About the Scholarship Program:
The African Leadership University (ALU) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 is a fully funded undergraduate initiative designed to empower the next generation of transformative African leaders by providing access to innovative higher education despite financial barriers. Established in 2020 as part of the broader Mastercard Foundation and African Leadership Group partnership, the program aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans—primarily women—to secure dignified and fulfilling employment by 2030. ALU’s unique, student-centered learning model emphasizes real-world problem-solving, practical skill development, and purpose-driven mindsets, diverging from traditional academics to foster ethical, entrepreneurial leaders who address continental challenges. For the Spring 2026 intake, the program prioritizes young women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities, building on its track record of enrolling 768 scholars from 32 African countries (68% women, 20% refugees/displaced, and ~1% with disabilities). With 96% of surveyed ALU alumni reporting dignified jobs and 80% securing employment within six months at an average salary of $12,000 annually, the scholarship not only funds education but cultivates a pan-African network of changemakers who have collectively created over 20,000 jobs and raised more than $3 million through entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship Program:
Interested candidates for this scholarship program MUST fulfill the following requirements:
- Applicants MUST be an AfricanÂ
- Applicants MUST demonstrate financial need
- Applicants MUST show leadership potential and financial hardship
- Applicants MUST be passionate about the development of the African continent.
- Applicants MUST apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate program at ALU.
Benefits of the Scholarship:
The ALU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 offers comprehensive, full-ride support to enable scholars to focus on leadership development and academic excellence without financial strain. Core benefits include
- Full tuition coverage
- Accommodation
- Living stipends
- Books
- Academic materials, and other essentials like laptops and travel expenses (including return airfare if needed).
- Beyond financial aid, scholars gain access to ALU’s innovative curriculum integrating real-world projects, mentorship from industry leaders, counseling, and leadership training tailored to Africa’s challenges, such as entrepreneurship and social innovation.
- The program fosters a vibrant community through a powerful pan-African alumni network, providing lifelong connections for collaboration and career advancement. Proven outcomes include high employability (80% placement within six months), entrepreneurial success (e.g., job creation and funding raised), and dignified work opportunities, empowering scholars to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.
Application Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship program are open for entries until the 1st of November, 2025. Early applications are highly encouraged.
Application Process:
Interested and eligible candidates should apply for the scholarship program by accessing the scholarship application portal through the application link below:
We at Icanstudent wish you the very best in your scholarship application process. Don’t forget to follow the Icanstudent website for more information and guidelines on how to be a top applicant in your scholarship application process. Good luck!!!
