Over the next five years, the Mastercard Foundation and Arizona State University (ASU) will award graduate scholarships to 120 young African professionals. These scholarships will enable recipients to pursue master’s degrees across a wide range of fields.
The program is designed to provide a comprehensive, two-year on-campus experience with a strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
Given the rapid growth of the global digital economy, the initiative aims to equip African youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in areas such as sustainable innovation and technology.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, there are thirty scholarships available, covering the full cost of tuition, living expenses, and other associated expenses for the entire two-year graduate program.
In addition to financial support, Scholars will participate in leadership development courses, receive one-on-one mentoring, and engage in various events and programs as part of ASU’s broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Scholars will have the opportunity to work part-time on campus, either with the Baobab Platform team or within the larger ASU community. They will also receive assistance to undertake a 2-month internship in Africa related to their field of study between their first and second year.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program actively encourages participants to leverage their education and newly acquired skills to contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.
Scholarship Overview:
- The scholarship is sponsored by the MasterCard foundation
- Studies will take place in the USA
- Supports masters studies
- Open to African students
- Arizona State University is the host institution
- The application deadline is November 3rd, 2024
About MasterCard Foundation:
The Mastercard Foundation is committed to creating a world where every individual has the opportunity to pursue education and achieve success. They believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should have equal access to the resources needed to thrive.
The foundation is dedicated to providing access to financial services, education, and skill development programs, as it believes these are the key factors that can empower individuals to seize opportunities and improve their lives.
Their primary focus is on empowering economically disadvantaged youth in Africa, helping them to break the cycle of poverty and create better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Scholarship Benefits:
The Scholarship will cover the following:
Expenses related to the processing of visa applications
Test fees for English language proficiency
Expenses incurred in applying for a program
Travel expenses to and from Phoenix, AZ
All fees, books, tuition, and medical costs
Qualification:
To be admitted to the degree program of your choice, you must meet all academic requirements, including proficiency in English.
You must be nationals of an African nation who have a track record of moral leadership and active participation in their society.
Your age range must fall between 18 and 33 on or before the application deadline.
You need to show that you have a history of community involvement and leadership.
You must exhibit superior academic standing and aspirations beyond your means.
By July 2025, you must have received your undergraduate degree.
Before August 2025, applicants cannot have begun or finished any other graduate or master’s degree programs.
Throughout the program, you must be able to reside in Phoenix, Arizona.
How to Apply:
To apply, visit the scholarship application portal with this LINK.
Go to the Mastercard Foundation website for additional information. Use the link below.
