The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a life-changing opportunity for talented young Ghanaians to pursue their academic dreams and become leaders and change-makers in their communities. With its comprehensive support and global network, the program empowers scholars to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact in Africa and the world.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was launched in 2012 by the Mastercard Foundation, a global philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and improving access to education and economic opportunities. The program was created to address the limited access to quality education and leadership development opportunities faced by many young Africans.
Since its inception, the program has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious scholarship initiatives in Africa, with over $500 million invested in the education and leadership development of young Africans.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Objectives
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has three main objectives:
- Access to Quality Education: To provide talented young Africans with access to quality education at top universities worldwide, regardless of their financial background.
- Leadership Development: To foster leadership and professional development skills in scholars, enabling them to become change-makers and leaders in their communities.
- Community Development: To promote economic growth and social change in Africa by supporting scholars who are committed to giving back to their communities.
The program aims to create a network of young leaders who can drive positive change and contribute to the economic and social transformation of Africa.
Key Principles
The program is guided by three key principles:
- Academic Excellence: Scholars are selected based on their academic talent and potential.
- Leadership Potential: Scholars are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
- Community Engagement: Scholars are encouraged to engage with their communities and contribute to the development of their countries.
By focusing on these objectives and principles, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is empowering a new generation of young Africans to become leaders and change-makers who can shape the future of their communities and the continent.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
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Age:
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For undergraduate applicants, must be 29 years old or under.
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For graduate applicants, must be 35 years old or under.
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Academic talent:
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Applicants must be admitted to a master’s degree program to be considered for the scholarship.
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Must have a strong academic record and demonstrate potential for success in their chosen field.
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Leadership potential:
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Applicants must demonstrate transformative leadership skills and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
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Must show evidence of leadership skills, community service, or entrepreneurial experience.
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Socio-economic disadvantaged background:
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This scholarship is for extremely talented individuals who might not otherwise have access to quality further education due to financial constraints.
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Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a lack of access to financial resources.
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Commitment to give back to the community:
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Applicants must be engaged in activities beyond the classroom, such as volunteer work, community service, or extracurricular activities.
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Must demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their community and making a positive impact.
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Intention to return to home country:
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Applicants must intend to return to their home country after completing their studies.
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Must demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges facing their home country and a desire to contribute to its development.
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Citizenship:
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Applicants must be citizens of an African country.
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Residency:
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Applicants must be ordinarily resident in an African country unless they can demonstrate temporary absence for study or work, with an intention to return to their home country.
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Academic achievement and potential
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Leadership potential and community engagement
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Socio-economic disadvantaged background and financial need
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Commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact
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Intention to return to home country and contribute to its development
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Potential to become a transformative leader in their chosen field
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University of California, Berkeley
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Stanford University
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University of Michigan
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Duke University
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University of Oxford
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University of Cambridge
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Full tuition fees
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Living expenses
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Travel costs
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Mentorship and leadership development opportunities
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Access to a global network of scholars and alumni
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A Ghanaian scholar who became a medical doctor and returned to her community to establish a healthcare clinic
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A Nigerian scholar who founded a successful tech startup and created jobs for young people in his community
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A Kenyan scholar who became a leader in her country’s government and advocated for education and healthcare reforms