The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers educational opportunities for talented young Africans facing financial and social barriers. Beyond basic assistance, the initiative provides academic, psychosocial, leadership, and career support. The Foundation has committed over 58,000 scholarships, with women representing 71% of scholars, toward a broader goal of reaching 100,000 young people by 2030.
Scholarship Overview
The program operates through partner institutions globally and within Africa. Featured partner opportunities include postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, and University of Oxford, undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Cape Town (UCT), and undergraduate pathways at African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda.
Who Can Apply
Applicants generally must be African citizens residing in Africa who show academic strength, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to Africa's future or tackling key continental issues like climate change. Candidates must face significant financial or social barriers to accessing education. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and individuals living with disabilities.
Benefits
Selected scholars receive comprehensive backing tailored to foster career and leadership development. Depending on the partner university, benefits include:
- Coverage of course fees and tuition.
- Monthly living allowances or living-cost grants.
- Provision of laptops and return travel (such as at Cambridge).
- Mentorship, career guidance, and access to a network of African scholars.
How to Apply
Application procedures and timelines differ by host institution:
- University of Cambridge: Candidates must apply to eligible full-time master's degrees. Funding deadlines vary by course, generally falling in early December or early January.
- University of Edinburgh: Applicants must satisfy eligibility criteria and attend a mandatory information session before receiving an invitation to apply. The main scholarship deadline is 19 November 2026 at 5pm UK time.
- University of Cape Town: Covers eligible undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The postgraduate application deadline for the 2027 intake is 31 October 2026. Undergraduate application deadlines: Not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
- University of Oxford: Applicants generally must hold an offer for an eligible taught master's degree. Specific 2027/28 funding details: Not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
- African Leadership University: Offers undergraduate scholarships in Rwanda. Exact application steps and deadlines: Not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
Source: fully funded scholarships 2026 - BingNews · Published October 30, 2026 · Photo by Chidera Faustina Okeke on Unsplash
Always confirm deadlines and eligibility on the official scholarship website.
