The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the major scholarship opportunities available to talented young people from Africa who face financial or other barriers to higher education. Rather than operating through one central university application, the programme works with partner universities and organisations, with each institution responsible for its own admissions process, eligible programmes, deadlines and selection procedures.
The scholarship can provide much more than tuition support. Depending on the partner institution and programme, Mastercard Foundation Scholars may receive support for tuition, accommodation, books and academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development and, where necessary, return air travel.
This article highlights 10 universities where African students can find Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program opportunities. Applicants should understand that the availability of scholarships, study levels and eligible courses varies from one university to another.
Full List of 21 Universities Offering Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students
1. University of Edinburgh – United Kingdom
The University of Edinburgh is one of the European universities participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Its programme has a strong focus on preparing young African leaders to contribute to sustainable development. Recent scholarship opportunities have included postgraduate programmes connected to areas such as climate change, international development, environmental sustainability, food security, global health, data and social justice.
The University of Edinburgh has also offered both on-campus and online postgraduate opportunities, making it an interesting option for applicants who may not be able to relocate immediately.
For the 2027/28 intake, the university has introduced a staged application process involving eligibility checks and mandatory information sessions before eligible candidates can access the scholarship application.
Best suited for: African students interested in sustainability, development, health, environment, data and related postgraduate fields.
2. University of British Columbia – Canada
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is another major international partner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
UBC’s programme focuses on supporting talented African students pursuing eligible Master’s degrees. The university’s current information for the Winter 2027 intake states that applicants must generally have completed a Bachelor’s degree, be citizens or refugees of an African country, not already hold a Master’s degree and meet the academic requirements of their intended programme.
The selection process also considers the quality of the application and the applicant’s potential impact on their home country.
Best suited for: African students seeking Master’s-level study in eligible programmes at a major Canadian research university.
3. University of Cambridge – United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge hosts a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program designed to enable outstanding African students to undertake Master’s-level study while developing their leadership potential.
The programme describes itself as more than a scholarship, with an emphasis on building a community of African scholars and supporting students during their time at Cambridge.
Because Cambridge has numerous postgraduate programmes, applicants should not assume that every Master’s course is automatically eligible. Prospective scholars should check the programme’s current course and eligibility information before beginning an application.
Best suited for: High-achieving African graduates seeking postgraduate study and leadership development at a globally recognised university.
4. Makerere University – Uganda
Makerere University is one of the African universities participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The university’s programme supports academically talented young people from Africa whose access to higher education is affected by financial or social barriers.
For the 2026/27 academic year, Makerere announced 245 undergraduate and 13 Master’s scholarships at its main campus. The university also states that its programme supports students through both undergraduate and graduate-level opportunities.
Makerere’s published eligibility information has also highlighted groups including refugees, internally displaced persons, young people with disabilities, international students and other applicants facing barriers to higher education.
Best suited for: African students looking for undergraduate or Master’s opportunities at a leading East African university.
5. University of Pretoria – South Africa
The University of Pretoria is another Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner.
Its scholarship opportunities have included undergraduate study for African students facing significant socioeconomic barriers. The programme has also specifically considered applicants who are refugees, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities.
The university’s requirements can include academic performance, programme eligibility and other conditions applicable to the particular scholarship cycle.
Students should therefore check the latest call for applications rather than relying on requirements from previous years.
Best suited for: African students interested in undergraduate education and selected academic fields at a major South African university.
6. University of the Western Cape – South Africa
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) participates in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and has offered fully funded opportunities for both undergraduate and Master’s students.
Its scholarship has been aimed at qualifying students from South Africa and other African countries who are prepared to undertake full-time study.
The university has identified eligible disciplines across areas including arts and humanities, economic and management sciences, education and other selected fields, depending on the application cycle.
Best suited for: African students seeking undergraduate or postgraduate study in selected fields at a South African institution.
7. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology – Ghana
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is among the Mastercard Foundation’s partner institutions.
The university is particularly relevant to applicants interested in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, business and other development-focused disciplines, although the courses available under the scholarship depend on the specific call.
KNUST is an important option for students who want to pursue higher education in Ghana while remaining within Africa.
Applicants should always check the university’s latest Mastercard Foundation announcement for the current eligible programmes, intake and application procedure.
Best suited for: Students interested in STEM, technology, agriculture, business and other disciplines offered under the current scholarship cycle.
8. Ashesi University – Ghana
Ashesi University is another Ghanaian partner institution.
Ashesi has a strong emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and problem-solving, which fits closely with the broader objectives of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The Foundation’s current partner listing identifies Ashesi among its Scholars Program institutions.
Students considering Ashesi should check the university’s specific scholarship announcement to determine the available degree programmes, eligibility requirements and deadline for the relevant academic year.
Best suited for: Young Africans interested in entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, business and innovation.
9. African Leadership University – Rwanda
African Leadership University (ALU) is another institution in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program network.
The university is particularly focused on developing young African leaders and providing education connected to entrepreneurship, leadership and solving problems relevant to the continent.
The Mastercard Foundation’s current partner directory lists ALU among institutions where prospective Scholars can explore available opportunities.
Because scholarship availability can change between admission cycles, prospective applicants should check the latest ALU scholarship information before applying.
Best suited for: Young African students interested in leadership, entrepreneurship and innovative approaches to African development.
10. Carnegie Mellon University Africa – Rwanda
Carnegie Mellon University Africa provides another interesting route for African students seeking postgraduate education.
The Mastercard Foundation’s current partner listing identifies Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) as a postgraduate institution in Kigali.
CMU-Africa is particularly relevant to students interested in technology and engineering-related postgraduate education.
Applicants should check the current scholarship and university admission requirements because the Mastercard Foundation scholarship does not automatically apply to every course offered by a partner institution.
Best suited for: African graduates interested in technology, engineering and postgraduate education.
11. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) – Ghana
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is one of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner universities in Ghana. The university is particularly recognised for its focus on science, technology, engineering, agriculture, business and other disciplines that contribute to sustainable development.
12. Makerere University – Uganda
Makerere University is a long-standing Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner. Through the programme, academically talented young Africans who face financial or other barriers to higher education can receive support to pursue university education. Makerere’s current partnership entered a second phase covering 2024–2034.
13. McGill University – Canada
McGill University in Canada is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s global network of partner institutions. The university provides an opportunity for talented African students to pursue higher education within a leading Canadian research environment.
14. Sciences Po – France
Sciences Po in Paris is another Mastercard Foundation partner, offering opportunities particularly relevant to students interested in areas such as social sciences, public policy, international affairs and development. The institution is recognised for its international outlook and strong focus on humanities and social sciences.
15. University of Cape Town – South Africa
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of South Africa’s leading universities and a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner. Its participation gives talented African students an opportunity to pursue higher education while developing skills and knowledge relevant to Africa’s social and economic development.
16. University of Toronto – Canada
The University of Toronto is another major Canadian university in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program network. The institution is internationally recognised for research and higher education and has participated in the programme as a partner supporting talented students from Africa.
17. University of Gondar – Ethiopia
The University of Gondar in Ethiopia is included among the Mastercard Foundation’s partner institutions. The university provides higher education opportunities within Ethiopia and has been involved in the Foundation’s efforts to expand access to quality education for young Africans.
18. University of Rwanda – Rwanda
The University of Rwanda is another African institution associated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Its participation forms part of the Foundation’s wider effort to increase access to inclusive higher education and develop the next generation of African leaders.
19. United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa) – Kenya
United States International University–Africa in Kenya is a Mastercard Foundation partner institution. The university has been part of the Foundation’s work to provide young Africans with access to relevant higher education and opportunities for leadership and professional development.
20. Arizona State University (ASU) – United States
Arizona State University is one of the Mastercard Foundation’s international university partners. ASU’s participation extends the Scholars Program beyond Africa, providing opportunities for talented African students to pursue postgraduate education in the United States.
21. American University of Beirut – Lebanon
The American University of Beirut (AUB) is also part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program network. Its participation provides another international study destination for eligible African students, with opportunities that have included undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Benefits
One of the reasons this scholarship attracts applicants from across Africa is the comprehensive nature of the support.
The Foundation says financial, academic and psychosocial support may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books and academic materials
- Mentoring
- Counselling
- Leadership development
- A return air ticket to the scholar’s country of origin, where necessary
The exact package can differ according to the partner institution and programme.
Therefore, applicants should avoid assuming that every university provides exactly the same benefits.
Who Can Apply for a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
There is no single eligibility requirement that applies identically to every Mastercard Foundation partner university.
Requirements may depend on:
- The university
- Country of citizenship
- Degree level
- Academic programme
- Age
- Academic performance
- Financial circumstances
- Leadership experience
- Community involvement
- Refugee or displaced status
- Disability status
- Other university-specific conditions
For example, UBC currently lists African citizenship or refugee status, a Bachelor’s degree, no existing Master’s degree and an age requirement among its eligibility conditions for its Master’s programme.)
Makerere’s requirements similarly vary according to undergraduate or Master’s study and include specific provisions for categories such as refugees and young people with disabilities.
The lesson is simple: never copy the eligibility requirements from one university and use them for another.
Does Mastercard Foundation Pay for Every University?
No. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program operates through partner universities and organisations. The Foundation does not generally provide scholarships directly to students who choose a non-partner university.
This is why applicants should first identify a participating university and then follow that institution’s scholarship procedure.
How to Apply for a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The application process generally follows this pattern, although individual universities may use different procedures:
Step 1: Find a participating university
Start with the official Mastercard Foundation partner directory.
Step 2: Select a suitable degree programme
Check whether your intended course is eligible under that university’s Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
Step 3: Read the university’s eligibility requirements
Pay attention to academic qualifications, age limits, nationality, financial need and other requirements.
Step 4: Prepare your documents
Depending on the university, you may need:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates
- CV
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of financial need
- Identification documents
- Proof of refugee or disability status, where applicable
- University admission application
Step 5: Follow the university’s scholarship procedure
Do not assume that there is one universal Mastercard Foundation application form.
The Foundation specifically states that partner institutions manage their own application processes and selection decisions.
Step 6: Apply before the university’s deadline
Every partner sets its own timeline. Some deadlines may fall months apart.
Important Warning About Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Scams
Applicants should be extremely careful when searching for Mastercard Foundation scholarships online.
The Foundation warns that it is aware of social-media posts advertising recruitment and requesting application fees. It states that such groups are not associated with the Mastercard Foundation and that the Foundation does not solicit funding or request payments from individuals.
This is especially important when someone promises:
- Guaranteed selection
- Guaranteed admission
- A scholarship in exchange for money
- “VIP” application processing
- A scholarship certificate before selection
- An offer letter for a fee
Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you a Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
Always verify the opportunity through the university or the official Mastercard Foundation partner directory. Be careful. See How to Verify Scholarship Legitimacy, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding to Avoid Scam. Be careful and Take a look at How to Avoid Scholarship Scams: Legitimate Government Grants, Fellowships, Scholarships will not ask you for any Upfront Payments.
Can You Apply to More Than One University?
Potentially, yes.
The Mastercard Foundation says that because each partner manages its own application process, candidates can apply to multiple partner universities. However, applicants should consider the amount of work involved and whether application fees are required by particular institutions.
A better strategy is to select universities where:
- You genuinely meet the eligibility requirements.
- Your preferred course is available.
- Your academic profile is competitive.
- Your career goals fit the programme.
- You can submit a strong, customised application.
Applying everywhere without tailoring your application is generally less useful than submitting a few carefully prepared applications.
What Makes a Strong Mastercard Foundation Application?
A competitive application should go beyond saying “I need a fully funded scholarship.”
The Foundation’s broader programme is designed to develop young people who can contribute to positive change.
Your application should therefore clearly communicate:
Your academic potential
Show what you have achieved academically and how the proposed programme fits your educational background.
Your leadership
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a major political or organisational position. Community projects, student leadership, volunteering, entrepreneurship and professional initiatives can demonstrate leadership.
Your financial circumstances
If financial need is part of the particular university’s criteria, explain your circumstances honestly and clearly.
Your community impact
Explain what you have already done—not just what you hope to do someday.
Your future plans
Show how the degree will help you address a specific problem or opportunity in your community, country or wider African region.
Comparison Table Showing Universities Offering MasterCard Scholarships Program – Application Deadline
Below is a 2026/2027 comparison table for the 21 universities. Because the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is administered by individual partner institutions, opening dates and deadlines are not uniform. Where I could not verify a 2026/27 deadline from a current official source, I have marked it “Not publicly confirmed” rather than inventing a date. The Foundation itself confirms that partner institutions manage their own application processes.
| University | Country | Typical Study Level/Focus | Open Date and Deadline for 2026/2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Edinburgh | UK | Postgraduate – development, climate, sustainability, health, data and related fields | Opened: 14 October 2025. Deadline: 14 November 2025 for the first application stage. |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | Canada | Master’s – selected graduate programmes | Expression of Interest: 30 August–12 September 2025. MCF invitation: by 15 October 2025. University application deadline: 26 November 2025. |
| University of Cambridge | UK | Master’s – selected postgraduate programmes | Opened: September 2025. Deadline: course-dependent, generally early December 2025 or January 2026. |
| Makerere University | Uganda | Undergraduate & Master’s | Opened: 2026 cycle. Deadline: 5 June 2026 for Master’s; undergraduate deadline also published for the 2026/27 cycle. |
| University of Pretoria | South Africa | Undergraduate, Honours & Master’s | Opened: 2026. Deadline: 31 August 2026 (Undergraduate); 30 September 2026 (Postgraduate). |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | South Africa | Undergraduate & Master’s | 2026 cycle: Applications were opened in 2025. Deadline: 31 August 2025 for the published 2026 intake. |
| KNUST | Ghana | Undergraduate – science, technology, engineering, agriculture, business and related fields | 2026/27 deadline: Not publicly confirmed on the current official programme page. Previous cycles have generally opened earlier in the year. |
| Ashesi University | Ghana | Undergraduate & selected postgraduate opportunities – leadership, business, technology and innovation | 2026/27: Deadline not confirmed on the current official Mastercard Foundation page. A 2027 scholarship listing gives 16 November 2026 for Master’s applications. |
| African Leadership University (ALU) | Rwanda | Undergraduate – leadership, entrepreneurship and African development | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. Applicants should monitor ALU’s current scholarship announcements. |
| Carnegie Mellon University Africa | Rwanda | Postgraduate – technology, engineering and related fields | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. Programme-specific deadlines apply. |
| McGill University | Canada | Selected postgraduate programmes | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. Programme/faculty-specific deadlines apply. |
| Sciences Po | France | Master’s – social sciences, public policy, international affairs and development | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. Programme-specific funding deadlines apply. |
| University of Cape Town | South Africa | Undergraduate & postgraduate – selected programmes | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Selected undergraduate/postgraduate opportunities | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. Programme-specific deadlines apply. |
| University of Gondar | Ethiopia | Undergraduate & postgraduate – selected fields | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
| University of Rwanda | Rwanda | Undergraduate & postgraduate – selected programmes | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
| United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa) | Kenya | Undergraduate & postgraduate – business, technology, social sciences and related areas | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
| Arizona State University (ASU) | USA | Selected postgraduate opportunities and technology/digital learning | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
| American University of Beirut (AUB) | Lebanon | Undergraduate & postgraduate – selected programmes | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
| University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin | Undergraduate & postgraduate – selected fields | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
| EARTH University | Costa Rica | Undergraduate – agriculture, sustainability, entrepreneurship and environmental development | 2026/27: Not publicly confirmed. |
Important: The Mastercard Foundation’s own historical partner documentation confirms many of these institutions—including UBC, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Cape Town, Toronto, McGill, Sciences Po, Pretoria, Makerere, KNUST, Ashesi, ALU, Carnegie Mellon Africa, USIU-Africa, University of Gondar, University of Rwanda, AUB, Arizona State University and others—as partners in its Scholars Program network.
| University | Country | Typical Study Level/Focus |
|---|---|---|
| University of Edinburgh | UK | Postgraduate |
| University of British Columbia | Canada | Master’s |
| University of Cambridge | UK | Master’s |
| Makerere University | Uganda | Undergraduate & Master’s |
| University of Pretoria | South Africa | Undergraduate/selected programmes |
| University of the Western Cape | South Africa | Undergraduate & Master’s |
| KNUST | Ghana | Undergraduate/Postgraduate opportunities vary |
| Ashesi University | Ghana | Undergraduate opportunities vary |
| African Leadership University | Rwanda | Undergraduate opportunities vary |
| Carnegie Mellon University Africa | Rwanda | Postgraduate |
Note: This table is a guide, not a guarantee that every university listed is currently accepting Mastercard Foundation applications. The Foundation’s partner list and individual university announcements should be checked for the specific intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The Scholars Program provides comprehensive support that can include tuition, accommodation, academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development and travel support where necessary. The exact package depends on the partner institution and programme.
Can international students apply?
Some partner universities accept African international students, while others have additional country or residency requirements. Always check the university-specific eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for a Master’s degree?
Yes. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports Master’s-level opportunities at selected partner institutions. However, PhD scholarships are not currently offered through the programme, according to the Foundation’s FAQ.
Do I need to apply directly to Mastercard Foundation?
No. Applicants generally apply through the participating university or organisation, not through a single central Mastercard Foundation scholarship application.
Is admission to a partner university enough to receive the scholarship?
No. The Foundation states that admission to a partner university does not guarantee selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Does every university offer the same courses?
No. Eligible programmes vary considerably between partner institutions.
Advice for Applicants applying for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can open doors to universities in Africa, Europe, North America and other regions, but applicants should approach it as a collection of university-specific opportunities rather than one scholarship with one application form.
Your first step should be to identify the partner university and programme that best matches your academic background and future plans. From there, carefully follow that institution’s eligibility rules, application instructions and deadline.
Most importantly, use official university websites and the Mastercard Foundation’s partner directory when applying. Requirements and deadlines change, and the Foundation itself advises applicants to check individual partner institutions for the latest information.
Mastercard Foundation – Official Partner Institutions and Where to Apply