What the funding covers
- Comprehensive support that typically includes tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, books and a laptop, insurance and travel, varying by partner.
- Mentoring, leadership development and support moving into work after graduation.
- Application fees are reimbursed if you are selected, according to the Foundation.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, books — often also a laptop, insurance and travel | The partner's scholarship — the exact package varies by partner |
| Application fees charged by partner universities | Refunded if you are selected, says the Foundation — but some partners, such as ASU, give waivers instead and do not refund fees you paid early. Read each partner's rules before paying |
| A fee to 'register' or 'secure a place' in the programme | Never pay one — the Foundation does not request payments from individuals |
Who can apply
- Young people from African countries, with a focus on those who face financial barriers to education.
- Many partners set age limits (often 28 or under, higher for refugees and applicants with disabilities) — each partner's rules apply.
- Levels vary: some partners fund bachelor's degrees, others master's or both.
Documents you will need
- Proof of citizenship of an African country — and, for some partners, that you live there
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Essays or a personal statement about your leadership and how you plan to give back
- One or more recommendation letters
- Evidence of financial need
How to apply
- Open the Foundation's 'where to apply' page and choose a partner institution that offers your level and field.
- Apply directly to that partner, following its own process and deadline.
- Prepare evidence of financial need, academic records, essays and references.
- Selected scholars join the partner's cohort and the wider Scholars network.
Before you apply: things to know
- There is no central application. Every partner — in Africa, the UK, the USA, Canada and elsewhere — sets its own deadline.
- The Foundation warns that Facebook posts asking for an application fee are fraudulent. Read our guide to scholarship scams.
- See the individual partner pages on this board: Cambridge, UC Berkeley, Arizona State and McGill.
Common questions
Where do I find the partner universities?
On the Foundation's 'where to apply' page. On this board you can go straight to Cambridge, UC Berkeley, Arizona State and McGill.
Will my application fees be refunded?
The Foundation says partner application fees are reimbursed if you are selected. Some partners work differently — ASU gives fee waivers at the interview stage and does not refund fees paid before that — so check the partner's rules first.
Someone online is asking me to pay to join. What should I do?
Do not pay. The Foundation does not ask individuals for money, and it warns about Facebook groups that charge 'application fees'. Report them to ethics@mastercardfdn.org.
Related routes
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — Cambridge
Due in 54 daysDetails →
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — UC Berkeley
Due ≈ in 67 daysDetails →
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — ASU
Due in 2 daysDetails →
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — McGill
Closed · next ≈ Apr 1, 2027Details →
Sources
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.