Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans (Various Countries) 2025–2026

Posted by: Praise Publisher || Categories: Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, launched in 2012, is a global initiative aimed at developing Africa’s next generation of ethical and transformative leaders by providing fully funded scholarships to academically talented, economically disadvantaged African youth.

Partnering with over 40 universities and NGOs across Africa, Canada, Europe, and the US, the program has supported over 50,000 scholars, with a goal of reaching 100,000 by 2030.

For 2025–2026, the program offers undergraduate and Master’s scholarships to Africans, including Nigerians, at prestigious institutions like the University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, University of Oxford, and Carnegie Mellon University Africa.

Emphasizing leadership, community service, and inclusivity—particularly for women, refugees, and those with disabilities—the program equips scholars to drive sustainable change in their communities. This guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success.

Why Choose the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The program offers more than financial support, fostering leadership and social impact. Key benefits include:

• Fully Funded Support: Covers tuition, accommodation, living stipends, travel, and visa costs, removing financial barriers.
• World-Class Education: Access top universities like Sciences Po, University of Edinburgh, and McGill, known for excellence in STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
• Leadership Development: Includes mentorship, internships, and programs like the Baobab Summit to build skills and networks.
• Global Network: Join over 50,000 alumni, fostering collaboration across Africa and beyond.
• Inclusivity Focus: Prioritizes women, refugees, displaced persons, and those with disabilities, promoting equity.

Scholars like Sala Sow from Senegal, studying medicine at Gaston Berger University, highlight how the program transforms lives by supporting education and community impact.

Program Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports African students pursuing undergraduate and Master’s degrees at partner institutions in countries like South Africa, Rwanda, Canada, the UK, France, and the US.

The program targets those facing social and economic barriers, offering comprehensive support to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries post-graduation to contribute to development through community service, entrepreneurship, or professional roles.

Key partners for 2025–2026 include University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape (UWC), University of Oxford (AfOx), Sciences Po, and Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), among others.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility varies by institution but generally includes:

• Citizenship: Citizens of African countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda) or refugees/displaced persons in Africa. Those with dual citizenship or residency in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are ineligible.
• Age: Typically under 30 for undergraduate and 35 for Master’s programs by program start (September/October 2025).
• Academic Requirements:
  • Undergraduate: High school completion with strong grades (e.g., 80%+ or equivalent).
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours (2:1) or equivalent (e.g., GPA 3.5/4.0). Applicants must not hold a prior Master’s degree for most programs.
• Financial Need: Demonstrated economic hardship impeding access to higher education, verified by financial documents.
• Leadership Potential: Evidence of community service, leadership, or entrepreneurship (e.g., volunteering, student leadership).
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 85–100, unless exempt (e.g., Nigerians from English-medium schools). Some universities require SAQA verification for non-South African qualifications.
• Barriers: Priority for women, refugees, displaced persons, or those with disabilities facing social or economic challenges.

Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Benefits vary by institution but typically include:

• Tuition and Fees: Fully covered for the program duration (e.g., 3–4 years for undergraduate, 1–2 years for Master’s).
• Living Stipend: Monthly allowances (e.g., ZAR 5,000 at UWC, GBP 1,378 at UK institutions) for accommodation, meals, and expenses.
• Travel and Visa Costs: Economy airfare, visa fees, and Immigration Health Surcharge (for UK programs).
• Additional Support: Laptops, books, health insurance, and settling-in allowances (e.g., Thrive Fund at Oxford).
• Wraparound Services: Mentorship, career counseling, internships, and leadership training like the Resolution Social Venture Challenge.
• Ubuntu Period of Service: At Oxford, a 4–6-month post-Master’s placement in African organizations to apply skills.

Scholars also access networking events like the Baobab Summit, fostering connections with global changemakers.

Participating Universities and Fields of Study

The program partners with over 40 institutions, offering diverse fields. Examples for 2025–2026 include:

• University of Pretoria (South Africa): Undergraduate and Master’s in humanities, engineering, health sciences, law.
• University of the Western Cape (UWC, South Africa): Undergraduate and Master’s in applied linguistics, gender justice, sociology for development.
• University of Oxford (UK, AfOx): Master’s in pandemic preparedness, global health, engineering, social sciences.
• Sciences Po (France): Master’s in social sciences, international development, public policy.
• Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda): Master’s in IT, electrical engineering, AI.
• University of Edinburgh (UK): Master’s in sustainability, public health, data science (10 on-campus, 8 online programs).
• McGill University (Canada): Master’s in nutrition, public health, sustainable agriculture.
• University of Rwanda: Undergraduate and Master’s in medicine, pharmacy, clinical psychology.

Nigerians may prioritize fields like health sciences or engineering, aligning with Africa’s development needs.

Application Process

Applications are managed by partner institutions with varying deadlines (typically August–December 2025). General steps include:

1. 1. Select a Program: Choose an eligible undergraduate or Master’s program at a partner university.
   2. Apply for Admission:
      • Submit academic application to the university (e.g., UWC by August 31, 2025; Oxford by January 7–29, 2025; Sciences Po by November 1, 2025).
      • Include transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency scores (if required), and SAQA verification for South African universities.
   3. Prepare Scholarship Documents:
      • Proof of citizenship or refugee status (passport, ID).
      • Financial need documentation (e.g., income statements).
      • Personal statement (500–1,000 words) on leadership and community impact.
      • Two–three reference letters (academic, professional, or community).
      • CV highlighting leadership and service.
   4. Submit Scholarship Application: Apply via the university’s portal or email (e.g., mcfsp@up.ac.za for Pretoria). Some, like Oxford, automatically consider admitted applicants.
   5. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may attend interviews (e.g., February 2025 for Oxford, Edinburgh).
   6. Outcomes: Notifications by March–July 2025; enrollment by September/October 2025 or January 2026.

Applicants must secure provisional admission before applying for the scholarship. Check institution-specific requirements.

Tips for a Successful Application

With high competition, these strategies can enhance your application:

1. 1. • Apply Early: Start 6–12 months before deadlines (e.g., August 2025 for UWC, November 2025 for Sciences Po).
      • Highlight Leadership: Emphasize community service, volunteering, or entrepreneurial initiatives in your statement.
      • Demonstrate Financial Need: Provide clear, honest financial documentation.
      • Tailor Applications: Align your goals with the program’s focus on transformative leadership and African development.
      • Secure Strong References: Choose referees who can validate your academic and leadership potential.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Deadlines vary by institution. Examples include:

1. 1. • University of Pretoria: August 31, 2025 (admission and scholarship).
      • University of the Western Cape: August 31, 2025.
      • Sciences Po: November 1, 2025.
      • University of Oxford: January 7–29, 2025 (course-specific).
      • Carnegie Mellon University Africa: January 15, 2025.
      • University of Edinburgh: December 2025 (TBA).
      • Notifications: March–July 2025.
      • Program Start: September/October 2025 or January 2026.

Life as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar

Scholars study in vibrant academic hubs like Cape Town, Oxford, or Kigali, accessing world-class facilities and diverse communities.

Stipends support comfortable living, while leadership programs, internships, and events like the Baobab Summit foster global connections.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

1. 1. • Chevening Scholarships: UK-funded Master’s for African leaders.
      • Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: For Master’s in the UK.
      • DAAD Scholarships: For graduate studies in Germany.

Conclusion

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for 2025–2026 offers African students, including Nigerians, fully funded opportunities to pursue undergraduate and Master’s degrees at top global universities.

With comprehensive support, leadership training, and a focus on inclusivity, it empowers scholars to transform their communities.

Early preparation, strong academics, and demonstrated leadership are key to securing this competitive award. Apply now to become a changemaker. Visit www.mastercardfdn.org for more details.

CLICK HERE TO COMMENT ON THIS POST