Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a world-renowned, fully funded program designed to prepare Africa’s next generation of leaders. With more than 33 leading universities and institutions, such as the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), University of Toronto or the University of Cambridge, this initiative leverages digital tools to enable academically excellent young Africans to succeed. Students receive a holistic support package ” which goes beyond financial assistance, with the scholars exposed to economic opportunities in Africa and internationally – and are an integral part of a generation that will work together to ensure the future prosperity of the continent.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility To be considered for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you must:
• Be a national of an African country (dual nationals are ineligible unless holding one non-African passport)
• Had a strong academic record and applied or accepted to attend an undergraduate or master’s full-time course at one of the partner institutions
• Demonstrate great financial need, social or economic barriers to achieving higher education
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing community development and transformative leadership in Africa
• Not already have a degree in their field at the level for which they’re applying (no second BA or MA’s)
• Be able to satisfy all admissions requirements of the destination university (transcripts, credential evaluations, language testing, etc.)
• Are a member of an underrepresented or underserved group, including young women, refugees, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities when the program is designed to provide supporting evidence/justification that GNS may receive special consideration (such as demonstrating mobilization of resources).
Key Benefits
Full-time students receive a funded offer that typically covers:
• Full tuition for the duration of the program
• Housing Provided On-Campus or Allowances for Off-Campus Housing
• Stipend of living and meal expenses each month
• Health insurance and medicine
• Laptops and learning materials
• Travel home returning to your Home Country as needed
• Comprehensive wrap-around services: Academic guidance, Career-building counseling, Leadership development and Psychosocial support
• Internships, service learning projects, and networking opportunities to develop real-world leadership experience
How to Apply
Find research partner universities and choose the program best for you.
Make sure you also check with the institution about their formal academic admission requirements (transcripts, test scores, credential evaluations).
Apply for the degree of your choice.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program You must apply through the university scholarship portal.
Include materials that support your application like: coursework transcripts, proof of financial need, identity verification records, letters of recommendation and personal statement as well records related with your leadership or community service.
Such every other examinations and interviews from the partner institution.
Required Documents
Although the specific requirements will depend on the university, applicants are usually required to provide:
• Transcripts and certified copies of academic certificates.
• National identity or resident documents
• If admitted, acceptance letter or proof of application to a university
• CV or resume
• Personal Statement indicating Academic goals, leadership vision and commitment to advancing Africa’s development.
• Recommendations from teachers or community leaders
• All information on financial need (income statements, affidavits)
• Evidence of language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) or exemption.
• Other licenses (refugee status; disability) if applicable
Application Deadlines for 2026
Deadlines vary by partner but they tend to be late 2024 – early 2025. Interested applicants should check out both university websites to verify that deadlines and submission instructions have not changed for the 2026 intake.
Read also Swedish Institute Scholarships 2026: Jönköping University Opportunities for Professionals
Official Website
For more information on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and how to apply, please visit:
Enrich your future – apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and take your place among the next generation of transformative leaders.