Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Empowering African Youth Through Education
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a transformative education initiative aimed at supporting talented but economically disadvantaged youth, primarily from Africa, in accessing higher education. This prestigious program collaborates with a network of partner universities worldwide to offer fully-funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and even pre-university programs.
Partner Universities and Locations
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program spans a global network of universities, with institutions located in Africa, North America, Europe, and beyond. Some prominent partners include:
- African universities:
- University of Cape Town (South Africa)
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- Ashesi University (Ghana)
- University of Rwanda
- North American institutions:
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- McGill University (Canada)
- Arizona State University (USA)
- University of California, Berkeley (USA)
- European universities:
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- University of Cambridge (UK)
This wide network ensures that scholars have access to diverse academic environments and programs tailored to address Africa’s development challenges through fields such as science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers comprehensive support, including:
- Full tuition and registration fees at the chosen university.
- Monthly stipends for living expenses.
- Travel expenses for international scholars.
- Medical insurance and visa support.
- Access to mentorship and leadership development programs.
Beyond financial aid, the program emphasizes community impact and leadership training, helping scholars develop the skills to become transformative leaders in their respective fields and communities.
Eligibility and Application Process
The scholarship is open to youth from African countries who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving their communities. Special consideration is given to refugees, displaced individuals, women, and students with disabilities. Prospective scholars must apply directly to their chosen partner university, and in most cases, they need to secure university admission as part of the scholarship application process.
Each institution sets its own application deadlines and admission criteria, making it crucial for applicants to plan well in advance and meet both academic and scholarship requirements simultaneously.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a life-changing opportunity for talented African youth to access world-class education and build the skills needed to lead sustainable development across the continent. By fostering partnerships with top universities and equipping students with both academic knowledge and leadership skills, the program aims to develop the next generation of transformative leaders for Africa’s future.
To learn more about specific partner universities and application requirements, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website or explore detailed information on participating institutions such as the University of Cambridge and University of Cape Town.
