Universities offering MasterCard Foundation $500 Million Scholarships to Empower 15,000 Africans + How to Apply

Ahead of 2017, 3 new universities have currently been added to the 19 universities (6 USA universities, 3 Canadian Universities, 7 African Universities and 3 universities from other regions) which have been participating in the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program since 2012.

On Wednesday September 26, 2012, the MasterCard Foundation announced the launch of the 10 years MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. The program is a $500 million education initiative that will provide 15,000 talented yet economically disadvantaged students from developing countries, particularly from Africa– with comprehensive support for secondary and university education.

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a network of extraordinary educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and young people. Together, they will contribute to the emergence of a more equitable, dynamic, and prosperous Africa.

Reeta Roy, President and CEO of The MasterCard Foundation

The MasterCard Foundation’s significant commitment to provide today’s youth with the values, attitudes, and skills to give back and contribute to their societies through education demonstrates the values at the heart of Education First.

Gordon Brown , the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

The MasterCard Foundation scholarship is more than just school fees to me; it’s the fuel, it’s inspiration, it’s courage and confidence.

Joseph Munyambanza, MasterCard Foundation Scholar

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a growing initiative and to date, the Program has committed over $700 million to supporting the education and leadership development of over 30,000 young people.

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Below is a list of educational institutions participating in the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program. The institutions are responsible for selecting the Scholars who attend their schools.

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Additional Universities
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences – $25 million

The MasterCard Foundation announced a commitment to the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) on June 2015.  This commitment will enable 500 academically talented students from economically disadvantaged communities to pursue their Masters level education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It will also support the creation of a teacher training program which will improve the quality of secondary-level math and science teaching in Cameroon
Carnegie Mellon University – Rwanda – $10.8 million

This new partnership, which will be established at Carnegie Mellon’s College of Engineering program in Kigali, Rwanda, will benefit 125 academically talented but economically disadvantaged students from Sub-Saharan Africa as part of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.

University of Edinburgh UK – $15.6 million

At the University of Edinburgh, the seven year programme will support 200 of the brightest and best students from Africa with great potential but few educational opportunities who have a commitment to give back to their communities. It will provide full scholarships, including accommodation costs, living costs, travel and tuition fees to 80 undergraduate students and 60 postgraduate students taking courses on campus at Edinburgh.
Other Universities
USA Universities
Arizona State University – $27.8 million

Arizona State University USA is partnering with the MasterCard foundation scholars program to offer scholarships to students from sub-Saharan Africa to study for full bachelor’s degree

Duke University – $13.5 million

Duke University, USA Partners with MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program to offer Undergraduate Scholarships to Students from Sub-Saharan Africa.

University of California, Berkeley – $30.1 million

At University of California Berkeley, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program will provide holistic support – financial, academic, social, and career counselling – to 113 undergraduate and Master’s students from Sub-Saharan Africa from 2012 to 2020.

Michigan State University – $45.1 million

The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship for African Students is open for Application at Michigan State University USA.

Wellesley College, USA – $2.9 million

According to Wellesley College President H. Kim Bottomly, the goals of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program align well with the mission of the College, which is renowned for educating many of the world’s women leaders. Wellesley will provide nine (9) African women with comprehensive support.