Application Deadline: Sunday, November 3, 2024, 23:59 GMT
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Scholarship Overview
In partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), the Mastercard Foundation is offering 120 fully funded graduate scholarships to African students over the next five years (2025–2030). These scholarships will support young African professionals pursuing master’s degrees in fields focused on technology and innovation. The aim is to prepare the next generation of African leaders to thrive in the fast-evolving global digital economy and drive sustainable innovation in their home countries.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, 30 scholarships will be available, covering full tuition, accommodation, and other expenses for the 2-year on-campus graduate program. In addition to financial aid, scholars will benefit from mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU. Scholars will also have the opportunity to work part-time on campus and participate in a 2-month internship in Africa between the first and second years of study.
A core expectation of the program is that scholars return to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to social and economic development. Women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. ASU is dedicated to making its programs accessible to all qualified students.
Eligible Graduate Programs
The scholarships cover the following full-time, on-campus master’s programs:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
- MS User Experience
- MSc Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Meet academic requirements for their chosen program, including English proficiency.
- Be citizens of an African country and demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership and community service.
- Be aged 18–33 by the application deadline.
- Have a proven record of leadership and service in their communities.
- Show academic excellence and financial need.
- Have an undergraduate degree earned by July 2025.
- Not have started or completed any other graduate or master’s degree before August 2025.
- Be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona, for the duration of the program.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship covers:
- Visa application fees
- English language test costs
- Program application fees
- Round-trip airfare to Phoenix, Arizona
- Full tuition, books, and fees
- Medical insurance
- On-campus housing
- Participation in scholarship-related activities
Application Process
- Submit your scholarship application by 23:59 GMT on November 3, 2024.
- If selected for the scholarship, you will receive assistance in applying for admission to Arizona State University.
- Scholarship interviews will be held in November 2024 via video or phone, with final decisions made by January 2025.
- Successful applicants will travel to Phoenix, Arizona, to begin their program in August 2025.
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply:
- Online: Submit an application via the provided online portal.
- Offline: Download a Word document application, complete it, and email it to mastercardfndnscholars@asu.edu with all required attachments.
For further details, including FAQs, visit the official scholarship page or email your questions to mastercardfndnscholars@asu.edu.
Important: Ensure you have thoroughly read the application guidelines and eligibility criteria to avoid errors. Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation reserve the right to reject incomplete or late applications, amend scholarship conditions, or offer no awards at their discretion. Admission to ASU does not guarantee a scholarship.
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