Mastercard Foundation Scholarships – Apply for 2025 Intake

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships – Apply for 2025 Intake. Are you a talented and academically promising young African, facing significant socioeconomic barriers, with a deep commitment to giving back to your community? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is offering fully funded scholarships for the 2025 intake to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at a global network of prestigious partner universities. This program is more than a scholarship; it’s a comprehensive support system that includes financial, academic, and leadership development. With a strong focus on young women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities, the program seeks to empower the next generation of African leaders to drive transformative change on the continent. The application window and deadlines vary by institution, so it is crucial to apply directly to the partner university of your choice.

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Background & Job Description

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest scholarship and leadership initiatives of its kind in Africa. It is a long-term, pan-African and global initiative to strengthen the higher education ecosystem by preparing talented and diverse young people to be transformative leaders. The program is implemented through a network of over 40 partner universities and non-governmental organizations with expertise in working with marginalized groups. The goal is to provide Scholars with not only an education but also the skills, mindsets, and values needed to pursue their aspirations and enrich their communities. The program is built on the principle of giving back, with alumni expected to contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.

Tasks

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, your “tasks” extend beyond academics and include:

• Academic Excellence: Maintaining the required academic standards to retain your scholarship.
• Leadership Development: Participating in mentoring, leadership training, and career services offered by the partner institution.
• Community Engagement: Engaging in community service and internships that are essential components of the program.
• Networking: Building and contributing to a robust network of fellow Scholars and alumni.
• Giving Back: Upon completion of your studies, committing to returning to your home country to apply your knowledge and skills for community betterment.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships – Apply for 2025 Intake

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Required Status: Must be an academically strong student from an African country, facing social and economic barriers that have impeded access to higher education.
• Degree Level: The program supports both undergraduate and master’s degree studies. PhD candidates are not currently supported.
• Academic Merit: Applicants must meet the specific academic admission requirements of the partner university and the chosen program.
• Age Limits: Age limits vary by institution but are typically under 29 years old for undergraduate applicants and under 35 years old for master’s degree applicants. Specific programs may have slightly different age criteria, so you must check with the individual partner university.

Experience

• Commitment to Giving Back: Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to their communities through leadership, community service, or other activities.
• No Prior Experience Required: While prior experience can be a plus, the program is designed for young leaders and does not require extensive professional experience.
• Displaced Persons & Disabilities: The program places a strong emphasis on supporting young women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities. Applicants in these categories are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a comprehensive scholarship that provides holistic support.

• Benefits: The scholarship is fully funded and covers:
  • Full tuition fees
  • Accommodation and meals
  • A modest monthly stipend for living expenses
  • Textbooks and other learning materials
  • Medical aid for the duration of the study
  • Visa costs and reasonable travel costs (including a return flight)
  • Academic advising, counseling, and leadership development opportunities
• How to Apply: The application process is managed by each partner institution, not the Mastercard Foundation itself.
  1. Identify a Partner University: The first step is to choose a partner university from the official list that offers your desired course of study.
  2. Check Partner-Specific Requirements: Each university has its own eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application process. You must carefully research and adhere to their specific guidelines. For example, some universities require a separate application for the scholarship after you have applied for academic admission.
  3. Apply Directly to the University: You must apply for the scholarship directly through the partner university’s dedicated Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.
• Official Links: You can find a list of all partner universities on the official Mastercard Foundation website: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/where-to-apply/. The application window for the 2025/2026 academic year has opened at many institutions. Specific deadlines vary, with some being in August, September, or November 2025. It is crucial to check the specific university’s website for the exact date. For instance, the University of Western Cape’s deadline is August 31, 2025.
• Financial Details: For schools that require an application fee for admissions, the fee will be reimbursed if the student is selected for the Scholars Program.

Please Note: As the publisher of this job post, I am not affiliated with the Mastercard Foundation or any of its partner institutions. I am simply sharing this opportunity for the benefit of my audience. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including the official application link, always refer to the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website and the websites of its partner universities.

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