 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Deadlines are set independently by each of the 62+ partner universities -- check your target institution's page directly rather than assuming a shared timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program actually fully funded?
Which universities offer the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Do scholars have to return to Africa after finishing their degree?
Is this the same thing as a general Mastercard corporate scholarship?
Can I apply directly to the Mastercard Foundation without going through a university?
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-20UShireZone is not affiliated with MasterCard Foundation (in partnership with select universities). We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.