Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027–2028: Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027–2028 is a prestigious international scholarship initiative that provides talented young people with access to quality higher education, leadership development, and career opportunities. Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and delivered through selected universities and educational institutions, the programme aims to develop future leaders who can contribute to inclusive economic growth and positive social change.

The scholarship primarily supports academically talented young people who have faced significant barriers to accessing education, including financial hardship, social disadvantages, displacement, and limited educational opportunities.

Scholarships are available for selected undergraduate and master’s degree programmes at participating institutions in Africa and other regions. The programme also supports students through academic guidance, mentorship, leadership training, and career development.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive financial, academic, and personal support. Benefits may include:

• Full tuition fees: Financial assistance covering the cost of eligible academic programmes.
• Accommodation: Housing support throughout the study period, depending on the partner institution.
• Living expenses: Financial assistance for meals and other essential personal expenses.
• Books and study materials: Support for academic resources and learning materials.
• Travel support: Return airfare to the scholar’s home country, where applicable.
• Academic support: Academic advising, tutoring, and additional learning assistance.
• Leadership development: Participation in leadership training, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Career support: Internship opportunities, career guidance, and assistance transitioning into employment.
• Mentorship and counselling: Personal, academic, and psychosocial support.
• Global network: Opportunities to connect with fellow scholars, alumni, and professionals.

The exact scholarship package varies by university and programme. Selected scholars generally receive comprehensive support for the duration of their eligible studies.

Study Levels

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships at the following levels:

• Undergraduate / Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Selected postgraduate diploma and honours programmes, depending on the partner institution.

Note: The programme does not currently offer scholarships for PhD or doctoral studies.

Participating Universities

The Mastercard Foundation works with universities and educational institutions across Africa and other regions. Some participating institutions include:

• African Leadership University (Rwanda)
• Ashesi University (Ghana)
• University of Cape Town (South Africa)
• Makerere University (Uganda)
• Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda)
• University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
• McGill University (Canada)
• University of British Columbia (Canada)
• American University of Beirut (Lebanon)
• Arizona State University (USA)
• University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
• EARTH University (Costa Rica)

Each institution offers different eligible degree programmes and scholarship opportunities. Applicants should consult the official partner directory to identify institutions currently accepting applications.

Eligibility Criteria

The general selection process considers the following factors:

• Strong academic performance and potential.
• Demonstrated financial need or significant barriers to accessing higher education.
• Leadership potential and commitment to community service.
• A desire to contribute to social and economic development.
• Commitment to giving back to one’s community or country.
• Meeting the academic admission requirements of the selected university.
• Meeting the nationality, residency, age, and other eligibility requirements of the specific partner institution.

The programme particularly encourages applications from young women, refugees, forcibly displaced individuals, people with disabilities, and young people from underserved communities.

Important: Eligibility is not the same across all partner universities. Some institutions restrict scholarships to African citizens or refugees residing in African countries. International applicants must check the nationality and residency requirements of their chosen institution before applying.

Application Deadlines for 2027–2028

There is no common deadline for all Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarships. Each participating institution manages its own application process.

Some published 2027–2028 deadlines include:

• University of Cape Town: October 31, 2026, for eligible postgraduate scholarships.
• University of Edinburgh: November 13, 2026, for the initial applicant declaration and November 19, 2026, for the main scholarship application, subject to the mandatory information-session and invitation process.

Other partner universities have separate application schedules. Applicants should check individual university websites for updated deadlines.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
2. Open the list of participating universities and institutions.
3. Identify a university offering your preferred degree programme.
4. Carefully review the university’s scholarship eligibility requirements.
5. Prepare your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, personal statement, and other required documents.
6. Follow the institution’s specific scholarship application procedure.
7. Complete any separate university admission requirements.
8. Submit your application before the institution’s deadline.