MasterCard Foundation Scholarship – Application Process (2024)

The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024 is an opportunity for students in Africa who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential but face financial difficulties. The scholarship is designed to help young people pursue secondary or tertiary education and drive inclusive and equitable socio-economic change in Africa. 

To know everything about MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024, read the content to the end.

Overview of the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024

The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024 is a fully-funded scholarship program designed to support young African students who have demonstrated academic talent and a personal commitment to giving back to their communities. The scholarship program is implemented through partner universities and non-governmental organizations across Africa.

The program provides comprehensive financial, social, and academic support to scholars to ensure they have the necessary resources to complete their studies and contribute to their communities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other academic expenses. Additionally, scholars receive a stipend for living expenses, travel costs, and other related expenses.

This scholarship program allows students to fund their Barchelors or Masters education for a vast number of institutes including

  • American University of Beirut
  • Ashesi University College
  • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST GHANA)
  • Carnegie Mellon University Africa
  • McGill University
  • University of Oxford
  • Sciences Po
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Abomey-Calavi
  • University of Gondar
  • EARTH University
  • Makerere University
  • USIU-A
  • African Leadership University
  • International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE)
  • University of Rwanda
  • University of Western Cape
  • Master’s Studies
  • African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
  • American University of Beirut
  • Arizona State University
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Gondar
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
  • University of Toronto (U of T)
  • University of Western Cape

To be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Citizenship: Applicants must be a citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country. This includes Africans who are refugees or displaced within the African continent. This scholarship is not intended for citizens of North African countries.
  • Age: For undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree programs, candidates must be 29 years old or younger at the time of application.
  • Academic Performance: Applicants must have a record of academic excellence and leadership potential.
  • Financial Need: Applicants must be from low-income backgrounds and able to demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
  • Commitment to Give Back: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities and improving the lives of others.
  • English Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in English, as the scholarship will be awarded to students who intend to study in English-speaking institutions.
  • Program of Study: Applicants must be applying to study in fields that are relevant to the development of Africa, such as agriculture, engineering, and health sciences.

It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection for the scholarship. The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024 is a highly competitive program, and only a limited number of scholarships will be awarded. Applicants should ensure that they submit a strong and compelling application that highlights their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to giving back to their communities.

Application Process

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2024/2025 academic year is now open, and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply. The application process is managed by each partner university, and interested applicants can visit the dedicated pages on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website for more information.

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2024, candidates must first check their eligibility and ensure that they meet the criteria set by the partner university. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the university, but generally, candidates must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.

After the application deadline, the partner university will review all applications and select a shortlist of candidates for further consideration. Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in additional interviews or assessments to determine their suitability for the program. Final decisions are typically made in the spring, and successful candidates will be notified by the partner university.

Required Documents

To apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024, applicants need to submit a set of required documents. These documents are essential to determine the eligibility of the applicants and to evaluate their academic and personal achievements. Here are the documents required to apply for the scholarship:

1. Application Form

The first document required to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024 is the application form. The application form is a standard form that needs to be filled out by the applicant and submitted to the respective partner university. The application form requires personal information, academic background, and other relevant details.

2. Academic Transcripts

Applicants must submit their academic transcripts to demonstrate their academic performance. The academic transcripts should include the grades obtained in all the courses taken by the applicant. The transcripts should be official and issued by the applicant’s previous educational institution.

3. Personal Statement

The personal statement is an essay that provides the applicant an opportunity to showcase their personality, achievements, and goals. The personal statement should be well-written, concise, and demonstrate the applicant’s passion for their chosen field of study.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit letters of recommendation from their teachers, professors, or employers. The letters should be written on official letterhead and should provide an evaluation of the applicant’s academic and personal achievements.

5. Proof of Financial Need

To be eligible for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024, applicants must demonstrate their financial need. Applicants must provide proof of their family income, tax returns, and other relevant financial documents.

6. Passport Copy

Applicants must submit a copy of their passport to verify their identity and citizenship. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the start date of the program.

7. English Language Proficiency Test Scores

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit English language proficiency test scores. The tests accepted are TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent. The scores should meet the minimum requirements set by the respective partner university.

Are there any restrictions on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Yes, there are some restrictions on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to the development of their communities. They are also expected to maintain a high level of academic achievement and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of the program.

Contact Information and Support

For any inquiries regarding the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2024, interested applicants can contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program directly through their website here. The website provides a contact form where applicants can fill in their details and submit their inquiries. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will respond to inquiries as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Scholarship are excellent opportunities for students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. If you meet the requirements stated above, I urge you to apply.

APPLY FOR THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP