EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

EARTH University and Mastercard Foundation

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Graduating high-school students from sub-Saharan Africa (Mastercard Foundation places) with strong grades, leadership and financial need (lowest two income quintiles), who commit to return to Africa. EARTH has separate places for Latin America. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

EARTH University in Costa Rica offers a four-year agricultural sciences degree to young people from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. The Mastercard Foundation scholarship pays for scholars from Africa and adds mentoring, service learning and internships.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Graduating high-school students from sub-Saharan Africa (Mastercard Foundation places) with strong grades, leadership and financial need (lowest two income quintiles), who commit to return to Africa. EARTH has separate places for Latin America. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Jan (annual; the last round closed on 31 Jan 2026 - apply at admissions.earth.ac.cr) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Proof of family income or financial situation (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Graduating high-school students from sub-Saharan Africa (Mastercard Foundation places) with strong grades, leadership and financial need (lowest two income quintiles), who commit to return to Africa. EARTH has separate places for Latin America. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.

What does EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program cover?

A scholarship for a four-year agricultural sciences degree at EARTH University in Costa Rica, with mentoring, service learning and internships; the value varies by award

When is the deadline for EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Dec – Jan (annual; the last round closed on 31 Jan 2026 - apply at admissions.earth.ac.cr) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Host countries: Costa Rica.

What documents do I need for EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Proof of family income or financial situation (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application?

High: Comprehensive Application + Financial Need Assessment + Interviews & Leadership Exercises