Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027: Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027: Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students

If you’re a talented young African looking for a fully funded way to study for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the strongest opportunities available right now.

This is not just another scholarship. It’s a comprehensive leadership development program that supports academically strong, service-minded young people from across Africa who face financial or social barriers. The goal is simple: equip the next generation of African leaders who will drive positive change in their communities and on the continent.

What the Scholarship Actually Covers

Selected Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive full support that removes the usual financial worries:

• Full tuition and mandatory academic fees
• Monthly living stipend (covers accommodation, food, and personal expenses)
• Round-trip international airfare and settling-in support
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Books, learning materials, and (in most cases) a laptop
• Mentorship, leadership training, career support, and access to a lifelong network of Scholars and Alumni

The exact package can vary slightly by partner university, but the Foundation’s commitment is to provide what scholars need to succeed academically and personally.

Where Can You Study?

Applications are not submitted through a single Mastercard Foundation portal. Instead, you apply directly through one of the partner universities. Each university runs its own selection process and sets its own deadlines.

Some of the well-known partner institutions include:

• University of Cambridge (UK) – Master’s programs, with a strong focus on climate resilience and sustainability
• Sciences Po (France) – Master’s degrees in social sciences, public policy, and international affairs
• University of Pretoria (South Africa) – Undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities
• McGill University and University of British Columbia (UBC) (Canada) – Master’s programs
• UC Berkeley (USA) – Master’s degrees
• Makerere University (Uganda), University of Rwanda, KNUST (Ghana), Ashesi University, and many other African universities offering both undergraduate and master’s places

There are currently over 60 partner institutions across Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Always check the official “Where to Apply” page on the Mastercard Foundation website for the most up-to-date list.

Who Is Eligible?

While exact requirements differ by university, the core criteria are consistent:

• You must be a citizen of an African country (refugees and internally displaced persons living on the continent are usually eligible)
• Strong academic record that meets the admission standards of the university you choose
• Demonstrated financial need or significant barriers to higher education
• Clear leadership potential and a track record of community service or giving back
• Commitment to contributing to your home community or Africa after your studies

Age limits typically fall around 29 or younger for undergraduate programs and 35 or younger for master’s programs (always confirm with the specific university). Priority is given to young women, people with disabilities, and those who have experienced forced displacement.

Note: The program does not currently support PhD studies.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

1. Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page and go to the “Where to Apply” section to see current partner universities and open application windows.
2. Choose the university and program that match your academic goals and eligibility.
3. Carefully read the university’s specific Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page for deadlines, required documents, and any extra essays or forms.
4. Prepare strong supporting materials: academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a clear CV, proof of identity/nationality, and personal statements that show both your leadership experience and your vision for impact in Africa.
5. Submit your application directly through the university’s process (some require you to apply for admission first, then complete a scholarship form; others combine both).

Deadlines vary widely — some fall between August and December, others run into the following year depending on the intake. Starting early is essential.

Final Tip

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive. What stands out most is a genuine story of leadership and a clear plan to use your education to create change back home. Focus on that, apply carefully to the universities that truly fit you, and give yourself enough time to prepare quality applications.

For the most accurate and current information, always go to the official Mastercard Foundation website: mastercardfdn.org and the individual partner university pages.

Good luck — this program has already supported tens of thousands of young Africans. Yours could be next.