Have you ever giving a thought about getting quality education from very notable and well regarded educational institutions? In the world of today, many students worry about where to get quality education from while also thinking too much where to get the money. This is the dream of most students especially from Africa.
To help you, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program for 2025/2026 was created. In this article, we will break down the eligibility and deadlines for application.
Lets get right into it!
Table of contents
- What do you need to know about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026?
- What are the Criteria for getting the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
- What are the Partner Universities for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
- How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026
- Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
What do you need to know about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026?
First of all, the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Scheme is one of the most prestigious scholarship program that you can come across all over the world. It is particularly known for its fully funded program. What this means is that you need not to worry about the money or how to pay or even how to repay. It’s not a grant!
The benefactors of this scholarship initiated it primarily for educationally talented students from Africa and beyond. Especially those that are financially incapable to pursue quality education. The primary objective of this scheme is to produce individuals who will revolutionize leadership and bring about political and economic change in the global arena.
When you study under this program, you literally get everything that has to do with spending money. Your tuition, accommodation, books and they will even give you leadership training. Now what makes it widely known is the fact that it has partnered with the most premier universities in the world. This is to widen opportunities for students that are educationally talented.
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What are the Criteria for getting the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Below is the requirements to get this one of a kind scholarship
1. You have to be a citizenship of an African country or other developing regions of the world
2. You must showcase academic excellence. This is important because it is necessary you show them your good grades as this will be the foremost criteria for acceptance
3.You will also need to prove to them that your are financially incapable
4. You will also need to showcase efficient leadership skills. Remember they want to transform people into world leadership
5. You must not exceed 35 years of age.
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What are the Partner Universities for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Africa
Africa is the focus of the Mastercard Foundation, and most of the partnering universities are on the continent to offer quality education.
University of Cape Town (UCT)—South Africa
The UCT is known as one of the best universities in the world and they partner with MasterCard
Program Focus: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at this university targets academically able Sub-Saharan African students with leadership qualities in community service.
Notable Aspects:
- Affiliated with programs in commerce, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and law.
- Provides leadership, counseling, and training through Recruit and Training Departments.
Application Deadline: Different for each program, often between May and August 2026.
Link: Visit here: [UCT Mastercard Scholarship Application]
University of Pretoria – South Africa
UP partners with the Mastercard Foundation to assist students in areas essential for Africa’s development, such as farming, engineering, and environmental science.
Notable Aspects:
- Provides internships and community engagement programs.
- They have adopted the culture where students are encouraged to think and work on innovations and entrepreneurial ventures.
Application Deadline: May 2026
Link: [UP Mastercard Scholarship Application]
Ashesi University – Ghana
Ashesi University is a private liberal arts university in Bono, Ghana, with an ethical leadership and innovative focus.
Program Focus: Scholars are educated across different faculties with special emphasis on leadership training.
Notable Aspects:
- Both ethical issues and entrepreneurship concepts are included in the curriculum.
- Students conduct service-learning activities and senior projects aimed at solving issues affecting the community.
Application Deadline: March 2026
Link: [Click Here To Apply For Mastercard Foundation For Ashesi University]
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)- Ghana
Administrative scholarship programs are awarded to students within STEM and development fields of study.
Notable Aspects:
- Consistent reliance on the institutions for research and innovation.
- Good relationships with organizations to ensure the students gain real-world experience.
Application Deadline: July 2026
Link: The [KNUST Mastercard Scholarship Application]
North America
University of Toronto – Canada
Being one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Canada, the University of Toronto is ready to offer a broad list of programs and to involve students in research activities.
Assists students of all disciplines with a focus of leadership as well as the application of knowledge acquired.
Notable Aspects:
- Good alumni connections for employment in the international market.
- Gain full, rich access to the latest equipment and research instrumentations.
Application Deadline: January 2026
Link: [U of T Mastercard Scholarship
University of British Columbia – Canada
For the past years, UBC has occupied the position of one of the 20 best public universities in the world.
Program Focus: More focus on sustainability, engineering, and global health issues.
Notable Aspects:
- Embeds scholars into a lively global society.
- This calls for more research and innovation in global challenges. Application Deadline: December 2026
Link: [UBC Mastercard Scholarship Application Site]
Europe
Sciences Po – France
This is another popular program that are partners with the MasterCard Foundation
Notable Aspects:
- Special emphasis is given to global leadership and the policy process.
- Possibility of internships with many international organizations.
Application Deadline: February 2025
Link: [Sciences Po Mastercard Scholarship Application]
United States
Arizona State University – USA
ASU is one of the institutions that prides itself on issues to do with innovation and relevance in the education sector.
To be more specific, the emphasis is made on such fields as business and engineering, technological, and scientific professions with a specified reference to such themes as sustainable development.
Notable Aspects:
- Includes internships and business incubators, which provide educational experiences.
- More focus is placed on practical applications of the knowledge acquired.
Application Deadline: January 2026
Link: [ASU Mastercard Scholarship Application]
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship varies slightly between universities, but here are the general steps:
- Choose a Partner University: Look at the list of the partner universities and check the programs they offer.
- Apply for Admission: Make sure that you make your application to the appropriate university of your choice. Stating clearly that you are applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
- You must finish what you’ve started and fill the form.
- Provide supporting documents. These include:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of financial need
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Copy of passport or ID
- Submit Your Application: Make sure you adhere to the laid-down university scholarship deadline.
Read also: Franklin University Scholarships in Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students from Africa and others to study in well-equipped universities all over the world.
To avail of this type of scholarship, you must apply to any of the partner universities and fill out the scholarship application form. The links to each university’s application page are given above.
Through scholarships, winners get covered tuition fees, accommodation, meals, travel, books, and other leadership opportunities.
There are usually age limits in which most universities prefer applicants below 35 years; however, check with the particular university.
Dates differ from university to university, extending from December 2024 to August 2025.
Programs of study encompass engineering, business, public health, social sciences, environmental, IT, and many others. Every university provides specific programs.
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Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 is a scholarship program that goes beyond the provision of scholarship funds; it is an opportunity to transition to leadership. Begin your application now and be on your way to achieving your dreams in life.
Before you go, you should read: Scholarships for Local Communities: 9 Overlooked Awards You Need to Apply For Now!
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