2026 Earth University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: Fully Funded in Costa Rica

The EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed for high-achieving young leaders from disadvantaged communities who are committed to returning to their home countries to drive agricultural and economic innovation.

For the 2026 academic year, the program is offering full scholarships for a four-year undergraduate degree in Agricultural Sciences. This is a “Learning by Doing” experience where students work directly on academic farms and develop entrepreneurial projects.

Scholarship Summary

Category	Details
Host Institution	EARTH University, Costa Rica
Partner	Mastercard Foundation
Level of Study	Undergraduate (BSc. in Agricultural Sciences)
Eligible Regions	Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
Total Scholarships	~120 students per year (approx. 1/3 from Africa)
Deadline	January 31, 2026

What the Scholarship Covers

This is a fully immersive scholarship that removes all financial barriers:

Full Tuition & Academic Fees: 100% coverage for the 4-year program.
Travel: Round-trip airfare from your home country to Costa Rica.
Monthly Stipend: For personal expenses and living costs.
Housing & Meals: Free on-campus accommodation and food.
Technology: A brand new laptop, books, and all learning materials.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage.
Career Support: Mentorship, leadership training, and entrepreneurial guidance.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To be considered, you must:

Citizenship: Be a resident of a country in Sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America.
Academic Record: Have exceptional grades from your high school/secondary school.
Financial Need: Demonstrate that you come from the lowest two income quintiles in your country.
Leadership: Show a track record of community service and leadership.
Commitment: Have a strong desire to return to your home country after graduation to lead socio-economic change.
Education Level: Be graduating high school or have completed it by mid-2026.

Required Application Documents

Prepare digital copies of these documents:

Online Application Form: Completed via the EARTH portal.
3 Recommendation Letters: From non-family members (teachers, mentors, or community leaders).
High School Transcripts: For the last three years of secondary school.
High School Diploma: Or a certificate of completion if the diploma is pending.
Supporting Certificates: Awards, foreign language certificates, or extracurricular achievements.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create an Admission Account

Visit the EARTH University Admissions Portal and create an account. You will receive an email with your login details.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Log in and fill out the detailed application form. You will be asked about your family’s financial status, your leadership experiences, and your future goals.

Step 3: Admissions Tests & Interviews

If pre-selected, you will be invited to take an Academic Aptitude Test and a psychometric test. Successful candidates will then undergo individual and group interviews with faculty members.

Step 4: Socio-Economic Study

For those who pass the interviews, the university will conduct a family socio-economic study to verify financial need for the Mastercard Scholarship.

Step 5: Final Admission

If successful, you will receive an admission letter and scholarship award. The university will then guide you through the Costa Rican immigration process for your student permit.

Important Reminder

There is NO COST to apply to EARTH University. Beware of anyone asking for application fees.

Official Link: EARTH University – Mastercard Scholars Program