The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for African students. It provides opportunities to study at top universities worldwide while developing leadership skills and contributing to social and economic development in Africa.
The 2026 intake offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs. This guide covers eligibility, benefits, required documents, deadlines, application process, and FAQs.
Why Choose Mastercard Foundation Scholarships?
- Fully funded: tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance
- Study at top partner universities globally
- Leadership development and mentorship programs
- Opportunities to make a social and economic impact in Africa
- Scholarships available for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs
The Mastercard Foundation focuses on academic excellence, leadership potential, and community impact.
What Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Cover (2026)
- Full tuition fees at partner universities
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs (arrival and departure)
- Health insurance and visa support
- Leadership and mentorship programs
- Academic materials and research grants (if applicable)
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility Requirements (2026)
- Must be a citizen of an African country
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated leadership and community involvement
- Accepted or applying to a partner university
- Meet English or other language proficiency requirements of the host university
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Required Documents (2026)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- Passport copy
- Proof of leadership or community involvement (if applicable)
- Language proficiency certificates (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Key Partner Universities
Here’s a selection of universities and institutions currently partnered with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
| Region | Partner Universities & Institutions |
|---|---|
| Africa | – African Development University (Niger) – African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) – African Leadership Academy (South Africa) – African Leadership University (Mauritius & Rwanda) – Ashesi University (Ghana) – Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda) |
| Middle East | – American University of Beirut (Lebanon) |
| North America | – Arizona State University (USA) – University of California, Berkeley (USA) – Michigan State University (USA) – McGill University (Canada) – University of Toronto (Canada) |
| Latin America | – EARTH University (Costa Rica) |
| Other Partners | – CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) – Sciences Po (France) – Makerere University (Uganda) – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) – University of Cape Town (South Africa) – University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
How to Apply Mastercard Foundation Scholarships for African Students
Step 1: Check Partner Universities
Identify universities partnered with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 2: Prepare Documents Early
Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the deadline.
Step 3: Submit University Application
Apply directly to your chosen partner university and indicate interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application
Some universities automatically consider students; others require a separate scholarship application.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews (if applicable)
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments.
Application Deadlines for 2026
- Deadlines vary by partner university
- Typical deadlines: August 2025 – January 2026
- Check the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program portal for the exact dates
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Results – What You Need to Know
Results Timeline
- Preliminary review: 2–4 months after deadline
- Final results: November 2025 – March 2026 (varies by university)
Next Steps After Results
- Notification: Selected candidates receive an official email
- Acceptance & Pre-Departure Orientation: Confirm acceptance and attend briefings
- Visa & Travel: Apply for student visa and prepare to travel
- Program Start: Dates vary by university, usually August – September 2026
Tips While Waiting
- Keep all documents ready
- Monitor email and official portal notifications
- Continue academic and extracurricular activities
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026 – FAQ
Q1: Who can apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026?
- African students with strong academic records, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Q2: Are Mastercard Foundation Scholarships fully funded?
- Yes, they cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance.
Q3: How do I apply for Mastercard Foundation 2026?
- Apply to a partner university and submit the scholarship application as instructed.
Q4: When are the results announced?
- Typically November 2025 – March 2026, depending on the partner university.
Q5: What if I am not selected?
- Reapply next year or explore other fully funded scholarships like DAAD, Fulbright, or Erasmus Mundus.
Q6: Can I improve my chances?
- Submit strong motivation letters, highlight leadership and community work, and apply early.
Tips to Increase Your Chances (2026)
- Apply early and ensure all documents are complete
- Research partner universities and programs thoroughly
- Prepare a strong CV and motivation statement
- Obtain quality recommendation letters
- Highlight leadership, community impact, and career goals
Other Available Scholarships for 2025/2026
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U of T Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 |Fully-Funded - University of Ghana Online Scholarship Forms
- Chevening Scholarships 2025/2026: Fully Funded UK Opportunity
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe) |Apply Now
- Fully Funded Scholarships for Ghanaian Students (Apply Now)
- Commonwealth Scholarships UK – Fully Funded (Apply Now)
- DAAD Scholarships Germany :Fully Funded for Int. Students
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