The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious program designed to support academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students from Africa. It provides comprehensive financial assistance, mentorship, and skills training to empower young leaders who will drive positive change in their communities. This article explores the details of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, the benefits of being a scholar, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply. We’ll also present a comparison of top partner institutions offering the scholarship and answer frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a prospective student or a parent, this guide will provide all the information you need.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and various universities across the world. It offers full scholarships to academically gifted students from Sub-Saharan Africa who face financial challenges. The program aims to create a network of transformative leaders who will contribute to the economic and social progress of their home countries.
Key Features of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Covers the entire cost of tuition for the duration of the program.
- Accommodation & Living Expenses: Includes housing, meals, and a stipend for living expenses.
- Books and Learning Materials: Provides funding for textbooks and other academic resources.
- Travel Costs: Covers travel expenses to and from the university.
- Leadership Training: Offers leadership development programs to enhance personal and professional skills.
- Mentorship and Internship Opportunities: Scholars have access to mentoring and internships to gain real-world experience.
Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Full Financial Support: Covers all costs associated with university education, reducing financial stress for students and their families.
- Holistic Development: Provides leadership training, mentoring, and internship opportunities, preparing students for future leadership roles.
- Global Network: Scholars become part of a network of young leaders across Africa and beyond, facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
- Career Opportunities: Access to career services and job placement support, enhancing employability after graduation.
- Community Impact: Scholars are encouraged and supported to initiate community projects that create positive change.
Top 15 Partner Institutions Offering Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
Below are the top 15 institutions partnering with the Mastercard Foundation to offer this transformative scholarship. Each program has unique features and offerings, so be sure to explore them to find the right fit for your educational goals.
1. University of Toronto, Canada
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full scholarship, leadership training, and mentorship.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s online application portal.
2. University of Edinburgh, UK
- Program: Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full tuition, living expenses, and return ticket.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s website.
3. McGill University, Canada
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full scholarship, mentorship, and career guidance.
- Application Process: Apply through McGill’s application portal.
4. University of British Columbia, Canada
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and leadership training.
- Application Process: Apply through UBC’s application system.
5. American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full scholarship, housing, living expenses, and return airfare.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s admission office.
6. African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Program: Undergraduate Degrees
- Benefits: Full scholarship, leadership training, and entrepreneurial support.
- Application Process: Apply directly to the university.
7. University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and return flight.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s scholarship office.
8. University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full financial support, leadership training, and mentoring.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s application portal.
9. KNUST, Ghana
- Program: Undergraduate Degrees
- Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, and leadership training.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s admission office.
10. Ashesi University, Ghana
- Program: Undergraduate Degrees
- Benefits: Full scholarship, leadership training, and entrepreneurial support.
- Application Process: Apply directly to the university.
11. University of Rwanda, Rwanda
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full financial support, leadership training, and mentoring.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s application portal.
12. University of Gondar, Ethiopia
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full scholarship, leadership training, and mentorship.
- Application Process: Apply through the university’s admission office.
13. University of California, Berkeley, USA
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full financial support, leadership training, and mentoring.
- Application Process: Apply through UC Berkeley’s application system.
14. Sciences Po, France
- Program: Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees
- Benefits: Full scholarship, accommodation, living expenses, and leadership training.
- Application Process: Apply through the Sciences Po admission portal.
15. EARTH University, Costa Rica
- Program: Undergraduate Degrees
- Benefits: Full financial support, leadership training, and entrepreneurial development.
- Application Process: Apply directly to the university.
Comparison Table of Top Mastercard Foundation Partner Institutions
| University | Country | Degree Programs | Benefits | Drawbacks | Application Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Canada | UG, Master’s | Full tuition, stipend, leadership training | Highly competitive | Apply Now |
| University of Edinburgh | UK | Master’s | Tuition, living expenses, airfare | Limited to specific fields | Apply Now |
| McGill University | Canada | UG, Master’s | Tuition, mentorship, career guidance | Requires separate application | Apply Now |
| University of British Columbia | Canada | UG, Master’s | Tuition, living expenses, leadership | Limited number of awards | Apply Now |
| American University of Beirut | Lebanon | UG, Master’s | Tuition, housing, living expenses | Political instability in the region | Apply Now |
| African Leadership University | Rwanda | UG | Tuition, leadership, entrepreneurial | Limited to African students | Apply Now |
| University of Cape Town | South Africa | UG, Master’s | Tuition, accommodation, stipend | High competition | Apply Now |
| University of Pretoria | South Africa | UG, Master’s | Tuition, leadership, mentoring | Requires separate leadership application | Apply Now |
| KNUST | Ghana | UG | Tuition, living expenses, leadership | Limited spots available | Apply Now |
| Ashesi University | Ghana | UG | Tuition, leadership, entrepreneurial | Limited to African students | Apply Now |
| University of Rwanda | Rwanda | UG, Master’s | Tuition, living expenses, mentoring | Requires additional leadership components | Apply Now |
| University of Gondar | Ethiopia | UG, Master’s | Tuition, mentorship, career guidance | Limited fields of study | Apply Now |
| University of California, Berkeley | USA | UG, Master’s | Tuition, living expenses, leadership | Highly competitive | Apply Now |
| Sciences Po | France | UG, Master’s | Tuition, accommodation, leadership | Limited to specific fields | Apply Now |
| EARTH University | Costa Rica | UG | Tuition, leadership, entrepreneurial | Limited to agriculture-related fields | Apply Now |
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Research Partner Institutions: Choose the university and program that aligns with your academic and career goals.
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Each university has specific eligibility criteria, including academic performance, financial need, and leadership potential.
- Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the partner university’s application portal. Some universities require a separate application for the scholarship.
- Attend Interviews (if required): Some programs may require an interview to assess your leadership potential and commitment to community development.
Apply Now at the official website of the partner universities you’re interested in. You can find the direct application links in the comparison table above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Students from Sub-Saharan Africa with a demonstrated financial need and leadership potential are eligible to apply.
2. Does the scholarship cover all expenses?
Yes, the scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, books, and travel costs.
3. How competitive is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
It is highly competitive, as the scholarship is fully funded and targets talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
4. Can I apply to multiple universities with one application?
No, you need to apply to each partner university separately according to their application procedures.
5. What happens after I graduate?
Scholars are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to their communities using the skills and knowledge gained during their studies.
With this information, you are well-equipped to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Good luck!