The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), is offering graduate scholarships to empower 120 young African professionals through master’s level programs from 2025 to 2030. This immersive on-campus 2-year program focuses on technology and innovation, preparing students to excel in the ever-changing digital economy. The goal is to equip African youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders in technology and sustainable innovation.
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For the 2026/2027 academic year, 30 scholarships are available to cover tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and provide comprehensive support for the entire 2-year graduate program. In addition to financial assistance, Scholars will engage in various activities as part of the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU, including leadership training, personalized mentorship, and other enriching events. During their studies, Scholars can also work part-time on campus with the Baobab Platform team or within the ASU community. Between their first and second year, Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in a 2-month internship related to their field of study, further enhancing their practical skills and knowledge.
Scholarships are available for the following full-time, on-campus graduate programs:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
- MS User Experience
- MSC Computer Science
- MS Data Science Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must qualify academically for admission to the degree of their choice that includes English proficiency.
- Applicants must be a citizen of an African country committed to ethical leadership and demonstrated engagement in their community.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 33 on or before the application deadline.
- Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service in their community.
- Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and ambitions that exceed one’s financial resources.
- Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree conferred by August 2026.
- Applicants must not have started or completed other graduate or masters degrees before August 2026.
- Applicants must be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona for the duration of the program.
- Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed or considered.
Benefits
The Scholarship will cover the following:
- Costs incurred for visa application processing
- Costs incurred for English language tests
- Costs incurred for program application
- Airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona
- Full tuition, books and fees
- Medical expenses
- On campus housing
- Participation in Scholarship programming
- Awards are tenable for the duration of the graduate program of study.
Application Process:
The deadline for all applications will be 23:59 GMT on Sunday, 14 September. No applications will be accepted past this deadline. All applicants must first apply for the scholarship. Those who are selected to advance beyond the initial review, will be assisted in the process of applying for admission to Arizona State University.
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Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email to schedule an interview via video or phone call. Final scholarship decisions will be made by late February 2026. Successful applicants will travel to Phoenix, Arizona to join the Program in August 2026.
Direct any questions to mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu
Application Closing Date:14th September, 2025
