Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a flagship education and leadership initiative of the Mastercard Foundation. Rather than operating as a single central scholarship application, it is delivered through selected partner universities and institutions in Africa and other regions. Each partner runs its own admission and scholarship selection process, so the exact benefits, study levels, subjects, and deadlines can vary by institution.

Across partner universities, the programme commonly supports Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD study, and in some cases additional leadership, training, or transition opportunities. Reference postings show funded opportunities at institutions such as the University of Pretoria, American University of Beirut, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Arizona State University, Sciences Po, University of Oxford, and the University of Global Health Equity. The programme is generally aimed at academically strong students who demonstrate leadership potential, financial need, and a commitment to community impact.

The programme is especially associated with supporting young Africans, and some partner tracks also prioritise or include refugees, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and in certain cases applicants from specific host communities. Funding is often fully funded and may include tuition, living support, accommodation, travel, health insurance, books, laptops, mentorship, and leadership development. Some partner universities also offer workshops, internships, and community engagement activities as part of the scholar experience.

To apply, students usually need to apply first for an eligible degree programme at a participating university and then complete any additional Mastercard Foundation Scholars application steps required by that institution. Because rules differ across partners, applicants should always check the scholarship page of the specific university they want to attend for the latest details on eligibility, supported programmes, required documents, and deadlines.

• Best suited to students with strong academics and proven leadership
• Often prioritises applicants facing socio-economic barriers
• Benefits and deadlines vary by partner university