Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 | Fully Funded Scholarship, Apply Now 🌍

You want a world-class degree without the financial stress. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program makes that possible. It is one of the most generous and impactful scholarships available to talented African students who show leadership, community impact, and financial need.

For the 2026/2027 cycle, you can study at top partner universities across Africa, the UK, Europe, the USA, and Canada. Your tuition is fully covered. Your accommodation, living stipend, laptop, airfare, books, and comprehensive support are covered too. You apply directly through a partner university that offers the program for your level and course. If you are ready to lead change in your community, this is your shot. Apply now.

Why this scholarship stands out

• Fully Funded – tuition, housing, monthly stipend, laptop, visa and travel support covered by most partners
• Global network – 62+ partner universities across Africa, North America, and Europe
• Leadership-first – mentorship, skills training, internships, and transition-to-work support
• No central application fee – you apply through a partner university. Some partners also waive university application fees
• Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD – levels vary by partner, with growing opportunities at each level

What the scholarship covers

Exact benefits vary by university, but fully funded packages typically include:

• Full tuition fees for the approved program
• Accommodation or housing allowance
• Monthly living stipend
• Medical insurance
• Visa application support and travel costs (airfare) for international scholars
• Laptop and settling-in allowance
• Books, study materials, and essential academic fees
• Mentorship, leadership training, and entrepreneurship support
• Career services, internships, and transition-to-work support
• Support for disability-related needs where applicable

Who can apply

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program targets academically strong and socially committed African students who face financial barriers to education. Final criteria are set by each partner university. Use this table as a quick guide, then confirm details with your chosen host.

Eligibility Area	Typical Requirement
Citizenship	Citizen of an African country. Some partners accept refugees/displaced persons living in Africa
Academic Level	Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD – availability varies by partner
Academic Merit	Strong grades meeting the host university’s admission standards
Financial Need	Demonstrated financial need – inability to afford study without full funding
Leadership & Service	Proven leadership, community engagement, and clear commitment to give back
English/French Proficiency	Meets language requirements of the host (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or waivers per policy)
Field of Study	Eligible programs are defined by each university – check your target course
Age Limits	Most partners have no strict age limit, but youth-focused priorities may exist – verify locally

Partner universities – where to apply

You do not apply through a central portal. You must apply directly to a partner university that offers the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for your level and course. The official partner list is updated regularly.

• Official information: https://mastercardfdn.org/scholars/

Examples of long-standing partners include, but are not limited to:

• University of Cambridge – UK
• University of Edinburgh – UK
• University of California, Berkeley – USA
• Makerere University – Uganda
• Ashesi University – Ghana
• University of Cape Town – South Africa

Important: the availability of undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD awards varies by partner. Always confirm the current offerings and eligible departments on the university’s scholarship page before you apply.

Selection criteria – what reviewers look for

• Academic readiness – strong performance and fit for your chosen program
• Leadership potential – evidence of leading initiatives, clubs, or community projects
• Service and impact – a track record of giving back and plans to scale your impact
• Financial need – clear documentation of need
• Personal motivation – compelling essays and interviews that show purpose and integrity
• Program fit – alignment between your goals, the host university’s strengths, and the Foundation’s mission

Required documents – prepare early

Documents vary by university and degree level. Expect most of the following:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Proof of graduation or expected graduation letter for current students
• Curriculum Vitae or resume
• English or French proficiency results if required (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF/DALF) or waiver letter
• Two to three recommendation letters (academic and/or professional)
• Motivation letter or personal statement
• Leadership and community engagement evidence
• Proof of financial need – income statements, affidavits, or supporting documents as requested
• Research proposal or writing sample for research programs
• Application forms – both the university admission form and the MCF scholarship form where separate

How to apply – step by step

1. Explore partners – start at the official program page: mastercardfdn.org/scholars. Identify universities that host your level and field
2. Choose your program – confirm eligible courses, scholarship quotas, and whether the partner supports your degree level in 2026/2027
3. Check eligibility – verify citizenship, academic, language, and need-based criteria for that university
4. Gather documents – prepare transcripts, passport/ID, recommendations, essays, CV, and proof of need
5. Apply for admission – submit the university application by its deadline. Where a separate scholarship form is required, complete it as well
6. Request fee waivers if applicable – some partners waive application fees for MCF applicants. Follow their instructions
7. Track your email – shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews or assessments. Respond quickly
8. Accept your offer – if selected, you will receive your admission plus scholarship package and next steps for visa, travel, and onboarding

Deadlines for 2026/2027

Application windows differ by university and degree level in 2026 and 2027. Many partners open calls in 2026 for studies beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year. Visit the official website for the current deadline.

Levels of study – what’s available

Each partner sets the levels it funds. As a guide:

• Undergraduate – widely available at African partners and select global partners
• Master’s – offered at several African, UK, European, and North American partners
• PhD – available at a smaller number of partners and often focused on priority fields

Before applying, confirm that your chosen university funds your level and specific course under the Scholars Program for 2026/2027.

Visa and travel support

For scholars studying outside their home country, partners typically provide:

• Official scholarship and admission letters for visa processing
• Guidance on visa requirements and timelines
• Funding for visa fees and round-trip airfare at the start and end of studies, as applicable
• Arrival, orientation, and ongoing pastoral support

Important: Visa rules vary by country. Start early and follow your university’s guidance closely.

Tips to stand out

• Tell your impact story – be specific about the change you have created and your plan to scale it
• Align your goals – choose programs that directly match your career path and community needs
• Choose referees wisely – pick recommenders who know your leadership and academic strength
• Proofread everything – clear, concise essays and error-free applications perform better
• Apply early – document collection, tests, and interviews take time

Avoid scams

• The Foundation does not charge a fee to apply to the scholarship
• Apply only via official partner university websites or portals linked from the Foundation’s page
• Do not pay third parties or agents who claim guaranteed selection

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded?

Yes. Awards are fully funded by the partner university and the Foundation. Coverage typically includes tuition, housing, stipend, health insurance, study materials, visa and travel support, and mentorship. Always check the exact benefits on your host university’s page.

Can I apply directly to the Foundation?

No. There is no central application to the Foundation. You must apply through a partner university that offers the scholarship for your level and course.

Which countries are eligible?

The program supports citizens of African countries. Some partners also consider refugees and displaced persons living in Africa. Confirm details with your chosen host.

Are there application fees?

The scholarship itself does not charge a fee. Some universities charge admission application fees, but many provide fee waivers or reimbursement for MCF applicants. Follow the instructions on the partner’s website.

What are the chances of selection?

The program is highly competitive. Strong academics, clear financial need, leadership, and a commitment to community impact are essential. Apply early, submit complete documents, and tailor your statements to the program’s mission.

Ready to apply?

This is your moment. Shortlist your target universities, confirm your eligibility for 2026/2027, prepare your documents, and hit submit. Start here: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Official Page. Fully Funded. High impact. Apply now and take your place on the global stage.