Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program funds talented young Africans to pursue higher education and develop leadership skills through partner institutions worldwide.
Funder: MasterCard Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (partner institution deadline; projected)
Funding Amounts: Covers full tuition, accommodation, travel, and study costs; over 58,000 scholarships awarded to date; undergraduate and master's levels
Summary: Scholarships for talented young Africans to pursue higher education and develop leadership skills through partner universities and NGOs.
Key Information: Applications are managed by partner institutions; deadlines and eligibility vary by partner.
Description
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a flagship initiative focused on enabling high-achieving, service-oriented young people—primarily young Africans—to access inclusive and relevant higher education. The program partners with universities and NGOs globally to provide comprehensive scholarships and support services, including tuition, accommodation, travel, academic materials, mentoring, and leadership development. The ultimate goal is to foster a network of transformative leaders who contribute to positive change in their communities and across the continent. The program is committed to gender equity and inclusion, with a significant portion of scholarships awarded to women and marginalized groups.
