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🌍
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
by Mastercard Foundation · Multiple partners including University of Cape Town, University of Edinburgh, McGill University, UC Berkeley, Sciences Po, CMU Africa, KNUST, and Makerere University
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Undergraduate and Master's🌍 Global (Partners in USA, Canada, UK, France, and across Africa)📌 Merit-based and Need-based Fully Funded
Full tuition and comprehensive living allowance (Varies by host university cost of living)
Duration
Full duration of the degree program (3-4 years for Bachelors, 1-2 years for Masters)
Deadline
Varies by partner institution (typically between August and March)
Level
Undergraduate and Master's
Acceptance
Varies by institution but typically very low due to high volume of qualified applicants
Difficulty
Extremely Hard
Quick Summary
For students aiming to study in Global (Partners in USA, Canada, UK, France, and across Africa), Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship from Mastercard Foundation. The award covers Covers full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, learning materials, and intensive leadership development programs and is open to undergraduate and master's students studying all fields available at partner institutions (some focus on stem, agriculture, and health). The scholarship runs for full duration of the degree program (3-4 years for bachelors, 1-2 years for masters) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, significant financial need, and a commitment to giving back to their community. The application deadline is Varies by partner institution (typically between August and March), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies by institution but typically very low due to high volume of qualified applicants. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
8/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
40-60 hrs
Time Required
Highly Competitive (< 5% globally)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full tuition and comprehensive living allowance (Varies by host university cost of living)
⏳
Duration
Full duration of the degree program (3-4 years for Bachelors, 1-2 years for Masters)
📅
Deadline
Varies by partner institution (typically between August and March)
🔬
Fields
All fields available at partner institutions (some focus on STEM, Agriculture, and Health)
🏆
Awards/Year
Over 40,000 scholars supported to date with a commitment to reach 100,000 by 2030
🌏
Study Country
Global (Partners in USA, Canada, UK, France, and across Africa)
🏛️
Provider
Mastercard Foundation
📊
Acceptance
Varies by institution but typically very low due to high volume of qualified applicants
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that enables talented but economically disadvantaged young people to access quality education and develop as transformative leaders. The program provides comprehensive financial, social, and academic support throughout the scholars' education journey.
👥 Who Should Apply
Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, significant financial need, and a commitment to giving back to their community
🏛️ Host University
Multiple partners including University of Cape Town, University of Edinburgh, McGill University, UC Berkeley, Sciences Po, CMU Africa, KNUST, and Makerere University
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields available at partner institutions (some focus on STEM, Agriculture, and Health)
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, learning materials, and intensive leadership development programs
🎯 Target Students
African students, refugees, internally displaced persons, and youth with disabilities
Varies by university; tens of thousands across the global network
Applicants Last Year
Varies by university (typically 10-50 per institution per cohort)
Winners
Varies by institution but typically very low due to high volume of qualified applicants
Acceptance Rate
Highly Competitive (< 5% globally)
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
60%
Competition
95%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (100%)
Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly stipend provided)
Total Award
Full tuition and comprehensive living allowance (Varies by host university cost of living)
✈️ Travel: Yes (Economy class airfare to and from home country at start and end of program)🏠 Accommodation: Yes (On-campus housing or housing allowance provided)💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Comprehensive medical insurance included)🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: Usually waived for Scholars Program applicants at most partner institutions
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (100%)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly stipend provided)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (On-campus housing or housing allowance provided)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Economy class airfare to and from home country at start and end of program)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Comprehensive medical insurance included)
🎁 Other Benefits
Laptops, books, research allowance, mentorship, leadership training, transition support, and access to a global alumni network
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintaining satisfactory academic performance and adherence to the host university's code of conduct
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Primarily young people from Africa, displaced persons (refugees/IDPs), and individuals with disabilities
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate and Master's
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies by host university (typically equivalent to a First Class or Upper Second Class degree)
🗣️ English Requirement
Varies by institution; some require TOEFL/IELTS if previous education was not in English
🍢 Age Limit
Usually under 29 for Undergraduate and under 35 for Master's programs
💼 Work Experience
Not required for Undergraduates; may be preferred for specific Master's programs
🏆 Leadership
High (Applicants must demonstrate community service and leadership experience)
💰 Financial Need
High (Applicants must provide evidence of socio-economic disadvantage)
🎯 Target Students
African students, refugees, internally displaced persons, and youth with disabilities
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Specific essays regarding leadership, personal history, and future goals)
Rec Letters
Yes (Typically 2-3 academic and professional/character references)
Interview
Yes (Finalists are usually interviewed by a selection committee)
Application Fee
Usually waived for Scholars Program applicants at most partner institutions
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Typically 2-3 academic and professional/character references) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Varies by institution; some require TOEFL/IELTS if previous education was not in English
Interview: Yes (Finalists are usually interviewed by a selection committee)
Min GPA: Varies by host university (typically equivalent to a First Class or Upper Second Class degree)
📋 Application Process
Focus on your 'give-back' ethos and align your personal story with the Foundation's mission of transformative leadership
💡 Insider Tip: Apply early as the application for the university and the scholarship are often separate but related processes
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies by partner institution (typically September to October)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by partner institution (typically between August and March)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Finalists are usually interviewed by a selection committee)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies by partner (usually August/September for Northern Hemisphere, January for Southern Hemisphere)
Varies by partner institution (typically September to October)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by partner institution (typically between August and March)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Finalists are usually interviewed by a selection committee)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies by partner (usually August/September for Northern Hemisphere, January for Southern Hemisphere)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic achievement, leadership potential, socio-economic need, and commitment to serving the African continent
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Level
Mastercard Foundation Scholars ProgramCurrent
Global (Partners in USA, Canada, UK, France, and across Africa)
Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, significant financial need, and a commitment to giving back to their community
This scholarship covers: Covers full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, learning materials, and intensive leadership development programs. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by partner institution (typically between August and March). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Highly Competitive (< 5% globally). Acceptance rate: Varies by institution but typically very low due to high volume of qualified applicants. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Varies by institution; some require TOEFL/IELTS if previous education was not in English, Yes (Typically 2-3 academic and professional/character references) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.