In a world where quality education can be a life-changing opportunity, financial limitations often serve as a barrier for many talented and driven students. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program aims to dismantle those barriers, offering a transformative educational experience to academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged young people, primarily from Africa.
This program not only provides full scholarships but also focuses on developing future leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and the world.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program is a comprehensive education initiative launched in 2012 by the Mastercard Foundation, one of the largest foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion for youth in Africa.
The scholarship targets academically talented youth from economically marginalized communities—especially young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities—providing them with access to quality secondary and higher education.
Partner Institutions
The program is run in partnership with a global network of top-tier academic institutions. These include:
In Africa:
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University of Cape Town (South Africa)
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Makerere University (Uganda)
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Ashesi University (Ghana)
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African Leadership University (Mauritius and Rwanda)
In North America:
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University of Toronto (Canada)
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McGill University (Canada)
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University of British Columbia (Canada)
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Duke University (USA)
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Arizona State University (USA)
In Europe:
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Sciences Po (France)
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University of Edinburgh (UK)
Each institution independently manages its application process and eligibility requirements, although all align with the overarching goals of the Foundation.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship, which typically covers:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation and living expenses
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Textbooks and academic supplies
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Travel expenses (including flights)
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Visa and insurance fees
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Support for internships and career development
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Mental health and academic counseling
Beyond financial support, scholars benefit from mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities that enhance their personal and professional development.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the partner institution, but general requirements include:
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Being a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
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Demonstrating academic talent and a record of achievement
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Showing leadership potential and a commitment to community service
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Being economically disadvantaged
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For undergraduate programs: completion of secondary school
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For graduate programs: completion of an undergraduate degree with a strong academic record
Some institutions may also consider refugees, displaced youth, and those from marginalized communities globally.
How to Apply
Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship must be made through the partner universities. The application process generally involves:
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Applying for admission to the university of choice
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Submitting a separate application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship (if required)
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Providing supporting documents, which may include:
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Academic transcripts
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Letters of recommendation
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Proof of financial need
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Personal essays or statements of purpose
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Deadlines vary by institution and program, so applicants are advised to check the official website of each partner university for specific details.
Impact of the Program
Since its inception, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program has empowered over 40,000 young people across Africa. Many scholars have gone on to become entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and leaders in their communities and beyond.
The program’s long-term vision is to develop a network of ethical and transformative leaders who will contribute to inclusive and equitable economic growth in Africa and around the world.
Success Stories
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Wanjiru Njenga – A graduate of McGill University, she returned to Kenya to start a social enterprise aimed at empowering women through digital literacy.
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Samuel Muwanguzi – After graduating from Makerere University, he launched a sustainable agriculture project that has improved food security in rural Uganda.
These stories illustrate the ripple effect of investing in education—not just for the individual, but for entire communities.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is more than just a financial aid program. It’s a life-changing opportunity that nurtures the next generation of global changemakers. For students facing economic hardship, it opens the doors to world-class education, personal growth, and meaningful societal contribution.
If you’re a passionate, driven student with dreams of higher education but limited means, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship might just be your path to realizing those dreams.
