Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

About this scholarship

Comprehensive support covering tuition, accommodation, living costs, and holistic academic and leadership development. Full degree duration

ProviderMastercard Foundation

CountryMultiple (Global)

Host university / institutionUniversity of Cape Town, Makerere University, Ashesi University, University of Pretoria, Arizona State University, McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Edinburgh, American University of Beirut (62 partner institutions); University of Toronto, McGill University, Arizona State University, University of Edinburgh, Sciences Po, University of Cape Town, and 60+ partner institutions

Degree levelsBachelors/Masters

Fields of studyAll fields

Funding typeFully Funded

Application feeFree

DeadlineEach partner institution sets its own deadlines and requirements; apply directly through the chosen partner.

IntakeFall

Applications openVaries

CompetitionVery High

Programme durationFull degree duration

BachelorsMasters All fields

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility criteria

Primarily African youth and those from underserved communities
Economically disadvantaged with financial need
Academically talented and high-achieving
Service-oriented with leadership potential and commitment to giving back
Meets the admission requirements of the chosen partner institution
Specific criteria set by each individual partner institution
Primarily African youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
Financial need demonstrated
Meets partner institution admission requirements
Not already hold a degree from a partner institution

Benefits and coverage

Full tuition fees
Accommodation
Books and academic materials
Living expenses/stipend
Mentoring and counseling (psychosocial support)
Leadership development and transition support
Return airfare where necessary
Mentoring and psychosocial support
Leadership development programme
Transition support post-graduation

Required documents

Academic transcripts/records
Proof of admission or application to a partner institution
Evidence of financial need
Personal statement/essay
Letters of recommendation
Proof of identity/nationality
Proof of admission to partner institution

How to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Each partner institution sets its own deadlines and requirements; apply directly through the chosen partner. Submit a complete application before the official deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.

Amount / coverageComprehensive support covering tuition, accommodation, living costs, and holistic…

LevelsBachelors/Masters

Frequently asked questions

Primarily African youth and those from underserved communities Economically disadvantaged with financial need Academically talented and high-achieving Service-oriented with leadership potential and commitment to giving back Meets the admission requirements of the chosen partner institution Specific criteria set by each individual partner institution Primarily African youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds Financial need demonstrated Meets partner institution admission requirements Not already hold a degree from a partner institution

Full tuition fees Accommodation Books and academic materials Living expenses/stipend Mentoring and counseling (psychosocial support) Leadership development and transition support Return airfare where necessary Mentoring and psychosocial support Leadership development programme Transition support post-graduation

Academic transcripts/records Proof of admission or application to a partner institution Evidence of financial need Personal statement/essay Letters of recommendation Proof of identity/nationality Proof of admission to partner institution

Each partner institution sets its own deadlines and requirements; apply directly through the chosen partner.

No — applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are free.

No application fee — apply free

Apply on the official website → Official info page

DeadlineVaries

OpensVaries

IntakeFall

CompetitionVery High

CountryMultiple

Deadlines and details change — always confirm on the official website before applying.

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