Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation
Bursary Type
Full Bursary
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative enabling talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and cultivate leadership potential for a better Africa.
What's covered
Eligibility at a Glance
Fields of Study
Study Level
Available In
All Provinces (Nationwide)Quick Facts
About This Bursary
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative dedicated to fostering the next generation of transformative leaders. It empowers highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily from Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada, to pursue higher education and develop their leadership capabilities. The program envisions a powerful network of young individuals and institutions driving inclusive and equitable socio-economic change across Africa.
This comprehensive scholarship program provides extensive financial, psychosocial, and academic support. This includes covering tuition fees, accommodation, books, other academic materials, and a return air ticket to the scholar’s country of origin if needed. Beyond financial aid, scholars receive mentoring, counselling, and leadership development opportunities, ensuring a holistic support system throughout their academic journey and transition into dignified and fulfilling work.
The program specifically targets young people from underrepresented backgrounds, with a significant focus on empowering women and marginalized groups to improve their lives and livelihoods. While there is no explicit work-back requirement, the program aims to cultivate leaders who will contribute to positive social change and drive inclusive economic growth in Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a highly talented, service-oriented young person.
- Primarily targets young people from Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada.
- Focuses on individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including women and marginalized groups.
- Must apply for and gain admission to one of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program's partner universities or non-governmental organizations.
- Scholarships are available for secondary, undergraduate, and master’s levels of study.
How to Apply
- 1Identify and research an institution that is a partner in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and offers programs aligned with your academic goals.
- 2Review the specific admission requirements, application timelines, and fee structures set by your chosen partner institution.
- 3Submit your application directly through the selected partner university or non-governmental organization.
- 4Utilize the "Scholarship Application Tips" resources provided by the Mastercard Foundation to craft a strong and stand-out application.
- 5Note that gaining admission to a partner institution does not guarantee selection for the highly competitive Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and how can applications be submitted?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is managed through our partner universities and non-governmental organizations. The application process and decision-making are managed by our partners. If you are interested in becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, please apply through one of the partner universities. Each partner institution offers different programs and has their own timelines for admission, fees, and application guidelines. We recommend that you research the program of your choice and contact the relevant institution for more information.
Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provide support for master’s degrees and PhD/doctoral students?
Yes and no. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships at the secondary, undergraduate, and master’s levels. However, scholarships are not currently available to PhD candidates.
What does the scholarship cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides financial, psychosocial, and academic support to Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Financial support includes, but is not limited to, tuition fees, accommodation, books and other academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development, and a return air ticket to a Mastercard Foundation Scholar’s country of origin, if necessary.
Does the Mastercard Foundation offer financial support for students outside of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation does not provide sponsorship or financial support to candidates who are not awarded scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
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