Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

About this scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is Africa's largest scholarship and leadership initiative, created to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling talented, service-oriented young people — primarily young Africans, including refugees and displaced youth — to access quality higher education. It provides comprehensive support at the secondary, undergraduate, and master's levels (PhD study is not currently included), covering tuition, accommodation, books and learning materials, a living stipend, and travel, alongside mentorship, leadership development, and transition support. The program is delivered through a network of partner universities based in Africa and elsewhere; each partner sets its own eligibility details, requirements, and deadlines, and crucially, applicants apply directly to the partner institution they wish to attend rather than to the Foundation. Selection looks for strong academics combined with demonstrated financial need and a genuine commitment to giving back to one's community. Age guidelines apply: applicants are generally 29 or under for an undergraduate degree and 35 or under for a master's. Many partner programs are designed to be accessible and do not require SAT or TOEFL scores.

Eligibility

• Be academically strong with demonstrated financial need
• Show a commitment to giving back and improving others' lives
• Be primarily a young African (including refugees/displaced youth)
• Be 29 or under for undergraduate, or 35 or under for master's study
• Apply directly to a Mastercard Foundation partner institution by its deadline