Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Mastercard Foundation with partner universities (e.g. UCT, Ashesi, Makerere, KNUST, McGill, Toronto, Oxford, Arizona State, UC Berkeley)

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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

Academically talented young people from Africa with financial need and a record of community leadership; criteria differ slightly by partner. Apply directly to the partner university or NGO; the Foundation never asks individuals for payment.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Backed by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with over 30 premier universities across Africa (including the University of Cape Town, Makerere University, Ashesi University, KNUST, University of Rwanda, University of Pretoria, and the American University in Cairo), this program aims to prepare the next generation of transformative, ethical leaders. It targets academically talented young people who face severe socio-economic barriers, disability, or forced displacement (refugees/IDPs) and provides comprehensive financial, academic, and psychosocial wrap-around support through to employment.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Academically talented young people from Africa with financial need and a record of community leadership; criteria differ slightly by partner. Apply directly to the partner university or NGO; the Foundation never asks individuals for payment.
2. Note the deadline. Varies by partner university - usually Sep – Jan (there is no programme-wide deadline; each partner runs its own application and selection) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Official Transcripts: High School national exam certificates (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, Baccalauréat, A-Levels) for Bachelor’s; official university transcripts and degree certificate for Master’s.; Letters of Recommendation: 2 structured reference letters (1 from a teacher/professor and 1 from a community leader or employer verifying leadership and socio-economic context).; Personal Statement / Essay Prompts: 3 short essays (typically 300–500 words each) covering: (1) A time you demonstrated ethical leadership or community service in your school/community, (2) How you overcame significant personal or financial adversity, and (3) How your chosen degree will create measurable socio-economic impact in Africa.; Proof of Income / Financial Need: Detailed household income declaration, parent/guardian income statements, fee payment histories, or refugee registration card (UNHCR ID) verifying financial disadvantage..
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. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Academically talented young people from Africa with financial need and a record of community leadership; criteria differ slightly by partner. Apply directly to the partner university or NGO; the Foundation never asks individuals for payment.

What does Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program cover?

Full Ride (100% Tuition, Housing, Stipend, Laptop, Books, Return Flights)

When is the deadline for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Varies by partner university - usually Sep – Jan (there is no programme-wide deadline; each partner runs its own application and selection) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

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

Host countries: South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Canada, United States, United Kingdom.

What documents do I need for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Official Transcripts: High School national exam certificates (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, Baccalauréat, A-Levels) for Bachelor’s; official university transcripts and degree certificate for Master’s.; Letters of Recommendation: 2 structured reference letters (1 from a teacher/professor and 1 from a community leader or employer verifying leadership and socio-economic context).; Personal Statement / Essay Prompts: 3 short essays (typically 300–500 words each) covering: (1) A time you demonstrated ethical leadership or community service in your school/community, (2) How you overcame significant personal or financial adversity, and (3) How your chosen degree will create measurable socio-economic impact in Africa.; Proof of Income / Financial Need: Detailed household income declaration, parent/guardian income statements, fee payment histories, or refugee registration card (UNHCR ID) verifying financial disadvantage..

How much work is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application?

High: Transcript + 2 Recommendation Letters + 3 Leadership/Impact Essays + Financial Need Proof