Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarship initiatives dedicated to supporting young people from Sub-Saharan Africa. Rather than simply covering tuition, the program is designed as a holistic investment in future African leaders, supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD study at a network of globally recognized partner universities across Africa, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Scholars are selected not only for academic excellence but for a demonstrated commitment to community impact and positive change in their home countries.
Scholarship Details
The scholarship is fully funded and covers a wide range of costs: full tuition fees, accommodation, books and academic materials, travel expenses, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. Application fees required by partner institutions are reimbursed for students selected as Mastercard Foundation Scholars, further reducing financial barriers to applying. Degree duration follows the standard structure of the host institution and program — typically four years for a Bachelor's degree and two years for a Master's degree — with PhD duration varying by discipline and institution. Application deadlines vary by partner institution rather than following a single universal date.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be from Sub-Saharan Africa, though specific criteria may vary somewhat by partner institution. Candidates must come from an economically disadvantaged background with genuinely limited financial resources to access higher education independently — the program is specifically designed for students who would not otherwise be able to attend a world-class university. Strong academic performance is required, demonstrated through high school grades, university transcripts, or equivalent academic records. Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can speak to the applicant's character, leadership, and transformative potential are also required. Critically, admission to a participating Mastercard Foundation partner institution is a prerequisite for scholarship consideration — students must first be accepted by the university before scholarship funding can be applied.
