This is the umbrella network for the Mastercard Foundation's massive 10-year, billion-dollar commitment to African youth. Rather than running a central application, the foundation funnels money into specific partner universities (like Ashesi in Ghana, Makerere in Uganda, Sciences Po in France, or Edinburgh in the UK), who then select the scholars.
Quick Overview
Full Requirements & Details
Academic Requirements
- Min. CGPA
- 3.0
- Offer Degrees
- Bachelors, Masters
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Arts, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Psychology
- Seats Available
- Thousands annually
- Study Gap Allowed
- No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
- Research Publication
- No
- Work Experience
- No
- Age Range
- No Min - 29
Language Requirements
- IELTS
- Optional
- TOEFL
- Optional
- GRE
- Not Required
- Local Language
- English
- Local Lang Test
- No
- Study Languages
- English, French
Financial Details
- Type
- Full
- Fund Details
- See Description
- Monthly Stipend
- USD 0/mo
- Tuition
- Full
- Living Costs
- Full
- Travel & Health
- Yes / Yes
- Application Fee
- Free (No Application Fee)
- Spouse Allowed
- No
What Matters Most
Required Documents
Why You Should Apply
It is arguably the most comprehensive scholarship on earth. It pays literally everything: tuition, laptops, books, flights, medical insurance, and a generous living stipend. More importantly, it inducts you into the 'Baobab Network,' a digital and physical alumni community that functions like an elite African talent mafia for job recruitment.
Application Process
You CANNOT apply to the Mastercard Foundation directly. You must research the specific partner universities (currently over 30 globally), apply for admission to those universities, and simultaneously fill out their specific Mastercard Foundation financial aid forms.
How to Win This Scholarship
The vetting is entirely about 'give-back' ethos. They do not want brilliant students who plan to emigrate to Canada and work for a hedge fund. They want brilliant, economically disadvantaged students who have a tangible, documented history of community service in Africa and a highly specific plan to return and build the continent.
Your essays must violently emphasize your commitment to social impact.
Benefits After Completing Study
Unmatched networking. The foundation actively funds alumni startups and connects graduates directly with global employers.
Do not fake poverty. The foundation hires third-party auditing firms to conduct background checks in your home village or urban slum. If your financial disclosures are found to be fraudulent, you will be stripped of the scholarship and expelled from the partner university immediately.
Official Source
For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.
Visit Official Source