Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program 2025 | See Fully Funded

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative that empowers talented and dedicated young individuals from Africa and beyond to pursue their academic dreams and become leaders in their communities. By providing comprehensive scholarships and support, the program aims to foster the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change and make a meaningful impact in their societies.

Through its partnerships with over 100 institutions worldwide, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program offers a unique opportunity for students to access world-class education, professional development, and networking opportunities. The program is designed to identify and nurture exceptional individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program

In this article, I will delve into the details of the Scholarship Program with Mastercard Foundation, including eligibility criteria, application processes, benefits, and tips for preparing a strong application package. Whether you are a prospective applicant or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable program, this article will provide valuable insights and information to help you navigate the journey to becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.

About Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program 2025

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global endeavor that aims to foster the leadership potential of exceptionally gifted and service-oriented youth, predominantly from Africa, by providing them with the opportunity to pursue further education and realize their full potential as leaders.

The program offers comprehensive scholarships to students who demonstrate strong academic abilities, leadership qualities, and a commitment to giving back to their communities. These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, books, and other educational expenses, along with support for professional development, internships, and mentoring.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Partners

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with a wide range of prestigious institutions around the world. The Foundation works with more than 100 partners in countries across Africa and in Canada. They have improved the lives of more than 25 million people and their families.

Here is the list of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners:

African Development University
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
African Leadership Academy
African Leadership University
American University of Beirut
Arizona State University
Ashesi University
CAMFED
Carnegie Mellon University Africa
EARTH University
International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE)
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Makerere University
McGill University
Sciences Po
United States International University Africa
University of Abomey-Calavi
University of British Columbia
University of Cape Town
University of Edinburgh
University of Gondar
University of Pretoria
University of Toronto

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Application Process

The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program typically involves several key steps:

Identify Partner Institutions:

Begin by identifying the universities or institutions that partner with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Each institution may have its own specific application process and deadlines.

Check Eligibility Requirements:

Review the eligibility criteria for the program at your chosen institution to ensure you meet the academic, financial, and other requirements.

Prepare Required Documents:

Gather all necessary documents

Submit an Application to the University:

Apply for admission to the chosen partner institution through their regular application process. Indicate your interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program during your application or through a separate scholarship application form, depending on the institution’s process.

Complete the Scholarship Application:

Some institutions may require a separate application specifically for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. This application might include additional essays, a detailed financial assessment, or a leadership profile.

Participate in Interviews (if required):

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. This could be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing, and may assess your leadership potential, commitment to giving back, and fit for the program.

Wait for Admission and Scholarship Decision:

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the admission and scholarship decision. The timeline for notifications may vary by institution, so it’s essential to check with them for specific dates.

Accept the Scholarship Offer:

If selected, you will receive an offer letter detailing the scholarship package. You will need to formally accept the offer and complete any additional requirements set by the institution or the Mastercard Foundation.

Prepare for Enrollment:

Once the scholarship is confirmed, begin preparations for your enrollment, including securing a student visa (if applicable), arranging travel, and attending any pre-departure orientations.

Documents needed

Academic transcripts
Proof of financial need
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement or essay
Passport or identification document
Proof of language proficiency (if required)

Eligible criteria

To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2024, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Excellence: Applicants must have demonstrated strong academic performance in their previous studies. This often includes maintaining a high GPA or equivalent academic standing.
Financial Need: The program is designed for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for financial support to pursue their education.
Leadership Potential: Candidates should exhibit strong leadership qualities, with a proven track record of contributing to their communities or showing potential to do so in the future.
Commitment to Giving Back: Scholars are expected to have a commitment to using their education to improve the lives of others, particularly in their home countries. This includes a dedication to community service and a vision for social change.
Residency and Nationality: The program is primarily aimed at young people from Africa. Applicants should be citizens or residents of African countries, though some programs may extend eligibility to other regions.
Age Requirements: Applicants typically need to be within a specific age range, often between 18 and 35 years, depending on the specific program and institution.
Admission to a Partner Institution: Eligibility often requires that applicants have already gained admission or be in the process of applying to a university or institution that is a partner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Language Proficiency: Applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction at the institution to which they are applying, usually English or French.
Willingness to Return to Home Country: Scholars are generally expected to return to their home country after completing their studies to contribute to its development.

These criteria may vary slightly depending on the institution or country, so it’s essential for applicants to check the specific requirements of the program at the university they are applying to

Note: If the program or institution you wish to enroll in requires any tests, be sure to take them several months before your application is due. Every applicant must first meet the university admissions requirements before being considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program. For some partners, tests like the SAT and/or TOEFL or IELTS are part of the standard requirements for all international candidates. Other university partners do not require these to be completed.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a wide range of benefits to its recipients:

Full Financial Support: The scholarship covers all educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, books, supplies, and other essential needs. It also provides a living stipend to cover daily expenses.
Comprehensive Support: Scholars receive mentorship, counseling, and academic support throughout their studies to ensure they succeed academically and personally.
Leadership Development: The program emphasizes leadership and community service. Scholars participate in workshops, seminars, and other activities designed to build their leadership skills and prepare them to contribute to their communities.
Career Opportunities: Scholars are provided with opportunities for internships, networking, and career development, helping them gain practical experience and build professional connections.
Global Network: Being part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program connects you with a global network of fellow scholars, alumni, and professionals, offering valuable support and opportunities throughout your career.
Support for Community Projects: The program encourages scholars to initiate and lead projects that benefit their communities. Some funding and resources may be available to support these initiatives.
Post-Graduation Support: The Mastercard Foundation offers post-graduation support to help scholars transition into their careers and continue contributing to their communities

Tips for preparing a strong application package

To maximize your chances of success, consider the following tips when preparing your application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:

Start Early: Begin your application process well in advance of the deadline. This allows you ample time to gather all required documents, craft thoughtful essays, and avoid last-minute issues.
Understand the Requirements: Carefully read and understand the eligibility criteria and application requirements for the scholarship. Tailor your application to meet these criteria.
Highlight Academic Excellence: Emphasize your academic achievements, including grades, awards, and any research or projects you’ve completed. Provide transcripts and other supporting documents to validate your academic performance.
Demonstrate Financial Need: Clearly articulate your financial need in your application. Provide documentation such as income statements, financial aid letters, or other evidence to support your claim.
Showcase Leadership Potential: Provide examples of your leadership roles, community service, or initiatives you’ve been involved in. Highlight how these experiences have shaped your goals and commitment to giving back.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is a crucial part of your application. Use it to tell your story, explain your motivations, and connect your goals with the mission of the Mastercard Foundation. Be authentic and reflective.
Seek Strong Recommendations: Obtain letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well and can speak to your character, achievements, and potential. Choose recommenders who can provide specific examples of your strengths.
Proofread and Revise: Ensure your application is free from errors. Proofread your essays, double-check your documents, and ask someone else to review your application before submission.
Prepare for Interviews: If your application requires an interview, practice common questions and be prepared to discuss your experiences, goals, and reasons for applying. Be confident and genuine.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to all application guidelines, including formatting, word limits, and deadlines. Submitting a complete and well-organized application reflects your attention to detail and commitment to the process

FAQs

How do you qualify for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship 2025?

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025, you must meet several criteria:

Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance in your previous studies.
Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need, typically from an economically disadvantaged background.
Leadership Potential: Proven leadership qualities and a commitment to community service.
Residency and Nationality: Primarily for citizens or residents of African countries.
Admission to a Partner Institution: You must be admitted to or applying to a partner university of the Mastercard Foundation.

Is the Mastercard Foundation scholarship fully funded?

Yes, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is fully funded. It typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, supplies, travel, and living expenses. In addition, scholars receive support for internships, career development, and leadership training.

What is the age limit for the Mastercard scholarship?

The age limit for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship varies depending on the institution. Applicants for undergraduate degrees (Bachelor’s) must be under 29 years old at the time of application. Candidates applying for a graduate (Master’s) degree must be 35 years of age or younger. It’s important to check the specific age requirements of the partner institution you are applying to.

How to win a MasterCard Foundation scholarship?

To win a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, follow these steps:

Maintain Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance is essential.
Show Financial Need: Demonstrate your financial need clearly in your application.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Provide examples of your leadership roles and community involvement.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling essay that reflects your goals, challenges, and commitment to giving back.
Prepare Early: Research the application process, gather documents, and apply to partner institutions well before the deadlines.

How to get funding from Mastercard?

To get funding from the Mastercard Foundation, apply for the Scholars Program through one of its partner institutions. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, complete the application process, and demonstrate your financial need, academic potential, and leadership qualities.

What does Mastercard Foundation stand for?

How much money does Mastercard Foundation have?

The Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest foundations globally, with an endowment exceeding $42.7 billion. This substantial financial base supports its mission to advance education, employment, and financial inclusion for young people in Africa and other parts of the world.

What is the aim of Mastercard scholarship?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims at ensuring that all young people, whatever their background, have the same opportunities to get a quality education and fulfill their potential.

Who is the CEO of Mastercard Foundation?

With more than $40 billion in assets, the Mastercard Foundation is one of the biggest private foundations in the world, and Reeta Roy serves as its president and CEO. A world where everyone has the chance to study and thrive is its vision.

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