The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB) offers fully funded online master’s scholarships for talented young leaders from across Africa. The programme is designed to expand access to high-quality graduate education for students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

Through this scholarship, selected scholars can pursue accredited online graduate degrees while participating in leadership development activities, community engagement initiatives, and additional learning experiences organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The initiative aims to empower the next generation of African professionals by providing access to world-class education and preparing graduates to contribute to sustainable development across the continent.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports academically talented students who have strong leadership potential but face financial barriers to pursuing higher education.

At the American University of Beirut, the programme provides scholarships for selected online master’s degree programmes, allowing scholars to study remotely while benefiting from AUB’s internationally recognized academic environment.

In addition to academic study, scholars participate in leadership training, networking opportunities, and personal development programmes designed to strengthen their ability to drive positive social impact.

Available Online Master’s Programmes

For the 2026–2027 intake, the scholarship was available for the following online graduate programmes:

Master’s in Engineering Management (Online)
Master’s in Computing in Education (Online)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online
Master in Nursing Administration and Management (Online)
Executive Master in Healthcare Leadership (Online)

Each programme may have its own additional admission requirements, and applicants are expected to review the specific programme requirements before applying.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful scholars receive a fully funded scholarship to pursue one of the eligible online master’s programmes.

In addition to financial support, scholars are expected to participate in:

Leadership development activities
Community engagement initiatives
Workshops organized by the Scholars Program
Additional learning experiences designed to strengthen professional and leadership skills

These activities complement the academic programme and prepare scholars for leadership roles within their communities and professions.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all scholarship eligibility requirements.

Eligible candidates must:

Be 35 years old or younger.
Be a citizen of a country on the African continent.
Demonstrate strong academic performance in their previous degree.
Show financial need.
Demonstrate leadership potential.
Show commitment to community engagement.
Commit to participating in the additional learning experiences required by the Scholars Program.

Meeting these requirements is essential for scholarship consideration.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE).

Accepted test options include:

TOEFL iBT
IELTS Academic
GRE Verbal
GMAT Verbal
Duolingo English Test

Applicants were required to submit qualifying RUSE scores by 30 June 2026.

How to Apply

Applicants were required to complete two important steps:

Step 1

Submit the online graduate application through the American University of Beirut admissions portal and upload all required supporting documents.

Step 2

Submit the required RUSE English language test scores before the specified deadline.

Applications were considered complete only after both the graduate application and the English language requirement had been successfully submitted.

Application Deadline

According to the official programme information:

Applications for Fall 2026–2027 are now closed.
The application deadline was 18 May 2026.
RUSE test scores were due by 30 June 2026.

Prospective applicants interested in future scholarship rounds should monitor official announcements from the American University of Beirut and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Why You Should Apply

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers much more than financial assistance.

Participants benefit from:

Fully funded postgraduate education
Flexible online learning
Leadership development
Professional networking
Community engagement opportunities
Personal development workshops
Internationally recognized graduate qualifications
Access to one of the Middle East’s leading universities

The programme is particularly suited to emerging African leaders who want to use education to create lasting social and economic impact.

Final Thoughts

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026–2027 at the American University of Beirut provides a valuable opportunity for talented African graduates to pursue fully funded online master’s degrees while developing leadership skills and strengthening their capacity to serve their communities. By combining academic excellence with leadership development and community engagement, the programme prepares scholars to become future leaders across Africa.

Although applications for the 2026–2027 intake are now closed, eligible candidates should watch for future application cycles and begin preparing their academic and English language qualifications early.

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026–2027: Fully Funded Online Master’s Scholarships at the American University of Beirut