The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a major scholarship initiative designed to help talented young people access higher education and develop the skills and leadership experience needed to contribute to their communities.
The program works with universities and other partner organizations to provide educational, academic, financial, and personal support to selected Scholars. The Foundation says the program has committed more than 58,000 scholarships and aims to reach 100,000 young people by 2030.
For students looking for opportunities to study at leading universities, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is worth exploring.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative focused primarily on supporting young Africans and other eligible young people through partnerships with universities and organizations.
Rather than accepting applications through one central scholarship application, the Foundation works through its partner institutions. Students must identify a participating institution and follow that institution’s application process.
The program supports students not only financially but also through academic and personal development opportunities.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The exact benefits depend on the partner institution and program. According to the Mastercard Foundation, support can include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books and academic materials
- Academic support
- Mentoring
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Leadership development
- Career and professional development
- A return air ticket to the Scholar’s country of origin when necessary
Because each partner manages its own program, applicants should carefully check what is included in the specific scholarship they are applying for.
Who Can Apply?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is aimed at talented students who have strong academic potential and demonstrate a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.
The Foundation particularly encourages opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, refugees and forcibly displaced young people, and people with disabilities.
However, eligibility requirements are different for each participating institution.
For example, the Foundation’s general guidance has previously stated age limits of 29 or under for undergraduate applicants and 35 or under for master’s applicants, while individual universities may have additional requirements. Applicants should therefore always check the requirements of the specific partner institution.
Study Levels Available
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program currently supports scholarships at several education levels, including:
Undergraduate Scholarships
Eligible students can apply for bachelor’s degree opportunities offered by participating partner institutions.
Master’s Scholarships
The program also supports master’s-level study at selected partner universities.
PhD Scholarships
The Foundation’s official FAQ states that the Scholars Program does not currently provide scholarships for PhD candidates.
Where Can Students Study?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has partner institutions in Africa as well as selected institutions in other regions.
The official partner network includes universities and organizations in countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other locations.
Because the list of participating institutions can change, applicants should use the official Where to Apply page to identify current partners.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
There is no single application form for every Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
Instead, applications are managed by participating universities and organizations.
Step 1: Visit the Official Program Page
Start by reviewing the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and understanding the participating institutions.
Step 2: Find a Partner Institution
Use the official “Where to Apply” page to find universities and organizations participating in the program.
Step 3: Choose a Suitable Degree Program
Check the available undergraduate or master’s programs and make sure your academic background matches the university’s admission requirements.
Step 4: Review Eligibility Requirements
Each partner institution establishes its own eligibility criteria, required documents and application procedures.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Depending on the university, applicants may need documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates or diplomas
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of eligibility
- Identification documents
- English-language test results where required
- Other documents requested by the university
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Follow the application instructions provided by the participating university or organization.
Some institutions have separate scholarship and university admission procedures, while others integrate them into one process.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Process
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive. Admission to a partner university does not automatically guarantee a Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
Application Deadline
There is no single Mastercard Foundation scholarship deadline.
Each partner university or organization sets its own application deadline. Some opportunities may open many months before the academic year begins.
Students should therefore check the official website of the specific institution they want to attend and avoid relying on old scholarship deadlines.
Important Warning for Applicants
Students should be careful about websites, social media pages or individuals claiming to represent the Mastercard Foundation and requesting money for a scholarship application.
The Foundation specifically warns about fraudulent Facebook posts and groups advertising recruitment and requesting application fees. The Foundation says these groups are not associated with the Mastercard Foundation.
Always verify scholarship information through the official Mastercard Foundation website or the official website of the participating university.
Official Application and Scholarship Links
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Official Website:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Official Partner Institutions / Where to Apply:
Mastercard Foundation — Where to Apply
The second page is particularly important because applications are submitted through participating institutions rather than through one universal Mastercard Foundation application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The program can provide extensive financial support, including tuition, accommodation, academic materials and other support, depending on the partner institution. Applicants should check the benefits offered by the specific program.
Can international students apply?
Eligibility depends on the specific partner institution. The program primarily focuses on young Africans, while some partner institutions operate in other regions. Always check the individual university’s eligibility requirements.
Can I apply directly to the Mastercard Foundation?
Generally, no. The program is implemented through partner universities and organizations, which manage applications and selection.
Does admission to a partner university guarantee a scholarship?
No. The Mastercard Foundation states that admission to a partner institution does not guarantee selection for the Scholars Program.
Are PhD scholarships available?
According to the Foundation’s current FAQ, the Scholars Program supports secondary, undergraduate and master’s education, but not PhD candidates.
Is there one application deadline?
No. Each partner institution determines its own deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can be an excellent opportunity for academically talented students who need financial support to pursue higher education and want to develop their leadership and community impact.
The most important step is to identify an official partner institution that offers a program matching your academic goals. Check its eligibility requirements, deadline and application procedure carefully before submitting your application.
Do not pay anyone claiming they can guarantee a Mastercard Foundation scholarship. Always apply through an official participating institution.