Cardtonic Upskill 4.0 Program 2026: Win a MacBook or Get a Fully Funded Tech Scholarship
The Cardtonic Upskill 4.0 Program 2026 is now open for applications, giving young Nigerians and Ghanaians an opportunity to advance their technology and content-creation careers through MacBook prizes, fully funded education, cash support, mentorship, and practical career development.
This year’s edition is the biggest yet. Cardtonic is offering 25 M5 MacBook Pro laptops to selected tech talents across different skill areas. It is also introducing the Upskill by Cardtonic Scholarship cohort, offered through AltSchool Africa, where 20 promising beginners will receive fully funded diploma scholarships and ₦250,000 cash support each.
Whether you already have experience and a portfolio or you are just beginning your journey into technology, there is a track designed for you.
About Cardtonic
Cardtonic is an African digital platform offering services including virtual dollar cards, eSIMs, gift card trading, bill payments, and gadget shopping.
Through the Upskill initiative, Cardtonic invests in young African talents by providing resources and opportunities that can help them learn new skills, accelerate their careers, and reach their full potential.
Cardtonic Upskill 4.0 Program Tracks
Applicants can choose between two pathways based on their current level and experience.
1. MacBook Track
The MacBook Track is designed for applicants who already have an existing portfolio, proven experience, or a demonstrated record of interest in their chosen field.
Successful applicants will compete for one of 25 M5 MacBook Pro laptops.
The available categories are:
- Content Creation – Written, visual, or video content for informing, entertaining, or building communities. Relevant tools include Adobe Premiere, Canva, CapCut, YouTube Studio, and Grammarly.
- Product Design – Graphics, motion design, and UI/UX design for creating useful visual experiences. Relevant tools include Figma, Adobe Illustrator, FigJam, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and Agentic.
- Software Engineering – Frontend, backend, and mobile development. Relevant tools include Visual Studio Code, Replit, Postman, GitHub, and Git.
- Data Science & AI Engineering – Working with data, building models, identifying patterns, and using data to solve problems. Relevant tools include Python, Jupyter Notebook, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, and Power BI.
- Product Management – Understanding users, structuring ideas, and helping teams build products that solve real problems. Relevant tools include Notion, Miro, Jira, Trello, and Google Sheets.
- Cybersecurity – Understanding digital safety, identifying risks, and protecting people and systems from digital threats. Relevant tools include Wireshark, Nmap, Kali Linux, Cisco Packet Tracer, and VirtualBox.
2. Scholarship Track
The Scholarship Track is specifically designed for beginners who want to build a career in technology.
Through the AltSchool Africa partnership, 20 selected participants will receive:
- A fully funded AltSchool Africa diploma scholarship
- ₦250,000 cash support each
- Structured training
- Mentorship
- Access to quality technology education
- Opportunities to develop practical, job-ready skills
The available learning paths are:
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Product Management
The learning paths are intended for beginners interested in building websites, applications and digital products; protecting systems and users from cyber threats; using data to solve real-world problems; and learning how digital products are planned, built, launched and improved.
Benefits of the Cardtonic Upskill 4.0 Program
Successful participants can benefit from:
- Winning one of 25 M5 MacBook Pro laptops
- A fully funded AltSchool Africa diploma scholarship
- ₦250,000 cash support for scholarship recipients
- Access to quality technology education
- Structured training and mentorship
- Development of practical, job-ready skills
- Exposure to a growing community of African technology talents
- Career development opportunities
- Networking opportunities
The programme is not simply about giving out devices. According to Cardtonic, Upskill was created to give talented young tech enthusiasts access to opportunities and resources that can help them learn, grow, and advance their careers.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Cardtonic Upskill 4.0 Program, applicants must:
- Be under 30 years old
- Be a Nigerian or Ghanaian
- Have a strong and passionate interest in technology or content creation
- For the MacBook Track, have a proven record of interest, portfolio, body of work, or demonstrated experience relevant to the selected skill area.
The portfolio/proven record requirement applies specifically to the MacBook Track, while the Scholarship Track is intended for beginners.
Required Documents / Application Materials
The official programme information does not list a separate fixed document checklist. However, applicants for the MacBook Track are specifically required to have relevant proof of work, a portfolio, or a demonstrated record of interest in their chosen skill area.
Applicants should therefore ensure that any relevant work, projects, portfolio, or evidence of experience is ready when applying for the MacBook Track.
Application Timeline
The Cardtonic Upskill 4.0 Program follows the timeline below:
- Applications Open: July 28, 2026
- Applications Close: August 28, 2026
- Application Review: August 31 – September 3, 2026
- Screening Criteria Update: September 5, 2026
- Assessment Day for MacBook & Scholarship Applicants: September 12, 2026
- Assessment Result Update: September 14 – 16, 2026
- Interview of Candidates: September 22 – 25, 2026
- Announcement of Winners: October 1 – 2, 2026
- Prize-Giving Event Day: October 10, 2026
Application Deadline: August 28, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should first decide which track best matches their current level.
If you already have experience, a portfolio, or proof of work in your chosen field, the MacBook Track is the appropriate pathway.
If you are just starting your technology journey and want structured training and education, you should consider the Scholarship Track.
Applications are submitted online through Cardtonic’s official application portal.
About Previous Upskill Editions
Cardtonic has used previous editions of the Upskill initiative to support young technology talents.
Upskill 1.0, launched in 2022, empowered 15 promising tech talents with brand-new MacBooks.
Upskill 2.0 went further by providing 20 M3 MacBooks to rising technology talents. The programme also provided monetary support for 13 runner-ups.
Upskill 4.0 now expands the programme further by opening participation to Ghanaians for the first time, alongside Nigerians, and introducing the fully funded scholarship cohort through AltSchool Africa.
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The Cardtonic Upskill 4.0 Program 2026 presents a valuable opportunity for young Nigerians and Ghanaians who are passionate about technology or content creation.
Experienced applicants can compete for one of 25 M5 MacBook Pro laptops, while beginners can apply for the Scholarship Track and potentially receive a fully funded AltSchool Africa diploma scholarship plus ₦250,000 cash support.
With training, mentorship, career development, networking, and practical skill-building opportunities included, the programme can provide meaningful support for young people looking to build a career in the technology industry.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, choose the track that matches your experience and submit your application before the August 28, 2026 deadline.
