Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive funding — tuition, accommodation, and other support — to academically talented but economically disadvantaged young people, with a strong focus on African students, at a defined network of partner universities and institutions around the world, including several in the US.
How It's Actually Structured
There is no single, universal Mastercard Foundation application — each partner university runs its own Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program admissions and scholarship process independently, meaning eligibility criteria, deadlines, and available spots differ by institution.
Eligibility
General program goals emphasize academic merit, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to giving back to one's community, alongside financial need — but the specific requirements are set by each partner university's own program, so check that institution's page directly rather than a generic overview.
Tips
- Identify which specific universities in your target country currently host a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program before applying — not every university does.
- Apply through that university's own program-specific process, not a generic "Mastercard Foundation" application, since none exists centrally.
- Programs often look for demonstrated community engagement, not just grades — reflect that clearly in your application materials.
Always confirm current deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility directly on the official program's website (mastercardfdn.org) before applying — these details change from year to year.