The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has forged three exciting new partnerships with leading African educational institutions as it continues to scale and accelerate impact. These collaborations will increase young people's access to quality education and empower the next generation of leaders across Africa.
In January 2025, we welcomed our first Nigerian partner, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), to the network. PAU is dedicated to increasing access to quality education and developing entrepreneurial and leadership skills for young people. The university also focuses on workforce development through internships, mentorships, and community service. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, PAU will empower, educate, and transition 650 Mastercard Foundation Scholars over the next 10 years. Its first cohort launches in September 2025.
We are also marking another significant milestone by welcoming the first partner in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Network to offer medical degrees, the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda. UGHE is focused on advancing global health care by training the next generation of leaders to develop services and systems that connect underserved communities with essential and life-saving services. Through this partnership, UGHE will offer 500 scholarships over 10 years to selected eligible Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the graduate level, focusing on Global Health Delivery and Health Professions Education.
Our third new partner focuses exclusively on young women: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco. Through this partnership, the Mastercard Foundation joins hands with UM6P in advancing a shared mission of enabling young women—especially those facing the highest barriers—to access opportunities for quality education. Together, we will support young women in their journey to improve their livelihoods and contribute to transforming their communities, countries, and the continent.
