2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Arizona State University: Fully Funded for Africans

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) is a prestigious opportunity designed to develop the next generation of ethical leaders in Africa. For the 2026-2027 academic cycle, the program is offering 30 fully-funded scholarships to young African professionals.

This scholarship is not just about financial aid; it is a holistic program that provides leadership training, mentorship, and career support, specifically focusing on fields like EdTech, Supply Chain Management, and Global Leadership.

Scholarship Summary

Category	Details
Host Institution	Arizona State University (ASU), USA
Partner	Mastercard Foundation
Level of Study	Master’s Degree & Graduate Certificates
Eligible Countries	All African Countries
Slots Available	30 for the 2026/2027 intake
Deadline	March 8, 2026

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is famous for being “Full-Ride.” If selected, you will receive:

Full Tuition Fees: 100% coverage for your program at ASU.
Accommodation & Housing: All costs for living on or off-campus (as per program requirements).
Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare from your home country to the USA.
Monthly Stipend: A generous living allowance to cover meals and personal expenses.
Visa & Logistics: Full support for the U.S. student visa application process.
Laptop & Books: Provision of necessary technology and learning materials.
English Proficiency Fees: Costs for exams like TOEFL or IELTS (if required).

Program Structure & Career Experience

A unique feature of the 2026 ASU-Mastercard program is its integration with the Baobab Platform.

Hands-on Experience: Scholars have the opportunity to work part-time with the Baobab team, gaining professional skills in implementing strategic objectives for Africa’s digital learning landscape.
Leadership Curriculum: Beyond classroom work, scholars undergo rigorous leadership development and individual coaching.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To ensure your application is considered, you must meet the following:

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African country.
Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 33 years old by the application deadline.
Academic Status: Must have completed an undergraduate degree by July 2026.
Prior Education: You must not have already earned a Master’s degree.
Leadership Record: Demonstrated history of community service and ethical leadership.
Financial Need: Must show that your financial resources are insufficient to fund graduate studies in the USA.

Available Fields of Study

For the 2026 cycle, scholarships are prioritized for programs that drive innovation and development in Africa, including:

Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Supply Chain Management.
Graduate Certificate in Global Management, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.
Master’s in Supply Chain Management or Leadership Management (for selected participants).

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Procedure

Unlike many other scholarships, at ASU, you apply for the scholarship first before applying for university admission.

Step 1: Scholarship Application

Visit the ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars website and complete the scholarship application form. You will need to write essays detailing your leadership experience and your vision for Africa.

Step 2: Submission Options

Online: Submit via the official application portal.
Offline (Limited Internet): If you have poor internet access, you can download the application form and email it to mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu.

Step 3: The Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a video or phone interview to assess their fit for the program and their commitment to returning to Africa.

Step 4: University Admission

If you are successful in the scholarship interview, the Mastercard Foundation team will assist you with the formal admission process to Arizona State University, including paying for your application fees.

Important Reminder

Ensure all your documents (transcripts, certificates, and essays) are ready before the March 8, 2026 deadline. Late applications are strictly not accepted.

Official Link: ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program