Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports academically talented young people, especially from Africa and especially those facing economic barriers, to complete their education, with the expectation that they will give back to their communities. Awards often cover much more than tuition. There is no central portal; the programme runs through partner universities.

Programmes

• Undergraduate and Master's Scholars Programs at partner universities
• Partnerships across African and international institutions (for example Makerere, University of Pretoria, and others)

When it opens

Each partner university runs its own application round on its own timeline, commonly opening in the first half of the year for entry later that year. Dates differ by campus and cohort.

Who qualifies

Academically talented young people, with strong priority for those facing economic barriers, and a meaningful share of places reserved for women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities. Exact criteria are set by the partner university.

What it pays for

Support frequently includes tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, learning materials, and wraparound support, depending on the partner.

How the application works

Apply through the partner university's Scholars Program portal, usually at the same time as applying for admission to an eligible programme there. The host university's own page is the one to rely on.

Where applications go wrong

• Waiting for an admission decision and missing the scholarship deadline in the meantime
• Looking for a central Foundation application when the partner university runs the process
• Saying little about financial need or how you plan to give back to your community

Fake calls and fees

The Mastercard Foundation and its partners never charge an application fee, and results come by official university email, never through agents. Anyone asking for a fee to "secure" a place is not legitimate.