The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has officially opened applications for its 2026 intake, continuing its groundbreaking mission to transform African lives through equitable access to world-class education and inclusive leadership development. The billion-dollar initiative, launched in 2012, has already supported more than 40,000 scholars across Africa, with a goal to reach 100,000 by 2030. Notably, 70% of all recipients to date have been women, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to gender equity in education and leadership.
2026 Cohort: Partner Institutions and Academic Coverage
For the 2026 cycle, the Mastercard Foundation has deepened its collaboration with prestigious academic institutions, both on the African continent and globally. Confirmed partners include:
- University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
- University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
- Sciences Po (France)
- University of Pretoria (South Africa)
- Additional partner institutions across Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, and Canada
These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, depending on the university and its alignment with the Foundation’s vision of producing ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in fields such as public health, climate science, engineering, economics, education, and governance.
What the Scholarship Covers
Each Mastercard Foundation scholarship is fully funded and tailored to remove financial, emotional, and cultural barriers for high-potential students. The scholarship package includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Monthly living stipends
- Medical insurance
- Laptop and internet support
- Visa and travel expenses (for international placements)
- Academic and psycho-social support
- Career mentoring, internship matching, and transition-to-work programs
Scholars also benefit from a lifelong alumni network, with mentoring and leadership opportunities designed to build long-term resilience, civic participation, and impact-driven career paths.
Who Can Apply?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to:
- Academically talented African youth
- Economically disadvantaged individuals with demonstrated leadership potential
- Priority groups include young women, refugees and displaced persons, and youth living with disabilities
Applicants must be citizens of African countries, typically aged under 35 for postgraduate programs (age limits may vary by institution). Each university manages its own selection process, aligned with the Foundation’s overarching selection criteria of academic excellence, community service, and leadership promise.
Application Timeline and How to Apply
- Application deadlines vary by institution and program. Most 2026 intakes begin accepting applications between July 2025 and January 2026.
- Interested students should visit the websites of participating institutions to access application portals and program-specific details.
- A centralized hub of participating institutions and updates is available via the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website:
https://mastercardfdn.org/scholars