Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 Innovation and Technology Scholarship at Arizona State University. This is a fully funded master’s degree scholarship open to young African professionals aged 18–33 who are passionate about technology, innovation, and driving positive change in their communities.

The scholarship covers all costs including tuition, living expenses, visa, airfare, and medical coverage, so there is no application fee required. With 30 positions available, this is a significant opportunity for talented professionals across Africa to pursue advanced graduate education in top-tier technology programs at a leading U.S. university. The Mastercard Foundation strongly encourages applications from women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Degree Level: Master’s (Graduate)
• Host Country: United States
• Host University: Arizona State University (ASU)
• Application Deadline: Sunday, 27 September 2026, 23:59 GMT
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Application Fee: None
• Open to All Nationalities: No African nationals only

What’s Included in the Scholarship:

1. Full tuition and fees
2. On-campus housing and books
3. Visa, airfare, and medical expenses
4. Leadership development
5. Academic advising and support
6. Two-month internship between Year 1 and Year 2

Also Check: Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship for MS & PhD in Australia

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Be between 18 and 33 years old at the time of application
2. Be a national of an African country
3. Demonstrate commitment to returning to your home country to contribute to its development
4. If you are currently completing your bachelor’s degree, it must be conferred by July 2027
5. Not have previously completed or begun a master’s degree program at any institution
6. Have academic credentials that meet the admission standards of your chosen ASU graduate program
7. Be applying to one of the nine eligible ASU master’s programs listed below
8. Be eligible to obtain an F-1 student visa for the United States
9. Understand that while studying in the U.S., you may work on-campus or in designated off-campus positions in accordance with F-1 visa regulations and ASU policies

Also Check: Asia Pacific University ADB Master’s Scholarship 2027, Japan

Programs Available:

1. MS Global Technology and Development
2. MS Information Technology
3. MS Computer Science
4. MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering (Computing and Decision Analytics)
5. MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
6. MS Clean Energy Systems
7. MS Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
8. MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
9. MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems

Also Check: Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship (Fully Funded)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Academic Programs

Q: Can I apply to academic programs not listed above?
A: No. This scholarship only provides opportunities for the listed programs. No other programs will be available during this scholarship cycle.

Q: Can the foundation provide funding for an academic program of my choosing?
A: No. The scholarship is only available for the pre-arranged programs listed. These opportunities have been arranged with the Mastercard Foundation and academic departments in advance.

Eligibility Questions

Q: I completed a 3-year undergraduate degree – am I eligible?
A: Your eligibility depends on your program of study. All applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: I have a Higher National Diploma (HND) – does that make me eligible?
A: A Higher National Diploma alone does not qualify as an undergraduate degree. You must have earned an undergraduate degree or equivalent. You can review degree equivalencies for your country on ASU’s website.

Q: Will I be able to work while studying?
A: Yes. Scholars studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa may be eligible to work while completing their degree, in accordance with F-1 visa regulations and ASU policies. Employment opportunities and eligibility may vary, and Scholars will receive guidance on available opportunities.

Q: Can I stay in the U.S. after graduation?
A: This scholarship strongly encourages Scholars to return to their home countries to contribute to social and economic development. This expectation is a core part of the Mastercard Foundation’s mission.

How to Apply:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials
  • Copy of your undergraduate degree certificate or transcript
  • Official or unofficial transcript(s)
  • Resume or CV (highlighting your professional experience and achievements)
  • One signed letter of recommendation from an academic recommender (PDF format)
  • Proof of English language proficiency (optional, but recommended if English is not your primary language)
• Step 2: Write Your Essay Response
• Step 3: Complete the Online Application
• Step 4: Submit Your Application

Also Check: East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship, United State