Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Fully Funded)

In a bold effort to nurture Africa’s next generation of innovation leaders, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programat Arizona State University (ASU) has rolled out Phase III: Innovation and Technology, aiming to empower 600 young African adults between 2024 and 2030. The flagship component of this new phase is a graduate scholarship program that merges flexible online learning with in-person support in Africa.

For the 2026 intake, 40 scholarship slots are available for full-time master’s degrees in fields that reflect the technological and developmental imperatives of the 21st century.

 Scholarship Programs Offered

Selected scholars can pursue any of these ASU graduate programs:

• MS Global Technology and Development
• MSE Sustainable Engineering
• MS Information Technology
• MS Business Analytics
• MEd Learning Design and Technologies

The delivery model is hybrid: degrees are online, but supported by in-person infrastructure and services via Kepler College in Rwanda, offering a blended learning experience with mentorship, community engagement, and localized support.

 What the Scholarship Covers

This is a fully funded package designed to reduce barriers and enable scholars to focus on learning and impact:

• Full tuition and accommodation for the entire two-year graduate program
• Leadership development, mentorship, and enriched programming
• A 2-month internship between the first and second year, aligned with the scholar’s field

These components aim not just at academic rigor but also at real-world experience, leadership growth, and community impact.

 Eligibility & Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an African citizen, aged 18 to 33
• Hold an undergraduate degree completed by July 2026
• Not have started or completed a graduate degree previously
• Reside in Rwanda for the duration of the on-site support component
• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, and adherence to ethical leadership principles
• Fulfill ASU’s general admissions requirements

Note: Applicants must also meet other program-specific criteria, such as a strong statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and any standardized test or technical prerequisites required by ASU.

 Application Timeline

• Application Opens: Monday, 6 October 2025
• Application Deadline: Sunday, 2 November 2025 at 23:59 GMT

Prospective candidates should prepare carefully and submit all required documents before the closing date.

Significance & Impact

Phase III represents a strategic expansion of the Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to tech-driven leadership in Africa. By equipping scholars with technical mastery, leadership skills, and immersive experiences, the program aims to generate a network of change agents who can catalyze sustainable development across the continent.