Education is the great equalizer, a passport to a better future. But let’s be real—accessing quality education, especially at the university level, can feel like climbing Mount Everest without the right gear. Enter the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, a game-changer designed to empower young Africans with the tools they need to lead, innovate, and transform their communities.
If you’re a student dreaming of higher education but financial hurdles are holding you back, this fully funded program could be your golden ticket. Let’s dive deep into how it works, who qualifies, and why it’s not just about a degree—it’s about building the future leaders of Africa.
What Is the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program?
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded education initiative aimed at providing talented yet financially disadvantaged students from Africa access to quality university education. Launched in 2012, this program collaborates with universities across the world, including Canada, the United States, the UK, and Africa, to offer scholarships for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
But this isn’t just a “get a degree and go” kind of deal. The program integrates leadership training, career development, community engagement, and professional mentorship, ensuring scholars emerge not just as graduates but as leaders ready to drive change.
What Makes This Program Unique?
Most scholarships cover tuition, but the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program goes beyond. It offers:
✅ Full financial support – Covers tuition, accommodation, books, and even a living stipend.
✅ Leadership learning – Scholars participate in high-potential leadership programs that prepare them for impactful careers.
✅ Global network & mentorship – Connects students with professionals and alumni for guidance.
✅ Career development & internships – Ensures scholars don’t just graduate but also secure university jobs, college jobs, and internships.
✅ Community engagement – Encourages scholars to give back through social impact projects.
Essentially, this is not just a scholarship—it’s a launchpad for African leaders.
Who Can Apply? (Selection Criteria)
So, what does it take to be a MasterCard Foundation Scholar?
Eligibility Requirements
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Must be a citizen of an African country.
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Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong desire to pursue higher education.
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Come from a financially disadvantaged background.
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Show leadership potential and a commitment to community development.
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Meet the specific admission requirements of the partner universities offering the program.
Where Can You Study?
The program partners with top universities worldwide, including:
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United States: Fully funded graduate programs in the USA, universities in America with scholarships for international students.
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Canada: Canada education programs, scholarships for undergraduate students in Canada.
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United Kingdom: Scholarships for undergraduate students in the UK, foundation programs in the UK.
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Africa: Universities in Cape Town, South Africa; African leadership scholarship opportunities.
Each partner university offers a customized education program, ensuring scholars receive the best possible training and exposure.
Types of Degrees Covered
Whether you’re looking to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree, the program offers funding for a wide range of disciplines:
Undergraduate Degrees: Fully funded scholarships in the USA for undergraduates, universities in the USA offering full scholarships for international students.
Graduate Degrees: Scholarship for a master’s degree in the USA, international graduate scholarships in the USA.
Professional Development & Research Education: Postgraduate diplomas in project management, leadership courses, entrepreneurship graduate programs.
How to Apply? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Find a Partner University
Each university has different application processes, so your first step is to check the list of universities offering the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 2: Meet the Admission & Scholarship Criteria
Since this is a fully funded scholarship, competition is fierce. Ensure you meet:
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Academic qualifications
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Financial need requirements
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Leadership & community engagement expectations
Step 3: Apply to the University
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Apply for university admission at the institution of your choice.
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Indicate your interest in the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 4: Interviews & Selection
Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews to assess their leadership potential and commitment to making an impact in Africa.
Step 5: Secure Your Scholarship & Prepare for Success!
If selected, you’ll receive a fully funded scholarship covering your education and leadership training.
Beyond the Degree: Career Development & Leadership Training
A degree is great, but what happens next?
✅ University jobs & college jobs – Get access to work-study programs & internships.
✅ Leadership training in the USA & globally – Master the skills to drive change.
✅ Entrepreneurship support – Many graduates launch businesses that uplift communities.
✅ Professional development programs – Expand skills through mentorship & networking.
This isn’t just about academic excellence—it’s about creating a new generation of African leaders who can compete globally and transform their home countries.
Success Stories: How Scholars Are Changing Africa
From Refugee to Global Leader – A Rwandan scholar, once displaced by war, now leads a public health initiative in Africa after completing her graduate program in the USA.
Empowering Women in STEM – A young Kenyan woman pursued a fully funded master’s scholarship in the USA and now runs an initiative encouraging more African women to join tech careers.
Building Sustainable Businesses – A Nigerian scholar completed an entrepreneurship graduate program and launched a solar energy startup that is now lighting up rural villages.
Each of these students not only benefited from the program but went on to create meaningful impact in their communities.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Opportunity for You?
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is not just about getting a university degree—it’s about empowering Africa’s brightest minds to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
If you have the passion, academic excellence, and leadership potential, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Don’t let financial barriers hold you back. Apply today and take the first step toward a brighter future!
Unlocking More Opportunities: The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program and Beyond
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship—it’s a global movement aimed at empowering African students with quality education, leadership training, and professional development. While we’ve covered the basics, let’s dig deeper into what makes this program an unparalleled study opportunity for African students and how it connects with other university education programs, leadership training in the USA, and fully funded graduate programs.
If you’re an international student searching for scholarships for students in university or a young African leader eager to study abroad, this section will help you explore additional scholarships, career paths, and leadership growth opportunities.
More Than Just a Scholarship: A Gateway to Leadership and Impact
A university degree program can open doors, but true success requires more than just academic knowledge. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program offers:
✔ Access to university jobs & college jobs – Scholars gain valuable work experience on campus.
✔ Ethical leadership training – A focus on integrity, problem-solving, and community-driven impact.
✔ Professional development programs – Training in entrepreneurship, public policy, and social change.
✔ Global networking – Connect with scholars, mentors, and industry leaders worldwide.
This program ensures that by the time you graduate, you’re not just holding a degree—you’re stepping into a leadership role that allows you to change lives in Africa and beyond.
How the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Supports Diverse Fields of Study
Not all scholars pursue the same career paths. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program partners with universities that offer a diverse range of graduate and undergraduate degrees. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, public health, or social entrepreneurship, this program has something for you.
Graduate Degree Programs
If you’re looking for graduate degree scholarships or fully funded scholarships for master’s in the USA, this program covers:
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Graduate degrees in economics universities
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International graduate scholarships in the USA
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Postgraduate diplomas in project management
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Leadership development programs in the USA
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Entrepreneurship graduate programs
For those looking to make an impact in public health, options include:
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Public health graduate programs
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Public health degree programs
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Public health master’s scholarships
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Scholarships for public health degrees
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Public health degree jobs
Undergraduate Study Programs
Looking for a scholarship in the USA for undergraduate studies? The program supports:
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Undergraduate degree programs in the USA, UK, Canada, and Africa
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Fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students
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Scholarships for university students across various disciplines
No matter your field, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program ensures that you graduate debt-free, prepared for a successful career.
Where Can You Study? Exploring Partner Universities
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program collaborates with top-ranked universities across North America, Europe, and Africa to provide fully funded scholarships. These institutions offer university degree programs that align with leadership, innovation, and global development.
Top Universities in the USA
Many universities in the USA for international students with scholarships partner with the program. These include:
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United States universities for international students with full scholarships.
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American universities offering full scholarships to international students.
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United States university scholarships for international students in various disciplines.
Popular choices include:
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Harvard University (Leadership, Business, Public Policy)
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Stanford University (Entrepreneurship, Technology, Social Innovation)
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University of California, Berkeley (Public Health, Engineering, Economics)
Other universities offering fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students include:
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University of Michigan (Engineering, Public Health, Leadership Development)
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Duke University (Ethical Leadership, Business, Environmental Studies)
Study in Canada: Fully Funded Scholarships
For students interested in Canada education programs, universities such as:
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University of Toronto (Scholarships for undergraduate students in Canada)
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McGill University (International graduate scholarships in Canada)
Universities in the UK & Africa
For those looking at undergraduate programs in the UK or graduate degrees abroad, institutions such as:
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University of Cape Town, South Africa – A key partner in Africa’s leadership development.
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University of Oxford & Cambridge – Offer scholarships for undergraduate students in the UK.
With fully funded master’s scholarships available at these institutions, the possibilities are endless.
How to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected
Since this is one of the most competitive scholarships for international students in the USA, UK, and Canada, here are some pro tips to strengthen your application:
✅ Showcase leadership & community engagement – Highlight how you have led projects in your community.
✅ Emphasize your financial need – Provide evidence of economic hardship.
✅ Meet university admission requirements – Make sure your grades meet the selection criteria.
✅ Write a compelling personal statement – Share your vision for change and how you plan to use this education to transform Africa.
What Happens After Graduation? Career and Leadership Opportunities
One of the most impressive aspects of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is its commitment to long-term success. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about becoming a leader in your industry.
Career Opportunities for Scholars
Graduates often land roles in:
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Public health jobs (hospitals, global health organizations).
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Education and health sectors (teaching, leadership, research education).
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Social entrepreneurship (starting impactful businesses).
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Leadership organizations (NGOs, government programs, international agencies).
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Ethical leadership programs (corporate and nonprofit sectors).
Scholarships for Further Studies
Many scholars also continue their education through:
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Postgraduate studies & postgrad programs in Canada, the UK, and the USA.
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Fully funded university scholarships for international students pursuing PhDs or research education.
With professional development programs, leadership seminars, and mentorship opportunities, scholars are equipped to drive impact globally.
Final Thoughts: Take the Leap & Apply Today!
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is more than just a fully funded scholarship—it’s a stepping stone to a future of leadership, impact, and global success.
If you’re ready to:
✔ Earn a fully funded degree at a top university
✔ Join an elite global network of leaders
✔ Receive mentorship, career development, and leadership training
✔ Make a real difference in Africa
Then don’t wait—apply for university admission today!
Next Steps:
1️⃣ Find a university that offers the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
2️⃣ Check your eligibility & gather required documents.
3️⃣ Apply for a university degree program and indicate your interest in the scholarship.
4️⃣ Ace your interview and secure your spot in one of the world’s best education degree programs!
Your journey to global leadership starts here. Will you take the first step?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded?
Yes! It covers tuition, accommodation, books, living expenses, and leadership training.
Q2: Which universities offer this scholarship?
Partner universities are in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Africa.
Q3: Can I apply for multiple universities?
Yes, but each application must be submitted separately.
Q4: Does this program guarantee a job?
While it doesn’t “guarantee” a job, it provides career development, internships, and networking opportunities.
Q5: How competitive is the selection process?
Very competitive! Thousands apply, so ensure you demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and community impact.
Ready to Apply? Here’s Your Next Step!
1️⃣ Visit the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program website.
2️⃣ Check the list of partner universities and their application deadlines.
3️⃣ Prepare your documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement).
4️⃣ Submit your application and ace your interview!
This could be the opportunity that changes your life. Don’t wait—apply today!
