Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: How to Apply and Partner Universities
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative created to develop the next generation of transformative leaders in Africa and beyond. Through access to quality higher education, leadership development, and career support, the Program empowers highly talented, service-oriented young people to contribute meaningfully to inclusive and equitable socio-economic development across the continent.
At its core, the program asks a powerful question: What role will you play toward a better Africa? By supporting education and leadership, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program equips young people with the tools they need to lead change in their communities and countries.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to support academically talented young people who face financial barriers to higher education. However, beyond scholarships, the program focuses on leadership, service, and impact.
Through a strong network of partner universities and organizations, the program creates pathways for Scholars to:
- Access inclusive and relevant education
- Develop leadership and professional skills
- Transition successfully into dignified and fulfilling work
- Lead transformative lives that positively impact society
As a result, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not just about earning a degree, but about building long-term change.
Vision and Impact of the Program
The vision of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is to create a transformative network of young leaders and institutions driving inclusive and equitable socio-economic change in Africa.
To achieve this, the program works closely with:
- Higher education institutions
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni communities
Together, these partners help young people gain the education, skills, and opportunities required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The Program’s Approach to Education and Leadership
Strong Institutional Partnerships
The Program forges powerful partnerships with selected higher education institutions around the world. These institutions provide comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support to Scholars throughout their studies.
In addition, partner institutions help Scholars transition smoothly from education into the workforce by offering mentorship, internships, and career development opportunities.
Holistic Scholar Support
Beyond tuition, the Program supports Scholars through:
- Leadership training and community engagement
- Career guidance and work-readiness programs
- Access to alumni networks and lifelong learning opportunities
Consequently, Scholars graduate not only academically prepared but also equipped to lead with purpose.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Partner Universities (Applications Open)
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is implemented through partner universities, each of which manages its own application and selection process. Below are some partner institutions currently accepting applications:
H3: Available Partner Institutions
- American University of Beirut
- African Leadership University (ALU)
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Cambridge
- Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa)
- EARTH University
- Pan-Atlantic University
- Sciences Po
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Abomey-Calavi
- University of Global Health Equity
Each institution has specific eligibility criteria, timelines, and application requirements.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Scholar, it is important to note that applications are not submitted directly to the Mastercard Foundation.
Instead:
- Choose a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner university
- Apply directly through that institution’s official application portal
- Follow the institution’s admissions and scholarship guidelines
You can view the full and updated list of partner universities and application details here:
https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/where-to-apply/