MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley, USA | 2026

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Scholarship

Pursue your postgraduate studies in the United States of America with full financial support! Great news — applications for the 2026 MasterCard Foundation Scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley are now open. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the program, including benefits, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step application process.

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley aims to nurture a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and transformative leaders who will drive socio-economic growth and positive change across Africa. UC Berkeley, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, has joined a global network of universities and non-profit organizations that believe education is a catalyst for sustainable development.

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Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United States of America (USA)

• Institution: University of California, Berkeley

• Level of Study: Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)

• Eligible Countries: All Sub-Saharan African countries

• Category: Fully Funded Scholarships

• Reward: Tuition, fees, housing, living stipend, visa costs, travel, and leadership programs

• IELTS: Not required

• Deadline: Varies by program

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Scholarship Details

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest global commitments to education, with over USD $1.2 billion invested to date, supporting more than 40,000 young people worldwide.

At UC Berkeley, the program is housed in the Center for African Studies. Since its inception in 2012, it has supported over 120 undergraduate and master’s students. Going forward, the initiative will support over 108 master’s degree students through 2030.

Please note: Doctoral/PhD programs are not eligible for this scholarship.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 UC Berkeley MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country (including refugees, displaced persons, or those with refugee status). Applicants with dual citizenship or permanent residency in the USA, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.

• Demonstrate outstanding academic talent and first gain admission into an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program.

• Show strong leadership potential and commitment to ethical, transformative leadership.

• Come from a socio-economically disadvantaged background.

• Show proven commitment to giving back to their communities or countries through social, economic, or development initiatives.

• Express a clear intention to return to Africa after completing studies, to use their education for impactful change.

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Scholarship Coverage & Benefits

The UC Berkeley MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2026 provides a fully funded package that covers:

• Full tuition and fees

• Berkeley student fees

• Housing and meals

• Visa and SEVIS fees

• Round-trip airfare

• Living allowance/stipend

• Leadership and entrepreneurship training through cohort signature programs

Note: MBA applicants at Haas School of Business must also apply for additional funding through Haas Scholarships, which requires meeting Round One or Round Two application deadlines.

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Duration

The scholarship covers the entire duration of the Master’s program, depending on the length of the chosen degree.

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How to Apply for UC Berkeley MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2026

Here’s the application process:

1. Apply for admission to an eligible UC Berkeley Master’s program. (Check individual program requirements and deadlines carefully.)

2. Once admitted, eligible applicants will be invited to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.

3. Submit a separate scholarship application, which will include essays and supporting documents highlighting your academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to Africa’s development.

4. Only applicants who submit their program application in the first admission round will be considered for the scholarship.

🔗 More details can be found on the Graduate Division’s official UC Berkeley admissions page.

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✨ The 2026 MasterCard Foundation Scholarship at UC Berkeley offers more than just financial aid — it equips young Africans with world-class education, leadership training, and professional opportunities to become change-makers in their communities and beyond.

APPLY HERE

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