The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers talented young people from Africa opportunities to pursue higher education through fully funded scholarships at selected universities around the world.
For the 2027 academic intake, several partner institutions have opened applications for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These opportunities are available in countries including the United Kingdom, France, Rwanda, Egypt and Ghana.
However, applicants should understand that the Mastercard Foundation does not operate one central scholarship application portal. Each partner university manages its own admissions process, scholarship selection, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
In this guide, we highlight Mastercard Foundation partner universities with confirmed or officially listed open application opportunities as of November 8, 2026. We also provide application links, available programmes, scholarship benefits and important deadlines.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is an international education initiative designed to support academically talented young people who face significant economic and social barriers to accessing higher education.
The programme works with universities and other educational institutions to provide financial, academic and personal development support.
Depending on the partner institution, selected scholars may receive:
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation and meals.
- Books and learning materials.
- Living allowances or stipends.
- Health insurance.
- International travel support.
- Academic mentoring and counselling.
- Leadership development and career preparation.
- Internship and professional development opportunities.
The exact benefits differ between universities and individual scholarship arrangements.
The programme places particular emphasis on young women, people with disabilities, refugees, displaced persons and applicants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Official partner directory:
1. University of Cambridge – United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge is accepting applications for its 2027/2028 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The programme supports talented African students pursuing eligible full-time master’s degrees at Cambridge, with a particular focus on climate resilience and sustainability.
Applicants can apply for most eligible one-year postgraduate programmes, excluding:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL).
- Master of Finance (MFIN).
- Master of Accountancy (MACC).
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars can receive:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly maintenance allowance.
- Visa costs.
- Immigration health surcharge.
- Return travel expenses.
- Laptop allowance.
- Additional academic and leadership support.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Be resident in an African country, unless temporarily abroad for study or work. Exceptions apply to eligible refugees and internally displaced applicants.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Meet the academic requirements of their chosen master’s programme.
- Demonstrate financial need and leadership potential.
- Show commitment to contributing to sustainable development and climate resilience in Africa.
Application Process
Applicants must first identify an eligible master’s programme and submit a postgraduate admission application through Cambridge’s application portal.
During the application, candidates can select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as a funding option and provide the required scholarship statement.
Applicants whose countries are not included on Cambridge’s automatic application fee waiver list must request a fee waiver.
Important Deadline: The application deadline depends on the selected master’s course. Many funding deadlines fall in early December 2026 or January 2027. Applicants requiring an application fee waiver must submit their request by November 20, 2026.
Apply Here:
- Scholarship information: https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/
- How to apply: https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/apply/how-apply
- Postgraduate courses: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/
2. University of Edinburgh – United Kingdom
The University of Edinburgh is offering Mastercard Foundation postgraduate scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic year.
The programme provides opportunities for African students to pursue postgraduate qualifications through on-campus master’s programmes and online master’s and postgraduate diploma courses.
Selected scholars will also participate in work-based placements, mentorship and leadership development activities.
Scholarship Benefits
The programme provides comprehensive support to successful candidates. The exact benefits depend on the study format and scholarship arrangement.
Applicants should consult the official scholarship guidance for the relevant programme.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme targets African applicants with:
- Strong academic potential.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities.
- Financial or social barriers to accessing higher education.
- A commitment to contributing to their communities.
- An interest in using education to create positive change.
Application Process
The 2027/2028 application process has a mandatory information-session requirement.
Only applicants who attended the university’s information sessions in September 2026 and meet the scholarship eligibility requirements are invited to proceed.
The application process includes an applicant declaration, postgraduate eligibility assessment and main scholarship application.
Important Deadlines:
- Applicant Declaration and Postgraduate Eligibility Assessment: November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. GMT.
- Main scholarship application: November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. GMT.
Applicants who did not attend the mandatory information sessions should not assume they can enter the current application round.
Apply Here:
- Scholarship application portal: https://mcfspedinburgh.smapply.io/
- Application instructions: https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship/how-to-apply
- Official programme website: https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program
3. Sciences Po – France
Sciences Po in Paris is another Mastercard Foundation partner offering fully funded postgraduate opportunities for eligible African students.
The scholarship supports students pursuing two-year master’s programmes at the university.
Sciences Po offers postgraduate courses across areas such as international affairs, public policy, economics, development, governance, political science and social sciences.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po covers the full financial needs of selected scholars throughout their two years of study.
This comprehensive support is designed to enable students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education without the financial barriers that might otherwise prevent them from attending.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold citizenship of an African country.
- Be under 35 years old on September 1 of the application year.
- Be completing or have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Meet the university’s academic admission requirements.
- Have graduated from an eligible reference university, completed a recognised bridge or mentoring programme, or qualify through the programme’s refugee eligibility route.
- Not already hold or be pursuing a master’s degree.
- Be applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the first time.
Applicants must also apply for an eligible two-year master’s programme. One-year master’s programmes and dual-degree programmes are not eligible under this scholarship route.
Application Deadlines
Sciences Po provides two application deadlines for the 2027 intake:
- November 23, 2026: For applicants seeking a master’s admission decision by February 11, 2027.
- December 14, 2026: For applicants seeking a master’s admission decision by April 1, 2027.
Mastercard Foundation scholarship selection results are expected in April 2027.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants must verify their scholarship eligibility and submit an application through the dedicated Mastercard Foundation application platform.
They must also follow the university’s master’s admission process.
Apply Here:
4. Carnegie Mellon University Africa – Rwanda
Carnegie Mellon University Africa, located in Kigali, Rwanda, offers postgraduate opportunities through its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The programme supports talented young Africans facing significant financial and social barriers to accessing higher education.
It focuses on developing future leaders in technology, engineering and innovation.
Available Master’s Programmes
Applicants can explore the following degrees:
- Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT).
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE).
- Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI).
Scholarship Benefits
Selected Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive support, including:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Health insurance.
- Travel support.
- Basic living expenses.
- Application preparation support.
- Leadership development.
- Career preparation and professional development.
- Project and entrepreneurship support.
The programme also provides mentorship, career coaching and opportunities to engage with industry leaders.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong academic ability.
- Leadership potential.
- A commitment to community development.
- A desire to use their education to contribute to Africa’s transformation.
- The academic qualifications required for their selected master’s programme.
Applicants must first secure admission to one of CMU-Africa’s eligible degree programmes before being considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Application Deadlines for Fall 2027
- Applications open: October 1, 2026.
- Early admission deadline: December 15, 2026.
- Final application deadline: January 15, 2027.
The university also provides a complimentary Duolingo English Test opportunity for eligible first-time applicants who submit their applications by the early admission deadline, subject to its conditions.
Apply Here:
- Mastercard Foundation scholarship: https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/impact/mastercard-foundation-scholars.html
- Graduate admission requirements: https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/admissions/
- Application deadlines and FAQs: https://africa.engineering.cmu.edu/admissions/faq.html
5. African Leadership University (ALU) – Rwanda
African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda, is a Mastercard Foundation partner offering undergraduate scholarships to talented young Africans.
The programme is designed to support students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership ability and financial need.
ALU uses a practical learning model that combines academic study with real-world experience, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU provides full-ride scholarships to selected students.
The university places particular emphasis on supporting:
- Young women.
- Refugees and displaced young people.
- Young people with disabilities.
- Applicants from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The scholarship is intended to remove financial barriers and enable scholars to access higher education.
Available Study Opportunities
ALU offers undergraduate programmes, including:
- BSc (Hons) Software Engineering.
- BSc (Hons) Entrepreneurial Leadership.
- BSc (Hons) International Business and Trade.
Applicants should check the current programme catalogue and admission requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Academic ability.
- Financial need.
- Leadership potential.
- A commitment to making a positive contribution to their communities.
The university’s admissions and scholarship processes require applicants to provide information supporting their academic background and financial circumstances.
How to Apply
Begin by submitting an admission application through ALU. Eligible applicants can then complete the relevant scholarship and financial aid requirements.
The Mastercard Foundation’s partner directory lists ALU admissions as open. Applicants should confirm the current intake, scholarship availability and closing date directly with the university.
Apply Here:
- Mastercard Foundation scholarship information: https://www.alueducation.com/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-at-alu/
- ALU admissions: https://www.alueducation.com/
- Financial aid information: https://www.alueducation.com/financial-aid-at-alu/
6. American University in Cairo (AUC) – Egypt
The American University in Cairo is offering Mastercard Foundation scholarships for African students as part of its 2027 scholarship opportunities.
The programme supports academically talented young people who face financial barriers to higher education and demonstrate leadership potential.
The university provides comprehensive scholarship support to students pursuing eligible undergraduate and graduate studies through its Mastercard Foundation partnership.
Spring 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship
The Spring 2027 opportunity is designed for African students who completed high school during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Transfer students are not eligible for this particular opportunity.
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Currently reside in an African country.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Show financial need.
- Have active involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Meet AUC admission requirements.
- Meet the English-language requirement.
Accepted English-language test options include:
- IELTS: Minimum overall band of 5.5, with at least 5.5 in writing.
- TOEFL: Minimum total score of 62 under the stated test scale, with the required writing score.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 115.
Fall 2027 Scholarship Opportunities
AUC also provides a route for eligible African students applying for Fall 2027 admission. Applicants should follow the university’s graduate or undergraduate admission requirements applicable to their intended programme.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation scholarship at AUC can cover:
- Full tuition and fees.
- Semester stipends.
- University accommodation, subject to the stated conditions.
- A laptop.
- Medical services and health insurance.
- University bus subscription or travel allowance.
- Intensive English-language training for selected students.
- One annual round-trip airfare for eligible students who do not reside in Egypt.
- Specialised technology support for students with disabilities.
Important Application Dates
For Spring 2027 applicants, the university states that candidates who have not submitted their scholarship financial assessment application by November 10, 2026, will be placed on a waiting list for consideration.
For Fall 2027 applicants, priority scholarship consideration is given to candidates who submit their scholarship application and financial assessment by:
- February 1, 2027: Early admission.
- June 1, 2027: Regular admission.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the AUC admission application and indicate that they want to be considered for scholarships.
They must then complete the scholarship application and submit the required financial assessment documents.
Apply Here:
- Mastercard Foundation scholarship: https://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/scholarships/donor-funded/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program
- Application instructions: https://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/scholarships/how-to-apply
- University admission portal: https://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions
7. Ashesi University – Ghana
Ashesi University in Ghana is one of the pioneering partner institutions of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The university provides comprehensive scholarships to academically talented young Africans who face economic barriers to accessing quality higher education.
The programme supports students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic commitment and a desire to contribute to their communities.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation scholarship at Ashesi provides comprehensive support that can cover:
- Tuition and university fees.
- Accommodation and room costs.
- Learning resources, books and supplies.
- Transportation.
- Stipends and additional socio-economic support.
Scholars also participate in leadership development, mentoring, career preparation and community service activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance.
- Financial need.
- Leadership potential.
- A commitment to community development.
- The ability to meet Ashesi’s admission requirements.
The university’s admissions and financial aid team determines the scholarship award based on the information submitted in the general scholarship application. Applicants do not independently select the Mastercard Foundation award.
Application Period
Ashesi operates two undergraduate entry cycles, with a December application deadline for students seeking the January intake.
Its published undergraduate application schedule includes a December round for January entry.
Applicants should submit their university admission and financial aid applications as early as possible and confirm the exact closing date for the relevant intake.
Apply Here:
- Mastercard Foundation scholarship: https://ashesi.edu.gh/the-mastercard-foundation-scholars-programme/
- Admission application: https://ashesi.edu.gh/how-to-apply/
- Scholarships: https://ashesi.edu.gh/scholarships/
Other Mastercard Foundation Partner Universities to Monitor
The Mastercard Foundation’s official partner directory also lists several other institutions. However, being a partner does not automatically mean that its scholarship application is currently open.
The following institutions are worth monitoring for upcoming admission and scholarship announcements:
| University | Country | Study Level |
| University of Cape Town | South Africa | Undergraduate and postgraduate |
| Makerere University | Uganda | Postgraduate |
| Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology | Ghana | Undergraduate |
| EARTH University | Costa Rica | Undergraduate |
| McGill University | Canada | Postgraduate |
| Arizona State University | United States | Postgraduate |
| African Institute for Mathematical Sciences | South Africa | Postgraduate |
Some of these institutions have already closed particular 2027 scholarship rounds, while others may announce new opportunities later.
For example, Arizona State University’s 2027–2028 Innovation and Technology scholarship application closed on September 27, 2026. The University of Cape Town’s 2027 undergraduate scholarship application closed on September 30, while its postgraduate scholarship deadline was October 31, 2026.
Applicants should check the institutions’ official websites for the next available intake rather than relying on old scholarship announcements.
Additional Mastercard Foundation Opportunity at KNUST
Apart from its main Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation also supports education initiatives through the Africa Health Collaborative.
One currently listed opportunity is the Certificate in Medicines Counter Assistant at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana.
- Institution: KNUST.
- Programme: Certificate in Medicines Counter Assistant.
- Funding: Fully funded.
- Deadline: November 20, 2026.
- Minimum entry requirement: C6 for WASSCE graduates or E for SSSCE graduates.
- Application: https://apps.knust.edu.gh/ahc/AhcScholarships/Details/40b37ad9-7eb6-4d6c-8d1e-2439ec1610d6
This is a separate Africa Health Collaborative scholarship opportunity supported by the Mastercard Foundation, not the standard university Scholars Program application route.
What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
Although benefits vary between institutions, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program generally provides a comprehensive support package.
Depending on the partner university, this may include:
- Full or substantial tuition coverage.
- Accommodation and meals.
- Living allowances.
- Books and academic materials.
- Health insurance.
- International travel expenses.
- Mentorship and academic counselling.
- Leadership development.
- Internship and career support.
The university-specific scholarship page should always be consulted to confirm the exact package.
Who Can Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The programme primarily supports talented young Africans who have limited access to higher education because of financial or social barriers.
Although eligibility differs between institutions, successful candidates generally demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance.
- Financial need.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to community service.
- A desire to contribute to development in their home countries or communities.
The Foundation and its partner institutions particularly encourage applications from young women, people with disabilities, refugees and forcibly displaced individuals.
Can You Apply to More Than One Mastercard Foundation Partner University?
Yes. The Mastercard Foundation confirms that applicants may apply to multiple partner institutions.
However, each university manages its own admission and scholarship selection process. You must therefore complete the application requirements for each institution separately.
Remember that admission to a partner university does not automatically guarantee a Mastercard Foundation scholarship. The scholarship selection process is competitive and may involve additional assessments.
Important Warning About Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Scams
The Mastercard Foundation has warned the public about fake social media posts and individuals claiming to recruit applicants in exchange for application payments.
The Foundation does not solicit money directly from individuals or appoint unofficial agents to guarantee scholarship selection.
Applications should be submitted through recognised partner institutions.
Some universities may charge standard admission application fees. The Foundation states that where partner institutions require admission fees, these are reimbursed if the student is selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Never send money to a personal account or an individual promising guaranteed admission, scholarship selection or visa approval.
Official partner directory:
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program remains an important opportunity for young Africans seeking access to quality higher education and leadership development.
For the 2027 academic year, the University of Cambridge, Sciences Po, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the University of Edinburgh, African Leadership University, the American University in Cairo and Ashesi University are among the institutions with relevant open or officially listed application opportunities.
However, applicants must pay close attention to each university’s application process. Some opportunities are restricted to invited applicants, while others have separate admission and scholarship deadlines.
Start by identifying the university and degree programme that match your academic background. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and submit your application through the official portal before the relevant deadline.
Check other opportunities:
Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program 2027 in Japan and USA (Fully Funded)
MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2027 in USA (Fully Funded)
50 Real Volunteer Programmes Abroad That Could Help You Travel to Another Country in 2026/2027
NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2027 in Singapore (Fully Funded Internship)
Finnish Dinner Date 2027 in Finland (Fully Funded Trip)
Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027–2028 in the Netherlands (Up to €17,500)
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship 2027 in the UK
