Mastercard Foundation Associates | Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation Associates Program for Associates

Three young woman standing together in smart business attire at a Mastercard Foundation Associates Program event in Nigeria, 2025.

Since 2023, more than 1,000 Associates in 22 countries have participated in the program, including young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons.

Discover the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

Learn how this program supports young leaders’ transition to meaningful careers and provides a valuable resource for employers looking to engage with our impactful initiatives.

Applications are open to Mastercard Foundation Alumni and young people across Africa.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The Associates Program is inclusive and ensures participation from young women, young people with disabilities, and refugees and internally displaced persons.

A young woman from the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program cohort 3 in Senegal smiling and wearing a blue dress and head covering. A young woman addressing a group of people holding a microphone, for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program in Nairobi, Kenya.

What Participants Gain

  • Illustration of two people with a check mark in the middle, above an illustration of a handshake

    12‑month internship placement.

  • Hands typing on a keyboard illustration in black line

    Hands‑on work experience.

  • An illustration of a person inside a gear with a checkmark beside it

    Leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skill‑building.

  • Illustration of two people talking with word bubbles over their heads

    Mentorship and professional networks.

  • A black line illustration of a hand supporting dollars, shield and briefcase.

    A stipend is provided for the duration of the internship.

  • Handshake illustration in grey and orange line work

    Career transition support.

Program Journey

  1. Recruitment & Selection
  2. Placement in Internship Roles
  3. Transition Pathways

How to Apply

Applications are currently open to Mastercard Foundation Alumni and young people across Africa. Applicants may apply directly through the application links, depending on their country of residence, or they can apply for remote roles. Roles will be posted on an ongoing basis.

Applicants can access tips and guidance by joining the Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn.

Where to Apply

Please apply for roles based only in your country of residence or remote roles.

Closed for Applications

Program Partners

Resources

For program tips, additional program information and downloadable materials please visit the Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn.

The Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn
Associates Program in Senegal, a young man smiles while sitting with a group at a table

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about eligibility, application process, placements, and accessibility.

Read the frequently asked questions
Two young women engaged in conversation at a table in a busy conference room.

Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

This program connects talented young people with 12-month internships across Africa through partnerships with external organizations and Foundation partner organizations to develop leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills following graduation.

Learn more
A young woman in professional attire at a conference for the Associates Program, in Senegal 2025.