Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Full Scholarships at Global Universities

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest scholarship programs for African students globally. Partners with 40+ universities across Africa, North America, and beyond.

Fully funded undergraduate and Master’s degrees. Covers tuition, accommodation, books, living stipend, leadership development. Needs-based for academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

15,000+ scholars funded since 2012.

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Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship	Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Funded by	Mastercard Foundation ($500M+ commitment)
Eligibility	African students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
Levels	Undergraduate, Master’s (varies by partner)
Partner Universities	40+ globally (Africa, North America, others)
Coverage	Fully funded (tuition + accommodation + stipend + books)
Scholars Funded	15,000+ since 2012; goal of 35,000 by 2030
Deadlines	Varies by university (typically July-November each year)
Website	mastercardfdn.org/scholars

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What Mastercard Foundation Covers

Full cost of attendance:

• Tuition and fees (undergraduate or Master’s)

• Accommodation (on-campus housing or living allowance)

• Books and supplies

• Living stipend (meals, personal expenses)

• Health insurance

• Travel costs (to/from university)

• Leadership development programming (mentorship, workshops, networking)

• Post-graduation transition support (career counseling, entrepreneurship support)

Value: Varies by university and country, but typically $50,000-$150,000 USD over the duration of the program.

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Eligibility Requirements

1. Citizenship

African students only. You must be a citizen of an African country.

2. Financial Need

The program targets students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Indicators include:

• Low family income

• Family unable to afford university tuition

• First-generation university student

• Orphaned, refugee, or displaced status

• Economic hardship due to disability, health issues, or family circumstances

There’s no specific income cutoff — eligibility is assessed holistically.

3. Academic Merit

You must demonstrate strong academic potential, though not necessarily perfect grades. The program looks for:

• Good academic performance relative to your circumstances

• Commitment to learning

• Intellectual curiosity and drive

Typical profile: Top 20-30% of your class, but context matters. Overcoming obstacles while maintaining grades is valued.

4. Leadership Potential

Mastercard Foundation prioritizes students who:

• Show leadership in school, community, or family contexts

• Have a track record of giving back (service, volunteering, helping others)

• Demonstrate potential to transform their communities after graduation

5. Commitment to Contribute to Africa’s Development

The scholarship is an investment in Africa’s future. You must:

• Plan to return to Africa after studies (or contribute to African development from abroad)

• Show commitment to using your education to benefit your community or country

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Partner Universities (Examples)

Mastercard Foundation partners with universities in three categories:

African Universities

• University of Cape Town (South Africa)

• University of Pretoria (South Africa)

• Ashesi University (Ghana)

• African Leadership University (Rwanda, Mauritius)

• Makerere University (Uganda)

• University of Nairobi (Kenya)

• Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia)

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST) (Ghana)

• University of Rwanda

• And 20+ more

North American Universities

• McGill University (Canada) — Master’s in Public Health, Nutrition, Public Policy, Agriculture (~35 scholarships/year)

• University of Toronto (Canada)

• Michigan State University (USA)

• Arizona State University (USA)

• Duke University (USA)

• Wellesley College (USA)

• Smith College (USA)

Other International Universities

• University of Edinburgh (UK)

• Sciences Po (France)

• American University of Beirut (Lebanon)

Full list: mastercardfdn.org/scholars/partner-universities

Each partner runs its own program with unique eligibility, deadlines, and application processes.

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Application Process (General Framework)

Because each partner university manages its own Mastercard Foundation Scholars application, processes vary. You apply directly to the university, not to Mastercard Foundation.

Typical Steps:

1. Choose Your Target Universities

Research partner universities offering programs in your field. Check:

• Undergraduate vs. Master’s

• Specific eligibility (some programs are country-specific, e.g., only East Africans)

• Application deadlines

2. Apply to the University’s Admissions

You typically need to:

• Meet the university’s regular admission requirements

• Be admitted (or conditionally admitted) before scholarship consideration

3. Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

• Some universities have a separate scholarship application

• Others auto-consider all admitted students who meet financial need criteria

• Check each university’s process

4. Submit Financial Documentation

You’ll need to prove financial need. Documents vary but typically include:

• Family income statements

• Parents’ employment/unemployment records

• School fee payment history

• Household size and dependents

5. Interview (If Shortlisted)

Many programs interview finalists to assess:

• Leadership potential

• Commitment to community transformation

• Fit with Mastercard Foundation’s values

6. Selection and Offer

Successful applicants receive scholarship offers, typically 2-6 months after application deadlines.

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Example: McGill University’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Master’s)

One of the most well-known programs. Let’s walk through it in detail.

Program Details

• Level: Master’s only (1-2 years)

• Fields: Public Health, Nutrition, Public Policy, Agriculture and Food Security

• Awards: ~35 scholarships per year

• Eligibility: African students from Sub-Saharan Africa

• Deadline: Typically August 21 (check annually)

What It Covers

• Full tuition (~CAD $40,000)

• Monthly living allowance (~CAD $1,500-2,000)

• Accommodation support

• Health insurance

• Airfare to/from Montreal

• Books and supplies

• Leadership development programming (workshops, mentorship, networking)

Selection Criteria

1. Financial need (demonstrated inability to fund Master’s without support)

2. Academic merit (strong undergrad record in relevant field)

3. Leadership and service (track record of community engagement)

4. Commitment to African development (clear plan to apply learning back home)

Application Process

1. Apply for admission to one of the eligible Master’s programs at McGill

2. Submit Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application (separate form)

3. Provide financial documentation (family income, household details)

4. If shortlisted: interview (virtual or in-person)

5. Selection results: Fall 2026

Deadline Example

• Scholarship application deadline: August 21, 2026

• McGill Master’s admission deadline: Varies by program (Jan-May typically, but some accept applications year-round)

Strategy: Apply to McGill admission early. Apply to Mastercard Foundation Scholarship by August 21.

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Other Notable Partner Programs

University of Toronto (Undergrad + Master’s)

• Open to African students

• Undergraduate program: Full scholarship for 4 years

• Apply through U of T admissions + separate MF Scholars application

• Deadline: Varies (typically November-January for September entry)

African Leadership University (Undergrad)

• Pan-African university (campuses in Rwanda and Mauritius)

• Fully funded undergraduate degrees

• Entrepreneurship and leadership focus

• Deadline: Ongoing (rolling admissions)

Ashesi University, Ghana (Undergrad)

• Liberal arts + engineering undergraduate programs

• Fully funded for qualified students

• Deadline: December-January annually

University of Edinburgh (Master’s + PhD)

• Master’s and doctoral scholarships for African students

• STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities

• Deadline: Varies by program (typically January-March)

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Selection Criteria Across All Programs

While each partner university sets its own process, Mastercard Foundation’s core values are consistent:

1. Economic Need

Primary criterion. You must genuinely need financial support to attend university. Middle-class or wealthy students are not the target.

2. Academic Merit in Context

Not “perfect grades” but:

• Strong performance relative to your schooling circumstances

• Evidence you can succeed at university level

• Intellectual curiosity and drive

3. Leadership and Service

You don’t need to be student body president, but you should have:

• Led something (a club, a community project, a tutoring program, etc.)

• Given back to your community (volunteered, mentored, helped family, etc.)

• Shown initiative

4. Transformational Potential

Mastercard Foundation asks: Will this student return and transform their community?

Evidence:

• Clear goals (what you want to do after graduation)

• Connection to community needs (you understand the problems you want to solve)

• Commitment to Africa’s development (not just personal career advancement)

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What Being a Scholar Looks Like

If selected, you join a community of 15,000+ scholars across multiple continents.

Beyond funding, you get:

1. Leadership Development

• Workshops and seminars (public speaking, entrepreneurship, systems thinking)

• Mentorship (from alumni, professionals, faculty)

• Networking (with fellow scholars, alumni, Mastercard Foundation staff)

2. Comprehensive Support

• Academic advising

• Mental health and wellness support

• Career counseling

• Internship and job placement assistance

3. Scholars Community

• Cohort bonding (scholars at your university)

• Pan-African network (scholars across all partner universities)

• Annual convenings and conferences

• Alumni network (access to 15,000+ graduates globally)

4. Transition Support (Post-Graduation)

• Career placement assistance

• Entrepreneurship funding (for scholars starting businesses)

• Further education support (if pursuing additional degrees)

• Return-home transition grants (to help you resettle if studying abroad)

Mastercard Foundation doesn’t just pay your tuition — they invest in your long-term success.

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Common Questions

“Can I apply to multiple Mastercard Foundation partner universities?”

Yes. Each university runs its own program. Apply to as many as you qualify for and can manage.

“Do I need to return to my home country after graduation?”

Expected, but not contractually enforced. The scholarship is designed for students who will contribute to Africa. Most programs expect you to return, but you’re not legally bound (no bond/contract). However, your selection depends on demonstrating commitment to Africa’s development.

“What if I don’t get into the university but win the scholarship?”

You must be admitted to the university to receive the scholarship. Mastercard Foundation doesn’t place you — you need to gain admission separately (or the scholarship committee considers admission and scholarship together).

“Is there an age limit?”

Most programs don’t have strict age limits, but undergraduate programs typically target recent high school graduates (18-24), and Master’s programs target recent graduates or young professionals (22-30).

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Should You Apply?

Yes, if:

• You’re an African student from an economically disadvantaged background

• You have strong academic potential (even if your grades aren’t perfect)

• You have a track record of leadership or service

• You’re committed to contributing to Africa’s development after graduation

• You need financial support to attend university

Start by:

1. Visiting mastercardfdn.org/scholars to see the full list of partner universities

2. Researching programs that match your field and level (undergrad vs. Master’s)

3. Checking deadlines (they vary widely by university — some are as early as July, others as late as March)

4. Applying to universities (admission is a prerequisite for scholarship consideration)

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Next Steps

1. Identify 3-5 partner universities offering programs in your field

2. Check each university’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars page for eligibility and deadlines

3. Prepare financial documentation early (income statements, family details)

4. Apply to university admissions (meet their requirements first)

5. Submit Mastercard Foundation Scholarship applications by each university’s deadline

6. Prepare for interviews (practice articulating your goals, leadership examples, commitment to Africa)

Deadlines vary widely. McGill’s Master’s program typically closes in August; others may be later. Don’t miss your target universities’ deadlines.

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Related: African Union Mwalimu Nyerere Scholarship · Commonwealth Scholarships for African Students · EAC Student Mobility Scholarship