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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Last verified 12 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers comprehensive scholarships to young African leaders, providing financial, academic, and psychosocial support to enable their success in higher education and beyond.

Provider
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Host country
Multiple
Deadline
Varies by partner institution

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to young African leaders. Applicants apply directly through one of the program's partner universities, which are primarily located in Africa, but also in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Eligibility criteria are set by individual partner institutions.
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Undergraduate, Masters
Deadline
Varies by partner institution

Key eligibility criteria

  • The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to young African leaders. Applicants apply directly through one of the program's partner universities, which are primarily located in Africa, but also in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Eligibility criteria are set by individual partner institutions.

Recorded funding information

  • Fully Funded

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2026)

## About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a transformative initiative dedicated to developing young African leaders who will drive inclusive and equitable socio-economic change across the continent. Through partnerships with leading higher education institutions globally, the program provides comprehensive support to promising students, empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals. ## What the Scholarship Covers The scholarship is fully funded and provides extensive support to Scholars. This includes, but is not limited to, tuition fees, accommodation, books and other necessary academic materials. Beyond financial assistance, the program offers crucial psychosocial support, mentorship, counseling, and leadership development opportunities. Additionally, it covers the cost of a return air ticket to the Scholar's country of origin, if required. ## Eligibility and Application Process Prospective Scholars must apply directly through one of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program's partner universities. These institutions are mainly located in Africa, but also include partners in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Each partner university manages its own application process, sets specific admission requirements, and establishes deadlines. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to research the programs offered by these partner institutions and contact them directly for detailed information on application guidelines and timelines. The program supports studies at the secondary, undergraduate, and master's levels, but not PhD programs. ## The Value of Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar More than just a scholarship, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fosters a vibrant community of young leaders. Scholars benefit from a robust network that extends into an alumni community designed to connect and mobilize individuals who are committed to social change in Africa and beyond. The program emphasizes inclusive economic growth, supporting women and marginalized groups to create pathways for improved lives, livelihoods, and well-being. By joining this program, Scholars gain access to a network of like-minded individuals and resources that support their journey to becoming transformative leaders.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Fully Funded

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to young African leaders. Applicants apply directly through one of the program's partner universities, which are primarily located in Africa, but also in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Eligibility criteria are set by individual partner institutions.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to young African leaders. Applicants apply directly through one of the program's partner universities, which are primarily located in Africa, but also in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Eligibility criteria are set by individual partner institutions.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Varies by partner institution. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Varies by partner institution. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Varies by partner institution

      Provider deadline information: Varies by partner institution. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Editorial verification note

    Auto-curated from official source (top-tier batch).
    Last checked 5/12/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?+

    The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to young African leaders. Applicants apply directly through one of the program's partner universities, which are primarily located in Africa, but also in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Eligibility criteria are set by individual partner institutions.

    What funding does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offer?+

    Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Varies by partner institution. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to young African leaders. Applicants apply directly through one of the program's partner universities, which are primarily located in Africa, but also in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Eligibility criteria are set by individual partner institutions.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Varies by partner institution. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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