Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for BS and MS 2026 – Fully Funded

Applications are now open at several partner institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year (and beyond) through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This prestigious global initiative offers fully funded scholarships to talented young leaders, primarily from Africa and underrepresented communities, to pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees in various fields such as engineering, technology, sciences, leadership, climate resilience, sustainability, and more—depending on the partner university. There is no central deadline; each partner institution sets its own. No application fee is charged directly by the Foundation—any admission fees required by partner universities are reimbursed if you are selected as a Scholar. This program targets academically excellent, service-oriented youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to Africa.

Key Details

• Scholarship Type: Fully funded
• Degree Levels: Undergraduate and Master’s (no PhD)
• Fields of Study: Varies by partner (e.g., engineering, IT, AI, sustainability, public policy, and more)
• Target Applicants: Primarily young Africans; also Indigenous youth in Canada and some global underrepresented groups
• Number of Scholarships: Over 57,000 awarded to date; aiming for 100,000 by 2030
• Application Fee: None from the Foundation; university fees (if any) reimbursed upon selection
• Deadlines: Varies by Partner.

What This Scholarship Offers

The program provides comprehensive holistic support beyond tuition, including:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation and living expenses
• Books, laptops, and academic materials
• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance
• Return air travel (if studying abroad)
• Mentoring, counseling, and psychosocial support
• Leadership development training
• Internship and career preparation opportunities
• Access to a global network of Scholars and Alumni
• Entrepreneurship and community engagement programs

Also Check: ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility varies slightly by partner institution, but core requirements include:

• Strong academic performance and potential
• Demonstrated leadership and community service commitment
• From economically disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds
• Primarily African nationals (focus on sub-Saharan Africa)
• Age limits in some programs (e.g., 18-33 for certain ASU tracks)
• Commitment to return to Africa and drive positive change
• Special consideration for women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities
• Not currently holding or completed another master’s degree (for master’s applicants)

Also Check: Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded

How to Apply

There is no direct application to the Mastercard Foundation—all applications go through partner institutions.

• Research and select a partner university offering programs that match your interests
• Visit the official Mastercard Foundation “Where to Apply” page for the list (Find the Link Below)
• Apply directly via the university’s admissions portal and indicate interest in the Scholars Program
• Submit required documents (transcripts, essays, recommendations, etc.) by the institution’s deadline
• Some require first applying for university admission, then nomination for the scholarship

This is a transformative opportunity—start by exploring partner institutions today!

Also Check: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026/2027