This is the single most transformative scholarship network for African students. The Mastercard Foundation partners with elite universities globally (including Sciences Po, UC Berkeley, McGill, University of Edinburgh, and several top African institutions) to provide utterly life-changing, fully funded degrees for talented students who face extreme economic barriers.
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 globally
- Study Gap Allowed
- No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
- Research Publication
- No
- Work Experience
- No
- Age Range
- No Min - 35
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 covers literally everything. It pays your full tuition, comprehensive medical insurance, all flights, visa fees, accommodation, books, and provides a very generous monthly living stipend. Furthermore, it embeds you in a massive alumni network focused entirely on leadership and social entrepreneurship in Africa.
Application Process
You do NOT apply to the Mastercard Foundation itself. You must apply directly to one of their specific partner universities. During the university's admission process, you will be directed to fill out a separate, massive Mastercard Scholars application detailing your financial hardship and leadership experience.
How to Win This Scholarship
Academic brilliance is not enough; in fact, it is secondary to your 'give-back' narrative. The selection committees are looking for raw, proven leadership. You must prove, with evidence, that you have already tried to solve problems in your community (e.g., starting a girls' coding club in your village, organizing clean water drives).
Your essays must be deeply personal, brutally honest about your economic struggles, and vividly paint how you will use this elite degree to return and uplift your community.
Benefits After Completing Study
The alumni network is heavily funded; graduates often receive massive seed grants from the Foundation to start NGOs or businesses upon returning to Africa.
The vetting process is intense. They will often conduct background checks and call your high school principals or community leaders to verify that your economic hardship claims are legitimate.
Official Source
For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.
Visit Official Source