The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: Opening Doors for Young Leaders
PRIME WISE SCHOLARSHIP
If you’ve been dreaming of a world-class education but worrying about the cost, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship might just be the opportunity that changes your life.
Created to empower talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship isn’t just about paying for school — it’s about building future leaders who can drive real change in their communities and beyond.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was launched to create the next generation of leaders who are committed to giving back to their communities.
The program partners with some of the best universities across Africa, North America, and beyond to offer fully-funded scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies.
But here’s what really makes it special:
It’s not just about academic excellence — it’s about finding students who have the heart, vision, and drive to make a difference.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is fully comprehensive, meaning it covers almost everything you’ll need during your studies, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Books and academic supplies
- Transportation
- Counseling, mentoring, and leadership development training
- Career services and internship opportunities
Basically, they don’t just send you to school — they support you every step of the way.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is designed for academically talented but economically disadvantaged young people.
Here’s a quick checklist of who they’re looking for:
- Students who demonstrate academic excellence
- Young people committed to giving back to their communities
- Individuals from economically challenged backgrounds
- Students who have leadership potential and want to make an impact
You should also be applying (or planning to apply) to one of the Mastercard Foundation partner universities.
Each partner university has its own application process and eligibility criteria, so it’s important to check carefully.
Partner Universities
The Mastercard Foundation works with several universities around the world, including:
- University of Cape Town (South Africa)
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- African Leadership Academy (South Africa)
- American University of Beirut (Lebanon)
- McGill University (Canada)
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- Sciences Po (France)
- And more…
Each institution manages its own selection process, so you’ll apply directly through the school you’re interested in.
How to Apply
Applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is different from applying for a regular scholarship.
Here’s what you typically need to do:
- Choose a partner university you’re interested in.
- Apply for admission to your chosen program (following the university’s specific admission instructions).
- Submit your scholarship application — either together with your school application or separately (depending on the university).
- Provide supporting documents like:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of financial need
- Personal essays or motivation letters
- Recommendation letters
Pro Tip: Focus on your leadership experiences, community involvement, and future goals.
They want students who will use their education to bring change — not just for themselves, but for their communities too.
Important Things to Remember
- Deadlines vary depending on the university, so be sure to check the official site of the school you want to apply to.
- The scholarship is highly competitive — but don’t let that scare you. If you have a strong story and a genuine passion to make a difference, you absolutely have a shot.
- Be very clear and honest in your application. They’re looking for authenticity, not perfection.
Ready to Start?
You can find the full application information and partner institutions here:
👉 Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Take your time to read the requirements carefully, prepare strong essays, and apply boldly.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship isn’t just financial support — it’s an investment in YOU.
They believe that education, leadership, and a heart for service can change lives — and they’re ready to back young people who believe that too.
If you have big dreams, a passion to help others, and the drive to succeed, don’t hold back.
This could be the beginning of something amazing.