Dreaming of studying through a fully funded scholarship? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports talented students across Africa with tuition, accommodation, leadership development, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, partner universities, and how to apply successfully.
Every year, thousands of students across Africa dream of pursuing higher education but face a daunting obstacle. Cost. It is not just the tuition fees, as accommodation, books and living expenses can easily make university education out of reach for many talented young people.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was created to help bridge that gap. More than just a scholarship, the program invests in academically talented young people who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Through partnerships with universities and institutions in Africa, Canada and other parts of the world, the program has opened doors for thousands of scholars to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies while developing the skills needed to become future leaders.
Unlike many scholarship opportunities, however, you cannot apply directly through the Mastercard Foundation. Applications are managed by participating universities and partner institutions, each with its own eligibility requirements, admission process and deadlines. Understanding how the programme works can significantly improve your chances of submitting a successful application.
This program is for everyone – from secondary school graduates looking for a fully funded undergraduate scholarship, university students exploring postgraduate opportunities or simply researching one of Africa’s most prestigious scholarship programs. This guide explains everything you need to know about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Related: Want to learn how the Mastercard Foundation is also transforming higher education institutions across Africa? Read our guide on What Is the Mastercard Foundation AHEFT Prize? Everything You Need to Know, and our news coverage of the launch of the AHEFT Prize and its inaugural university winners.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that supports academically talented young people whose education has been limited by financial, social or other barriers. Established by the Mastercard Foundation, the program works with leading universities and educational institutions to provide scholarships that help students access quality higher education while developing leadership, entrepreneurial, and professional skills.
Rather than operating as a single scholarship portal, the program is delivered through a network of partner universities, each responsible for recruiting, selecting and supporting scholars. This means applicants must apply directly through participating institutions instead of the Mastercard Foundation itself.
Beyond financial support, the Scholars Program focuses on preparing graduates to become leaders who can contribute to the social and economic development of their communities. Scholars often benefit from mentorship, leadership training, career guidance, internships, networking opportunities and access to a growing global alumni community.
The program is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s broader mission of expanding access to education and creating opportunities for young people across Africa. While initiatives such as the Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize recognize universities that are driving institutional change, the Scholars Program focuses on empowering individual students to reach their full potential.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of several fully funded opportunities available to African students. If you’re exploring multiple funding options, don’t miss our guide to Scholarships in Kenya and Abroad: Requirements, Eligibility and How to Apply, where we highlight other scholarships worth considering.
Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the partner university, but most institutions look for applicants who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.
In general, successful applicants are expected to meet several key criteria. They should have a strong academic record, show leadership potential and demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities. Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements of the university offering the scholarship.
Many partner institutions prioritize students who have overcome significant social or economic barriers to education. Some scholarships are specifically designed for refugees, displaced persons, young women, learners with disabilities, or students from underserved communities. Because eligibility differs from one university to another, it is important to review the specific requirements published by the institution you wish to join before submitting an application.
What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than a tuition scholarship. While the exact benefits vary by partner university, the programme is designed to remove financial barriers to higher education while equipping scholars with the skills and support they need to succeed during and after university.
Most Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive financial support that may include:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Accommodation or housing support
- Living allowance for daily expenses
- Books and learning materials
- Laptop or other academic resources, where applicable
- Travel support for eligible scholars
- Health insurance or medical support, depending on the institution
Beyond financial assistance, the program places a strong emphasis on personal and professional development. Scholars often participate in leadership training, mentorship program, career guidance, internships, community service initiatives and networking events that prepare them for life beyond graduation.
Many partner universities also provide psychosocial support, academic advising, and opportunities to connect with a growing community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni across Africa and the world. Because each university administers the scholarship independently, the exact package may differ from one institution to another and therefore applicants are encouraged to review the scholarship benefits listed by their preferred partner university before applying.
Partner Universities in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
One of the most important things to understand about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is that applications are submitted through partner universities, not directly to the Mastercard Foundation. Each institution manages its own admissions process, eligibility requirements, application deadlines and selection of scholars.
The program partners with universities across Africa, North America and Europe, giving students access to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities. Some of the participating institutions include:
Partner Universities in Africa
- African Leadership University (Rwanda)
- Ashesi University (Ghana)
- Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda)
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana)
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- University of Gondar (Ethiopia)
- University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
- University of Pretoria (South Africa)
- Pan-Atlantic University (Nigeria)
- Sciences Po (for selected Africa-focused programmes)
Partner Universities Outside Africa
Students may also find Mastercard Foundation Scholars opportunities at selected international institutions, including:
- Arizona State University (United States)
- McGill University (Canada)
- University of California, Berkeley (United States)
- University of British Columbia (Canada)
- University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
Because partnerships occasionally change and each university offers different academic programmes, applicants should always confirm current opportunities on the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website and the website of their preferred university before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly through the Mastercard Foundation website?
No. Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are submitted through participating universities and partner institutions, not directly through the Mastercard Foundation. Each partner manages its own admission process, eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Where can I access the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website?
The official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website provides information about the program, participating institutions and application guidance. However, applicants must visit the website of their preferred partner university to submit an application.
Is there a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program login portal?
There is no single login portal for all applicants. Each partner university has its own online application system, meaning you’ll create an account through the institution where you’re applying.
Can I apply for an undergraduate Mastercard Foundation scholarship?
Yes. Many partner universities offer fully funded undergraduate scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Some institutions also offer master’s degree opportunities, although available programmes vary by university.
Does the University of the Western Cape (UWC) offer the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Yes. The University of the Western Cape is one of the Mastercard Foundation’s partner institutions. Eligible students can apply for scholarship opportunities offered through UWC, subject to the university’s admission requirements and application timelines.
Can international students apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Yes. Eligibility depends on the partner university. Many institutions accept applications from students across Africa, while others may have country-specific requirements. Applicants should always check the eligibility criteria published by the university they wish to attend.
When do Mastercard Foundation scholarship applications open?
There is no single application period. Each partner university announces its own application dates and deadlines, so prospective scholars should regularly check the university’s official website for updates.
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the partner institution, the scholarship may cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, learning materials, leadership development, mentorship and other forms of student support.
