What the funding covers
- Full tuition and fees for an on-campus master's degree at ASU.
- On-campus housing and books, plus visa, airfare and medical expenses.
- Leadership development, academic advising and a two-month internship between the first and second years.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition, fees, on-campus housing and books | The scholarship |
| Visa, airfare and medical expenses | The scholarship |
| ASU graduate application fee | Waived — but only once you reach the interview stage |
| Duolingo English Test, if you need one | Waived by the programme after you advance — do not pay for a test in advance |
Who can apply
- Young Africans aged 18 to 33 when they apply.
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent, conferred by July 2027 — a Higher National Diploma alone does not qualify.
- No master's degree started or completed anywhere.
- Women, refugees and displaced people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Documents you will need
- The scholarship application form, with answers in English
- Your essay responses and a résumé/CV
- One signed recommendation letter as a PDF, written within the past three years — it can be non-academic
- An unofficial or official transcript — French is accepted at this stage
- Optional: proof of English. It is not required to apply
- Every file as a PDF, with your name in the file name
How to apply
- Choose one of the nine eligible programmes: MS Global Technology and Development, Information Technology, Human Systems Engineering (Intelligent Systems), Computer Science, Data Science, Analytics and Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Clean Energy Systems, or Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use.
- Submit the scholarship application online — or email the PDF version if your internet is limited — by Sunday 27 September 2026, 23:59 GMT.
- Shortlisted applicants are interviewed, then guided to apply for ASU admission with an application fee waiver.
- Scholarship decisions are made in early 2027.
Before you apply: things to know
- Apply for the scholarship first. Do not pay ASU's application fee or an English test yourself — waivers come if you reach the interview stage, and earlier payments are not refunded.
- You can choose only one programme, and you cannot change it after you submit.
- Scholars are strongly encouraged to return home after graduating — it is central to the Foundation's mission.
Common questions
Do I need to apply to ASU first?
No. Apply for the scholarship first. Only applicants selected for an interview are guided to apply for ASU admission, with the fee waived.
Can my documents be in French?
Yes. Write the online form in English, but your letter, CV and transcripts can be in French; the team has French-speaking staff. An official translation is needed only if you become a finalist.
Can I work in the US or stay after graduating?
You may work within F-1 student visa rules and ASU policies. After graduation the scholarship strongly encourages you to return home.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (Sep 27, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Jul 5, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Jul 19, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Aug 2, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Aug 16, 2026 · NOWOrder transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Aug 30, 2026 · NOWSecond draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Sep 13, 2026 · NOWFinalise every document and complete the online form
Sep 20, 2026 · NOWSubmit — never on the last day
Sep 27, 2026Typical deadline
Related routes
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Rolling · open year-roundDetails →
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — UC Berkeley
Due ≈ in 67 daysDetails →
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — McGill
Closed · next ≈ Apr 1, 2027Details →
Berea College
Due in 66 daysDetails →
Sources
- Arizona State University — Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Phase III: Innovation and Technology (2027–28 call)
- ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — 2027 scholarship FAQ (PDF)
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.