Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Handbook | Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Handbook

Your roadmap. Your leadership. Your journey.

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As the Mastercard Foundation marks 20 years of impact, its flagship initiative - the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program - is advancing education opportunities for young people in Africa and helping to develop the next generation of leaders. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Handbook is a practical guide to making the most of your journey, from your first day on campus to your transition into dignified and fulfilling work.

What’s Inside the Handbook

Whether you are just starting your journey or well on your way, this handbook explains how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports your pathway through education.

It covers topics such as program supports, opportunities for leadership development, protecting your wellbeing, and embracing your role as a member of a community of changemakers.

Download the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Handbook
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This Handbook Explains:

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    A clear overview of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s wraparound support: accommodation, travel, financial support, learning resources, and well-being services.

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    What it means to be a Mastercard Foundation Scholar: our values, expectations, and culture.

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    Guidance on developing your skills as a transformative leader.

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    Opportunities to engage through councils, events, and community initiatives.

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    Staying connected: Baobab platform, Baobab Summit, mentorship, and global engagements.

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    Tools and resources for well-being, safeguarding, and support.

  • An illustration in black line work of check marks flowing through a line with a gear at the center

    Transition support for your pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, or further study.

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    Joining the community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni.

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Already on Your Journey as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar or Alumni?

Connect to the Baobab platform

Baobab is a social, professional, learning community for young African leaders, participants and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and was developed by Arizona State University in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It is a digital community for networking, learning and professional growth, mentorship, career opportunities and Scholar and Alumni support.

Learn more about the Baobab platform
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Have Questions?

What is the process to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and how can applications be submitted?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is managed through our partner universities and non-governmental organizations. The application process and decision-making are managed by our partners. If you are interested in becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, please apply through one of the partner universities.

Each partner institution offers different programs and has their own timelines for admission, fees, and application guidelines. We recommend that you research the program of your choice and contact the relevant institution for more information.

Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provide support for master’s degrees and PhD/doctoral students?

Yes and no. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships at the secondary, undergraduate, and master’s levels. However, scholarships are not currently available to PhD candidates.

Where are the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s partner institutions located?

Our partner institutions are primarily in Africa, but we also have partners in North and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Does the Mastercard Foundation offer financial support for students outside of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The Mastercard Foundation does not provide sponsorship or financial support to candidates who are not awarded scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

What does the scholarship cover?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides financial, psychosocial, and academic support to Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Financial support includes, but is not limited to, tuition fees, accommodation, books and other academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development, and a return air ticket to a Mastercard Foundation Scholar’s country of origin, if necessary.

Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provide scholarships from non-partner universities?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is implemented through our partner universities and NGOs that serve young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The application process and decision-making are managed by each partner university in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

When is the application deadline?

Each partner in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program sets their own deadline. Please check the Program website of the partner institution(s) of your choice for the specific deadline.

How can applicants learn more about the status of their application?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is implemented through our partner universities and NGOs that serve young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The application process and decision-making are managed by each partner university in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. We recommend that applicants research the application guidelines or contact the institution of their choice directly for more information.

How much does the application fee cost?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is managed individually by our partners, who set their own admission fees. Please read through the application guidelines and/or contact the partner institution(s) of your choice for more information. For institutions that require application fees as part of the admissions process, the fees will be reimbursed if the candidate is selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

What support is available for applicants who cannot afford the admission fees?

Admission fees are required by many of our implementing partners as part of the application process. North American universities require TOEFL and/or SAT scores as part of the application process for international candidates. Understandably, these costs can be a barrier for many potential Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Although we are unable to influence these admission requirements, we have found the following options to be helpful to some applicants: – In some cases, universities may be able to assist with the completion of tests. For applicants confident that they can fulfill the requirements of the SAT and TOEFL, they should ask their counsellor or principal for a letter of support or similar documentation that expresses their confidence in the candidate’s academic achievements. These letters of support, along with the candidate’s story, should be shared with the admissions office at the university to which they are applying. – Some candidates have also found support to cover the costs of the SAT or TOEFL through Education USA. – We have partnered with Africa-based universities that offer undergraduate or graduate programs and do not require SAT or TOEFL scores.

Can multiple applications be considered simultaneously for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Each partner university in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program manages its own application process. Thus, candidates can apply to as many universities as they wish. However, we remind applicants that while there is no limit to the number of universities you can apply to, it is important to note that it takes a great deal of effort to complete an application submission package, and application fees may also be required.

Does acceptance to a partner university guarantee a scholarship?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive. Gaining admission to a partner institution does not guarantee selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

How can organizations partner with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The Mastercard Foundation partners with institutions whose vision and work are aligned with our goals, mission, vision, and Young Africa Works strategy. At this time, the Foundation is unable to accept unsolicited proposals. Currently, our team is focused on expanding the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to more universities in Africa. Periodically, we circulate requests for proposals to closed groups of universities. We encourage interested organizations to follow our social media channels and visit this webpage for future opportunities to collaborate.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

A global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.

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