Mastercard Foundation 2026 Innovation and Technology Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), is set to offer graduate scholarships to train 120 young African professionals at the master's level across various programs over a five-year period from 2025 to 2030. This initiative involves a fully immersive, traditional on-campus two-year master's program that focuses on technology and innovation. Acknowledging the swift changes in the global digital economy, the program is designed to equip African youth with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in fields like technology and sustainable innovation.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, 30 scholarships will be available, covering full tuition, accommodation expenses, and comprehensive support for the two-year graduate program. Beyond financial assistance, scholars will engage in activities as part of the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU, which includes a leadership curriculum, personalized mentorship, and various events and programs. While attending classes, scholars can work part-time in on-campus roles, either with the Baobab Platform team or within the larger ASU community. Between their first and second year, scholars will receive support to participate in a two-month internship related to their field of study.

A key expectation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is that participants return to their home countries to apply their acquired skills and education towards their country's social and economic development. Women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. ASU is dedicated to enhancing the quality of students' educational experiences by ensuring accessibility to all programs and services.

Scholarship Summary

Host Country: USA
Institution: Arizona State University
Level: Master's degree
Funding: Fully funded
Age: Between 18 and 33
Deadline: Sunday, 14 September, 23:59 GMT

Scholarships are Available for the Following Graduate Programs

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 master’s degrees before August 2026.
Applicants must be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona for the duration of the program.

NOTE: Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed or considered.

Required Documents

Benefits of the Scholarship

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.

The application deadline is set for 23:59 GMT on Sunday, September 14. Applications submitted after this time will not be considered. Initially, all candidates must apply for the scholarship. Those who pass the first stage of evaluation will receive assistance with the application process for admission to Arizona State University. Do not apply directly to ASU for admission. Candidates who make it to the shortlist will be contacted via email to arrange an interview, which will be conducted through video or phone call.

The final decisions regarding the scholarships will be announced by late February 2026. Successful candidates will travel to Phoenix, Arizona, to participate in the Program starting in August 2026. Before submitting their applications, all applicants must have thoroughly read and understood the application guidelines and eligibility requirements to prevent any mistakes or incorrect information.

Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation reserve the right to cancel applications that are incomplete or submitted late, to modify the scholarship conditions, or to decide not to award any scholarships at all.

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