Access to quality education can open unimaginable doors. But for many students across Africa, financial hardship makes that door hard to reach. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was created to bridge that gap.
It is a powerful initiative built to equip academically gifted but financially constrained students from Sub-Saharan Africa with world-class education, mentorship, and the support they need to become transformative leaders in their communities.
What makes the program special is its emphasis on more than academics. It focuses on leadership, service, and creating a ripple effect of impact across the continent.
This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, especially its U.S. university partners. You’ll learn about the scholarship coverage, eligibility, areas of study, partner schools in the United States, and how to apply.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a multi-billion-dollar global initiative designed to provide full scholarships to academically talented young Africans who show exceptional leadership potential and a strong commitment to community development.
Launched in 2012, the program has committed to supporting over 30,000 young people through partnerships with leading universities around the world.
In the United States, the program operates through selected top-tier universities that share the foundation’s vision for inclusive, accessible education. These institutions are not just education providers; they are transformation hubs where young leaders are nurtured with intention.
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship is fully funded and offers support that goes beyond the classroom. It is tailored to eliminate the financial and social barriers students face, ensuring they can focus on achieving their academic and leadership goals.
Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Full Tuition Support
The program covers 100 percent of tuition costs for the entire academic program. - Accommodation and Food
Scholars receive housing support and meal stipends, whether they live on or off campus. - Books and Academic Materials
Funds are provided to purchase textbooks, software, and essential academic supplies. - Travel Costs
Round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and the host university is covered. - Health Insurance
Scholars receive medical insurance throughout their study period in the United States. - Monthly Living Stipend
A monthly allowance is provided for personal and incidental expenses. - Leadership Training and Mentorship
Structured leadership programs, peer mentoring, and personalized career support help scholars build the skills needed to create real change. - Internships and Career Development
Career services, professional networking events, and internship placements are also part of the package.
Eligibility Requirements
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive, and eligibility criteria are set to identify students with the highest potential to lead and make an impact.
Who is Eligible?
- Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country. - Strong Academic Record
Candidates must have consistently high academic performance and meet the admission requirements of the partner institution. - Demonstrated Financial Need
The scholarship targets students from low-income backgrounds who would otherwise be unable to access higher education. - Commitment to Giving Back
Applicants should have a clear vision for how they intend to use their education to improve their communities or country. - Leadership Potential
Applicants should have demonstrated leadership ability through extracurricular activities, community service, or personal initiatives. - English Proficiency
All U.S.-based programs require proficiency in English, and applicants may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Levels and Fields of Study
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports undergraduate and master’s level education, depending on the university. Each institution offers its own set of programs, generally in fields that align with Africa’s development goals.
Undergraduate Programs
Some U.S. partner universities support undergraduate education, and eligible students may pursue degrees in areas such as:
- Business and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Agriculture and Food Systems
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Social Sciences and International Development
Master’s Programs
The majority of U.S. university partners offer master’s level scholarships. Commonly supported fields include:
- Global Health
- Public Policy and Administration
- Development Economics
- Education and Social Innovation
- Environmental Management
- Data Science and Information Systems
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Sustainable Development
These programs are selected for their potential to equip scholars with the skills needed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing Africa.
Mastercard Foundation U.S. Partner Universities
The Mastercard Foundation works with several high-ranking U.S. institutions known for academic excellence, innovation, and global outreach. These universities provide the academic environment, mentorship, and community needed to foster leadership.
U.S. Partner Universities
- Arizona State University (ASU)
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Level: Master’s
Programs: Global Development, Sustainability, Public Administration, Education Innovation - University of California, Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, California
Level: Master’s
Programs: Public Health, Public Policy, Education, Development Practice - Michigan State University (MSU)
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Programs: Agriculture, Engineering, Business, Education, International Relations - Duke University
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Level: Master’s
Programs: Environmental Management, Global Health, Public Policy, Social Enterprise - Carnegie Mellon University (Africa Campus – Rwanda)
Affiliation: Carnegie Mellon University, U.S.-based
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Level: Master’s
Programs: Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Data Science
Although Carnegie Mellon’s Africa campus is located in Rwanda, it operates with full academic affiliation to its U.S. parent institution and delivers world-class STEM education on the African continent.
These universities were carefully selected for their global reputation, diversity, and demonstrated commitment to supporting African scholars in their academic and professional growth.
Application Process
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is handled by each partner university. This means you must apply directly to the university where you wish to study, following its specific process for Mastercard Foundation applicants.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Research University Offerings
Start by visiting the official website of each U.S. partner university listed above. Identify which programs and degrees they offer and whether they match your academic and career goals. - Check Eligibility and Deadlines
Each university has unique deadlines and criteria for scholarship applicants. Be sure to understand these clearly before starting your application. - Prepare Application Materials
Common documents required include:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates of graduation
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essays
- Proof of leadership experience or community work
- English proficiency test scores (if required)
- Valid identification or passport
- Financial need statement
- Apply for Admission and Scholarship Simultaneously
At most universities, you will indicate on your main admission application that you are applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. - Participate in Interviews
If shortlisted, you may be invited to a virtual or in-person interview to assess your leadership potential, motivation, and vision for community development. - Await Decision and Receive Offer
Successful candidates will receive official admission and scholarship offers, along with pre-arrival support including visa guidance, orientation, and relocation assistance.
What Sets Successful Applicants Apart?
The Mastercard Foundation is not just searching for academically gifted students. It is looking for visionaries, builders, and leaders who are committed to transforming the future of Africa.
- Applicants who tell compelling personal stories and articulate how their life experiences shaped their goals stand out.
- Candidates who clearly connect their academic interests to specific challenges in their communities tend to move forward.
- Those who demonstrate a long-term commitment to giving back, especially in innovative or community-based ways, are seen as future change agents.
Life as a Mastercard Scholar
As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, your experience is more than a degree. You are part of a global community. Scholars receive support beyond academics, including leadership summits, mentorship programs, and peer support networks. The goal is to prepare you not just for a job, but for a life of purpose and positive influence.
You will meet other brilliant minds from across Africa, collaborate with peers on community projects, and receive tools to launch your ideas for social impact. Many scholars go on to lead nonprofits, start businesses, influence government policy, or return to teach and mentor the next generation.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program represents one of the most impactful education initiatives of the 21st century. It does more than remove financial barriers; it inspires young Africans to lead, serve, and innovate.
Through its trusted partners in the United States and around the world, the program is shaping a future where knowledge, leadership, and service work hand-in-hand.
If you are a determined student from Sub-Saharan Africa with big dreams and a heart for change, this program could be your path forward.
Start by choosing a partner university that matches your goals, prepare your story, and take the first step toward becoming a leader who transforms lives—not just your own, but many others.
The opportunity is real. The time is now.