In an effort to foster transformative change and enable access to quality education, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship program has emerged as a beacon of hope for talented individuals across the globe. As a pioneering initiative, this scholarship provides life-changing opportunities to exceptional students, allowing them to pursue higher education and unlock their full potential. With a commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous future, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship stands as a testament to the power of education in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has set forth an ambitious vision of establishing a transformative network of young individuals and institutions working towards inclusive and equitable socio-economic change throughout Africa. Since its launch in 2012, this pioneering program has provided invaluable support to nearly 40,000 promising young people across the continent, empowering them to pursue secondary or tertiary education.

Recognizing the need to overcome systemic barriers in higher education, the program takes a holistic approach by strengthening capacity, fostering innovation, and forging collaborations across critical sectors. By connecting ecosystem actors, including young scholars, universities, NGOs, and other stakeholders, the program aims to amplify its impact, creating an environment where inclusive and relevant education can flourish.

Ultimately, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program strives to equip young individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to successfully transition into dignified and fulfilling careers, leading transformative lives that shape Africa’s future for the better.

Scholarship Requirements

• Age eligibility criteria:
  • For undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree applications, applicants must be 29 years old or younger at the time of application.
  • For graduate (master’s) degree applications, applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Specific eligibility criteria:
  • Each institution participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has its own unique eligibility criteria.
  • It is crucial to research and familiarize yourself with the specific criteria of the institution you intend to apply to.
• Application flexibility:
  • There is no limit to the number of institutions you can apply to through the program.
  • You have the opportunity to explore multiple institutions and their offerings.
• Application challenges:
  • Keep in mind that the application process can be demanding and time-consuming.
  • Be prepared to invest sufficient time and effort into completing your applications thoroughly.
• Standardized tests:
  • It is highly recommended to take standardized tests, such as the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, a few months before initiating the application process.
  • The choice of tests should align with the requirements of the specific institutions you are applying to.
• Reference letters:
  • Some institutions may require reference letters as part of the application process.
  • Consider reaching out to community leaders, teachers, or religious leaders who know you well and can provide strong references on your behalf.

Undergraduate Programs

African Leadership Academy – Pioneering the Transformation of Youth into Continental Leaders

The African Leadership Academy (ALA) stands as an exceptional institution committed to transforming the current generation of youths into influential leaders who will make a profound impact on the continent in all aspects. ALA’s innovative approach to education focuses on nurturing the skills, character, and mindset necessary for its students to become change agents within their respective communities and countries. As a strategic partner, the American University of Beirut (AUB) collaborates with ALA’s Faculty of Health Sciences through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, working to develop young individuals into dynamic forces for positive change.

Ashesi University College – Empowering Disadvantaged African Communities through Leadership

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Ashesi University College, aims to uplift young Africans hailing from disadvantaged communities, nurturing them into future leaders with the right mindset and skills. Ashesi University College provides a transformative education experience that goes beyond academic excellence, emphasizing leadership development and ethical values.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) – Propelling Technological Advancements in Africa

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) plays a pivotal role in advancing technology across Africa. Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, KNUST harnesses the potential of young innovators and tech enthusiasts, providing them with access to quality education, resources, and mentorship opportunities.

Science Po – Igniting Intellectual Excellence and Research

Situated in Paris, France, Science Po is renowned for its exceptional research in science and humanities. Through its collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Science Po further enriches its intellectual community by attracting talented African scholars.

The University of Abomey-Calavi – Nurturing Elite Scholars in Benin

As the oldest and largest public university in Benin, the University of Abomey-Calavi holds a rich legacy of producing exceptional scholars of Beninese origin. Through its collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the university continues to build on this legacy, empowering talented individuals from diverse backgrounds with access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth.

The University of Cape Town – Fostering Innovation and Leadership in All Spheres

The Mastercard Scholarship program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) plays a vital role in nurturing leaders who drive innovation across various fields. Through the program, UCT equips talented individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to make meaningful contributions to their respective spheres, be it in academia, entrepreneurship, social impact, or other domains.

University of Edinburgh

At the University of Edinburgh, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aligns with the university’s vision of generating, disseminating, and effectively administering knowledge for the betterment of society. By partnering with the program, the university provides exceptional educational opportunities to talented African students, empowering them to become leaders in their respective fields.

University of Gondar

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s collaboration with the University of Gondar focuses on empowering communities through education and health initiatives.

University of Pretoria

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program collaborates with the University of Pretoria to cultivate African leaders dedicated to sustainable development.

Wellesley College

Wellesley College, renowned for its commitment to women’s education and leadership, partners with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to empower women leaders for global impact. Through this collaboration, the program provides scholarships to exceptional African women, enabling them to pursue their undergraduate studies at Wellesley College.

Masters Programs

• African Institute For Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
• The American University of Beirut.
• Arizona State University.
• The Carnegie Mellon University of Africa.
• McGill University.
• Sciences Po.
• The University of British Columbia.
• The University of Cape Town.
• The University of Edinburgh.
• The University of Gondar.
• The University of Pretoria.

Benefits/Value of Scholarship

1. The Mastercard Foundation scholarship program offers financially disadvantaged, yet highly intelligent students a transformative opportunity to pursue their academic goals. It serves as a pathway for these individuals to overcome financial barriers and access quality education that would have otherwise been inaccessible to them.
2. The program enables scholars to acquire highly sought-after skillsets in areas such as IT and Communications, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Critical Thinking. These skills are in high demand in today’s job market, ensuring that scholars are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields.
3. Beneficiaries of the program are encouraged to give back to society through engaging in works of charity, community services, and volunteer jobs. Scholars are empowered to utilize their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of others, becoming agents of change in their communities.
4. The program creates a supportive community where scholars can interact, network, and consult with one another. Through various forums, seminars, and workshops, scholars have the opportunity to share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate with their peers to realize their individual aspirations.
5. The program provides scholars with access to mentors, life coaches, and leadership experts who offer guidance and support throughout their educational journey. This mentorship fosters personal and professional growth, helping scholars navigate challenges and develop essential leadership skills.
6. The Mastercard Foundation scholarship program ensures a smooth transition for scholars from secondary to tertiary education. It provides resources, guidance, and support to ease the challenges often encountered during this period, setting scholars up for success in their higher education pursuits.

FAQs

What is the Mastercard Foundation scholarship for Nigerians?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers scholarships designed explicitly for Nigerian students. These scholarships aim to support academically talented and economically disadvantaged individuals from Nigeria in pursuing their higher education goals. The program provides comprehensive financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and a supportive community to enable Nigerian students to access quality education and positively impact their communities.

Is Mastercard scholarship still open?

Yes, the Mastercard scholarship program is still open for applications. Interested individuals can visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website to learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria, and deadline for submission.

What is the selection criteria for Mastercard Foundation scholarship?

The selection criteria for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship vary depending on the institution and program. Generally, the criteria consider factors such as academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, commitment to community service, and potential to contribute to social and economic transformation in the home country. Each institution sets its specific eligibility requirements and selection process, which can be found on their respective websites.

What are the benefits of being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar?

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at AIMS, you can enjoy a range of benefits. These include receiving a comprehensive scholarship that covers all expenses related to earning a Master’s degree at AIMS. This encompasses travel costs, tuition fees, accommodation expenses, food allowances, and a monthly stipend.

References

• https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/becoming-a-scholar/apply-to-the-scholars-program/
• https://www.afterschoolafrica.com/scholarship/more-scholarship/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/
• https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/

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