Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 (Fully Funded)

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 (Fully Funded)

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious fully funded scholarship initiatives, aimed at developing the next generation of African leaders. The program supports academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education while equipping them with leadership skills, career training, and community engagement opportunities. Implemented through top universities and institutions worldwide, this program invests in young people committed to giving back to their communities.

Available Degree Levels

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

• Postgraduate: Honours and Master’s

• Doctoral studies (limited cases through progression)

Available Subjects

Scholars can study in any approved academic program, including:

• Engineering and Technology

• Health Sciences

• Natural and Agricultural Sciences

• Business, Economics, and Management

• Humanities and Social Sciences

• Law and Governance

• Education

• Data Science, AI, and IT

• Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Program Benefits

The program is fully funded and provides comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support:

• Full tuition fees

• Campus accommodation and meals

• Monthly living stipend

• Books and learning materials

• Start-up allowance (first year)

• Visa and study permit fees

• Medical insurance

• Travel support

• One funded African-based summer internship

• Leadership training and personal development programs

• Counseling and psychological services

• Academic mentoring and tutoring

• Career guidance and professional workshops

Eligible Nationalities

• Students from all African countries

• Priority is given to:

  • Economically disadvantaged students

  • Students living with disabilities

  • Refugees and internally displaced persons

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an African country

• Have a strong academic record

• Come from an economically or socially disadvantaged background

• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community service

• Be admitted or applying for admission to the University of Pretoria

• Be willing to return to their home country after graduation to contribute to development

• Be available to participate in leadership training, internships, and community engagement programs

• Refugees, internally displaced persons, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

Expectations from Scholars

Selected scholars must:

• Maintain strong academic performance

• Participate in leadership and development activities

• Complete a pre-approved African-based summer internship

• Engage in community service

• Follow the university’s rules and regulations

• Return to their home country after graduation to contribute to Africa’s development

Application Procedure

There is no single central application for this scholarship. Students must apply through a partner university:

1. Choose a partner institution from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program list

2. Apply for admission to your chosen university

3. Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship through the university’s scholarship page

4. Submit required documents (academic records, financial background, personal statement, etc.)

5. If shortlisted, attend interviews or additional assessments

6. Selected candidates will receive full scholarship offers

Note: Deadlines, eligibility rules, and requirements vary by university.

Why Choose the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

This is more than a scholarship — it is a leadership and impact-driven program. Scholars receive mentorship, career training, and support networks to help them become agents of change in Africa, with the goal of supporting 100,000 scholars by 2030.

Application Link: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program