The UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded master’s degree opportunities in the United States for academically talented students from African countries who are committed to creating positive change in their communities and across the continent.
The programme is a 10-year partnership between the Center for African Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and the Mastercard Foundation, with plans to support 201 master’s students from Africa.
The scholarship encourages applications from across Africa, with particular consideration given to women, people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons.
UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 – Overview
- Study level: Master’s
- Host university: University of California, Berkeley
- Country: United States
- Sponsor: Mastercard Foundation
- Eligible applicants: Citizens of African countries
- Funding: Fully funded
- Duration: Master’s degree programme
- Application deadline: Not specified
- Target group: Academically talented African students committed to transformative change
What Does the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive financial support covering the major costs associated with completing a master’s degree at UC Berkeley.
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition
- Berkeley student fees
- Travel expenses
- Visa and SEVIS fees
- Housing
- Food
- Living expenses
- Leadership and entrepreneurship programmes through the Scholars Program
This means successful scholars receive funding designed to cover the core costs of studying and living in the United States.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet several important requirements to be considered for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
1. Be a Citizen of an African Country
Applicants must be citizens of an African country.
The programme also considers Africans who have been forcibly displaced or have refugee status within Africa.
However, applicants with dual citizenship, asylum-seeker, refugee or permanent resident status in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or European Union are not eligible.
2. Demonstrate Academic Excellence
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability.
Importantly, candidates must first be admitted to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s degree programme before they can be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
3. Demonstrate Leadership Potential
The programme looks for candidates who have demonstrated leadership potential and are committed to using their skills and education to create positive and lasting change.
Leadership does not only mean holding a formal leadership position. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how they have engaged with others and contributed to meaningful change.
4. Have Experienced Barriers to Higher Education
The scholarship is intended for talented individuals who have experienced significant barriers to accessing quality higher education.
These barriers may be:
- Social
- Financial
- Personal
- Practical
- Health-related
5. Show Commitment to Giving Back
Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to their community, country or Africa as a whole.
Activities outside the classroom are important, including community initiatives, social projects, economic development activities, advocacy or other work connected to issues the applicant is passionate about.
6. Intend to Return Home
Applicants are expected to demonstrate their desire and intention to return to their home country after completing their studies and any post-graduation training.
The programme seeks scholars who will use the knowledge, skills and professional connections gained at UC Berkeley to address challenges in their communities after their studies.
Who May Receive Priority?
When applicants are otherwise similarly qualified, the programme gives priority consideration to candidates who:
- Completed their undergraduate degree at an African university.
- Do not already have a postgraduate degree, such as a master’s or doctorate.
- Have not previously benefited from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Important Eligibility Note
Being an African citizen alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Applicants must also demonstrate academic talent, leadership potential, a history of overcoming barriers to higher education, commitment to community development and an intention to return home after their studies.
Also, candidates must first secure admission to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s programme to be considered for the scholarship.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is currently not specified in the information provided.
Applicants should check the official UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website for the latest application dates and programme-specific deadlines.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should begin by reviewing the available master’s programmes at UC Berkeley and determining whether they meet the admission requirements.
Candidates who meet the requirements can then follow the application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
VISIT SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE TO APPLY
Check other opportunities:
University of Surrey Asylum Seeker Bursary 2027 – UK Undergraduate Funding
Erasmus Mundus MARIHE Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s in Europe and Beyond
Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s in USA
Study in Hong Kong for FREE? CUHK Scholarship Offers Full Tuition + Monthly Stipend
University of Hawaii ADB Scholarship 2027 in USA – Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity
Travel to Bangkok for an International Conference With Financial Support
Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027 in Sweden – Fully Funded One-Month Research Opportunity
The AI Colony Academy Genesis Cohort 2026 – Fully Funded AI Training
