Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UC Berkeley 2027

Overview

UC Berkeley is one of the global partners in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The Berkeley track funds African students for fully funded Masters and PhD study, paired with the leadership development, internship support, and post-graduation give-back framework that defines the Mastercard programme. Around 25 new Scholars per cohort. The 2027 cycle aligns with Berkeley’s graduate application deadlines, most of which fall on 8 January 2027.

Benefits

• Full tuition and required fees at UC Berkeley for the funded period (typically two years for Masters, up to five for PhD).
• Monthly living stipend covering housing, food, and personal expenses (Berkeley adjusts to Bay Area cost-of-living).
• Books, computer equipment, and academic materials.
• Annual return travel between home country and Berkeley.
• Health insurance for the duration of the programme.
• Membership in the Mastercard Scholars cohort at Berkeley plus the global alumni network.
• Leadership programming, internship placement, and career support.

Eligibility

• African national or African resident.
• Demonstrated financial need.
• Strong academic record at the previous degree level (first-class or strong upper-second for Masters applicants).
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to giving back to Africa after the programme.
• Holding or applying for admission to a Berkeley graduate programme. Berkeley selects Mastercard Scholars from its admitted graduate pool; you cannot apply to Mastercard separately without applying to Berkeley.

How to apply

1. Identify your target Berkeley graduate programme and check its specific application deadline (most close 8 January 2027, some earlier in December).
2. Submit your Berkeley graduate application through the standard Berkeley Graduate Division portal.
3. In the application, indicate your interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. There is also a separate Mastercard scholarship statement at most departments.
4. Provide financial-need documentation and a give-back plan.
5. Submit by your department’s deadline.
6. Berkeley graduate admissions decide on academic admission first. Mastercard Scholar offers are made to a subset of admitted African students in March or April 2027 for August 2027 entry.