Earth-Mastercard undergraduate Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded

Are you a Nigerian student or from another African country dreaming of a world-class education in sustainable agriculture? The Earth University Mastercard Scholarship 2026 offers a life-changing, fully funded path to undergraduate studies in Costa Rica. This prestigious program, backed by the Mastercard Foundation, targets young leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to drive positive change in their communities. If you’re searching for fully funded scholarships for African students or international scholarships for undergraduates, this could be your gateway to success.

As a top choice among scholarships for Nigerian students 2026, this opportunity focuses on building skills in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Earth University, located in the heart of Costa Rica, provides a hands-on learning environment that prepares you for real-world challenges. Ready to apply? Let’s dive into the details.

About the Opportunity:

The Earth University Mastercard Scholarship is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, designed to support talented youth from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In 2026, it will award 120 scholarships, with about one-third reserved for African students, including Nigerians.

This fully funded undergraduate scholarship emphasizes sustainable agriculture and economic development. Scholars study at Earth University in Costa Rica, gaining practical experience through internships, service learning, and mentorship. The program aims to transform scholars into ethical leaders who return home to foster agricultural innovations and community growth.

Ideal for students passionate about food security, environmental sustainability, and philanthropy, this scholarship aligns with high-demand fields like agribusiness scholarships and eco-friendly careers. If you’re from a low-income background and eager to contribute to Africa’s development, this is one of the best international scholarships for African undergraduates available.

Benefits:

This scholarship isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about holistic support for your success. As one of the top fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students, it includes:

• Full tuition and academic fees coverage.
• Laptops, textbooks, and essential learning materials.
• On-campus accommodation and nutritious meals.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Monthly stipend for personal expenses.
• Round-trip transportation to and from your home country.
• Leadership training, entrepreneurial workshops, and career counseling.
• Psycho-social support and mentorship throughout your studies.
• Accommodations for students with disabilities.

These benefits ensure you focus on your education without financial worries, making it a standout among undergraduate scholarships 2026 for international students.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for this fully funded scholarship for African students, you must meet specific criteria tailored to emerging leaders:

• Be a resident of a Sub-Saharan African country, such as Nigeria, and graduating from high school.
• Demonstrate significant financial need (from the lowest two income quintiles in your country).
• Have excellent academic records from secondary school.
• Show proven leadership skills and involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Commit to returning to Africa after graduation to drive socioeconomic change.
• Be proficient in English (requirements vary by country).
• Have no prior university education; must be a high school graduate or equivalent.

Priority goes to those facing barriers to higher education, including refugees, displaced persons, or students with disabilities. This makes it an inclusive option for scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates and other Africans.

Required Documents:

Preparing your application? Gather these essentials for a smooth process:

• Completed online application form with personal, financial, and contact details.
• Scanned copies of financial documents proving need (e.g., income statements).
• Official secondary school transcripts from the last three years.
• High school diploma or completion certificate.
• Three recommendation letters from non-family members (use the provided format).
• Supporting documents like certificates for awards, courses, or language proficiency.
• Essay responses on your leadership experiences and future goals.
• Contact details for two referees.

These documents help showcase your potential, so ensure they’re clear and up-to-date.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step):

Applying for the Earth University Mastercard Scholarship 2026 is integrated with the university’s admissions process. Follow these clear steps to boost your chances:

1. Create an Account: Visit the Earth University admissions portal at Click here and fill out the initial form to receive your login credentials via email.
2. Complete the Online Application: Log in and provide personal information, academic history, essay responses, and attach required documents.
3. Submit Socioeconomic Form: Fill out the family socioeconomic form to demonstrate financial need—this is crucial for scholarship consideration.
4. Take Admissions Tests: If shortlisted, complete aptitude and psychometric exams (notification within 2 months).
5. Attend Interviews: Participate in group and individual interviews with faculty members.
6. Family Socioeconomic Verification: Schedule a meeting to verify your financial situation.
7. Await Decision: The financial aid committee reviews everything to award admission and scholarships.

Start early to avoid rushes!

Application Deadline:

The application deadline for the Earth University Mastercard Scholarship 2026 is January 31, 2026. Forms are accepted from October 15, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Late submissions won’t be considered, so mark your calendar.

Admissions reviews run from February to March, with exams in April and final decisions by June for the January 2026 intake.

FAQ Section:

What makes this scholarship ideal for Nigerian students? It’s fully funded and prioritizes Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering skills in agriculture that align with Nigeria’s growing agribusiness sector.

Can I apply if I’m not from Sub-Saharan Africa? No, African slots are for Sub-Saharan residents. Latin American and Caribbean students have separate allocations.

Is there an age limit? Typically for recent high school graduates, but no strict age is specified—focus on eligibility criteria.

What programs can I study? All accredited undergraduate degrees at Earth University, mainly in agricultural sciences and sustainability.

How competitive is it? Very—over 1,000 applications yearly, with about 50 full scholarships awarded. Strong academics and leadership are key.

What if I need help with English? English proficiency is required, but support may be available. Check country-specific rules.

For more FAQs on fully funded scholarships, browse our scholarship FAQ hub.

Ready to seize this opportunity? Apply today and join the ranks of transformative leaders. Share your thoughts in the comments below—have you applied for similar scholarships? For updates on scholarships for African students 2026, subscribe to iCanStudent newsletters!