Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded

Scholarship Details

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers academically talented young people, particularly Africans from economically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities, opportunities to pursue higher education through a network of partner universities and organisations around the world.

The programme provides comprehensive financial, academic and social support to help young people access quality education, develop leadership skills and transition into meaningful employment.

Nigerian students can apply through eligible partner institutions, including universities in Africa, North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Unlike scholarships with one central application portal and deadline, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is managed individually by its partner institutions. Each university determines its own admission requirements, eligible courses, application procedures and deadlines.

Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Successful scholars receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey. Depending on the partner institution and scholarship arrangement, benefits may include:

• Full or substantial tuition fee coverage.
• Accommodation.
• Books and other academic materials.
• Living expenses and other financial support.
• Academic mentoring and counselling.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• Psychosocial support.
• Career guidance and employment transition support.
• A return air ticket to the scholar’s home country, where necessary.

The programme also provides opportunities to join a global community of scholars and alumni working towards positive social and economic change.

The exact scholarship package varies between partner institutions.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is designed primarily for academically talented young people who have limited access to quality higher education.

Although requirements differ between universities, applicants are generally expected to demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance and potential.
• Financial need or significant barriers to accessing higher education.
• Leadership abilities and commitment to serving their communities.
• A willingness to contribute to social and economic development.
• Commitment to using their education and skills to create positive change.

The programme particularly encourages applications from young women, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

For general age guidance, applicants for undergraduate scholarships should be 29 years old or younger, while Master’s applicants should be 35 years old or younger. Individual university requirements may differ.

Available study levels:

• Secondary education.
• Undergraduate/Bachelor’s degrees.
• Postgraduate/Master’s degrees.

The programme does not currently offer scholarships for PhD or doctoral candidates.

Mastercard Foundation Partner Universities and Application Status

The Foundation implements the scholarship through affiliated universities and organisations. The official directory provides information about participating institutions, their locations, study levels and application status.

The following institutions appear on the first page of the official directory:

Important: These are the listings displayed on the first page of the Foundation’s online directory. The full directory has additional institutions, and application statuses can change. Always check the official directory and the university’s own website before applying.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

There is no single central application form for all Mastercard Foundation scholarships. Applications are submitted directly to the participating universities.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a partner institution

Visit the official Mastercard Foundation partner directory and identify a university offering your preferred study level and academic programme.

Step 2: Check the university’s requirements

Visit the university’s official scholarship page to understand its admission requirements, eligible courses, application deadline and supporting documents.

Step 3: Prepare your application documents

Depending on the institution, you may need academic transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, a CV, proof of financial need, English proficiency results and personal statements.

Step 4: Submit your application

Follow the university’s application instructions. Some institutions require applicants to apply for university admission and the scholarship separately, while others consider eligible applicants through a combined process.

Step 5: Monitor your application

Follow up with the university’s admissions or scholarship office for updates. Each partner institution manages its own selection and communicates decisions directly to applicants.

Applicants can apply to more than one partner university, provided they meet the respective requirements.

Application Fees and Important Information

Partner institutions determine their own admission fees and application procedures.

Where a university requires an application fee, the fee will be reimbursed if the applicant is selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

However, the Foundation does not collect application fees directly from individuals and does not request payments through social media groups or recruitment agents.

Be cautious of anyone claiming to represent the Foundation and requesting money to secure a scholarship.

Admission to a partner university does not automatically guarantee selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The scholarship is competitive, and applicants must satisfy both university admission requirements and scholarship selection criteria.

Conclusion

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides opportunities for talented young Africans to access quality education, develop leadership skills and build careers that contribute to their communities.

With partner institutions across Africa and other parts of the world, the programme offers opportunities at secondary, undergraduate and Master’s levels.

Nigerian students interested in applying should explore the official partner directory, identify suitable universities and follow their individual application procedures.

Application Links

Find partner universities and application status: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/where-to-apply/

Official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/

Application tips: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/application-tips-series/

Official FAQs: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/frequently-asked-questions/