The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 not only offers financial aid, but it also serves as a leadership development project aimed at educating highly intelligent students but economically disadvantaged youth, particularly from Africa. The programme is designed for those who want to get a fully covered postgraduate master’s degree abroad. Such an opportunity includes studying at the world’s best universities, getting mentorship, and creating impact in the local community.
1. What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is an international programme targeted at building the future generation of change makers. The programme is designed to empower brilliant young people, who are service-orientated, to get higher education and develop their leadership skills.
- The initiative was started in 2012 and has reached out to more than 40,000 scholars while spreading more than US $3 billion.
- 71% of students supported are girls, which means the programme is definitely aiming at gender equity.
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2. Transformative Goals by 2030
By 2030, the programme aims to:
- Award 100,000 scholarships
- Ensure 70% of recipients are women.
- Facilitate smooth transitions into dignified careers
- Drive African-led inclusive economic growth.
3. Who Is Eligible?
Applicants should meet the following:
- Be African nationals (especially Sub‑Saharan) or Indigenous youth in Canada.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
- Be admitted or conditionally admitted to a partner university postgraduate programme (Master’s level).
- Show leadership skills, community engagement, or an entrepreneurial track record.
- Most partners (like Sciences Po and Edinburgh) strictly require applicants to be under 35 years old at the time of starting the program in September 2026.
- Refugees & Displaced Persons: For the 2026 cycle, there is a massive push for inclusion. Mention that a significant portion of the 100,000-scholar goal is reserved specifically for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
PhD candidates are not eligible.
4. What Does It Cover?
This is a scholarship that is fully funded, and it covers:
- Tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and stipends
- Mentorship, leadership, and career development
- Psychosocial and well-being support
- If necessary, the trip back to the home country will be provided free of charge.
- If your chosen partner university requires an application fee, the Mastercard Foundation often reimburses this fee for students who are successfully selected for the scholarship.
- The 2026 package typically includes a new laptop, a data allowance for internet, and comprehensive “Stuttering/Transition” support for when you move to a new country.
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5. Deadlines by Region
While dates vary, you can generally group partner deadlines by their geographic location:
- North American & European Partners: (e.g., Sciences Po, Oxford, McGill, UC Berkeley). These typically have the earliest deadlines, often closing between December and January for the following autumn intake.
- African Partners: (e.g., University of Pretoria, Makerere, CMU-Africa). These often have longer windows, with some deadlines extending into May or June.
- Middle Eastern Partners: (e.g., American University of Beirut). Deadlines usually fall in March for on-campus programs and May for online graduate programs.
Tip: Always check the “Funding” or “Scholarships” section of your chosen university’s official website. Many universities require you to apply for academic admission before you can access the scholarship application.
6. Application Timeline
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not have a single global deadline. Instead, each partner university manages its own admissions process. Generally, the application cycle follows this recurring annual pattern:
| Phase | Typical Monthly Window |
| Applications Open | September – October |
| Priority Deadlines | December – January |
| Late Cycle Deadlines | March – June |
| Interviews & Selection | February – May |
| Results Announced | June – July |
| Programs Begin | September / October |
Expert Tip: For the 2026 cycle, many universities now require you to submit your admission application before you can even access the scholarship form. Do not wait until the deadline day to start, as you may need an ‘Application ID’ from the university first.
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7. How to Apply
- Identify a partner institution and alignment with your academic goals.
- Meet criteria: citizenship, academics, admission chance, financial need.
- Apply for admission to the university.
- Apply for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship via the institution’s portal after admission.
- Submit supporting documents: transcripts, financial docs, references, leadership essays
- Prepare for possible interviews
- Await final offers
Note: You must apply for admission to the university first (or simultaneously). You cannot apply for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship independently of a university application
For more information regarding the application procedure, visit this link: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/where-to-apply/
8. Why It Stands Out
- Holistic support: psychosocial, leadership, career mentoring
- Commitment to inclusion: supporting women, refugees, and persons with disabilities
- African-led change: scholars expected to return and contribute to local development under the “Young Africa Works” strategy
- Strong alumni network: e.g., Baobab Summit, Social Venture Challenge
Final Insight
If you’re a high-achieving African student with demonstrated leadership and financial need, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 provides:
- A fully funded master’s scholarship
- Leadership development and career support
- A platform to create lasting change in Africa
Start preparing now—identify your target institution, gather academic and financial documents, craft compelling essays, and apply during early 2026.
Official Call: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-s