Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Pan-African Partner Universities (Undergraduate & Masters)
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest and most comprehensive scholarship initiatives for young Africans, delivered through a network of partner universities across Africa, North America, and the UK — including leading institutions such as Makerere University (Uganda), University of Rwanda, University of Pretoria, American University in Cairo, University of Toronto, and the University of Edinburgh, among others.
What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books and learning materials, a laptop, health insurance, and (where applicable) travel — making it one of the most complete funding packages available to African students. The program also provides mentorship, leadership development, and transition support before, during, and after study.
Eligibility: Generally open to academically talented young Africans facing financial, social, or circumstantial barriers to higher education, who also demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to giving back to their communities. Each partner university sets its own intake numbers, programmes, and exact eligibility rules (age limits, prior qualifications, etc.), so requirements differ by institution.
When to apply: Each partner university runs its own application cycle and timeline — for example, Makerere University’s intake announcements are typically published earlier in the year for the following academic year. Because cycles vary by institution, the best approach is to identify the partner university you’re interested in and follow its admissions/scholarship office directly.
How to apply: Start at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page to find the current list of partner universities, then apply through the specific university’s scholarship portal (for Uganda, this is Makerere University’s dedicated application portal).
Detailed Eligibility Checklist
- Citizen of an eligible African country, with demonstrated financial need
- Strong academic record and evidence of leadership potential within your community
- Applying for undergraduate or Master’s study at a Mastercard Foundation partner university in Africa or select global institutions
- Commitment to give back to your community after graduation — central to the Foundation’s Scholars Program ethos
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Identify a Mastercard Foundation partner institution — the programme operates through specific partner universities rather than a single central application, so your entry point depends on which partner you target.
- Apply directly to your chosen partner university, indicating interest in Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program funding where the application allows.
- Demonstrate both financial need and leadership through required essays, references, and (where applicable) community involvement documentation.
- Complete any partner-specific selection stages, which may include interviews or additional assessments.
- Engage with the holistic support programme once admitted — mentorship, leadership training, and community engagement are built into the scholarship, not optional extras.
Why This Scholarship Is Competitive
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is unusual in combining full financial coverage with an intensive, multi-year leadership development structure — it selects for potential and community commitment, not just grades, which broadens who can realistically compete. Because the programme deliberately prioritizes students facing significant financial barriers, an authentic, specific account of your circumstances and community impact tends to matter more than polish alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one central application for all partner universities? No — each partner institution manages its own admissions and Scholars Program intake, so requirements and timelines vary by university.
Does the scholarship cover only tuition? No — it typically covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and additional support such as mentorship and leadership development.
Is financial need actually assessed, or is it just a formality? It is a genuine selection criterion — applicants are expected to provide real evidence of financial circumstances as part of the process.