Funding, eligibility, deadlines, required documents, and selection tips—built for international applicants
Africa & Partner Institutions • Undergraduate & Postgraduate • Multi-country network
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program funds talented students—especially young women, persons with disabilities, and displaced youth—through a global network of partner universities. Applications are made directly to partner institutions, which set their own deadlines and document requirements. This guide shows where to apply, what to prepare, and the strategies that consistently get results.
Where to apply (official)
There is no central application portal. You must apply through a partner university. Start here:
Apply via Partner Institutions — Official Mastercard Foundation page
Many partners open calls during late September–November with deadlines through December–January. Example partner pages (use the official list above to find the current links):
- University of Cambridge — Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Apply page)
- UC Berkeley — How to Apply
- University of British Columbia — Graduate Admissions
Tip: Partners sometimes reimburse application fees if you’re selected. Always read the current rules on the partner page.
What the Mastercard scholarship typically covers
Participation costs
Tuition Required fees Program charges
Partners often cover full tuition and mandatory program costs; confirm details on each page.
Living support
Monthly stipend Housing
Living allowances vary by country and institution; check exact amounts and duration.
Travel & insurance
Travel allowance Insurance
Many partners include travel, insurance, and settling-in support.
Eligibility & who is prioritized
- Academic readiness: meet the program’s admission standards (degree level, GPA, prerequisites).
- Leadership & service: clear record of impact in your community.
- Financial need: demonstrate limited access to educational finance.
- Priority groups: young women, persons with disabilities, and forcibly displaced youth are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Language: proof of English or host-language proficiency where required.
Exact criteria vary by partner. Always read the partner university’s eligibility and FAQs carefully.
2026 timeline (typical cycle)
| When | What happens | Your actions |
|---|---|---|
| Aug–Sep 2025 | Partner pages update | Bookmark 6–10 partners and degree tracks; collect eligibility and document lists. |
| Sep–Nov 2025 | Calls open | Draft your CV and motivation letters; brief referees; confirm tests/waivers. |
| Oct–Jan | Deadlines (most partners) | Submit complete applications 7–14 days early; verify file types and order. |
| Feb–Apr 2026 | Review & interviews | Prepare for interviews or tasks; keep contacts responsive. |
| Apr–Jun 2026 | Results | Accept an offer; begin visa, housing and funding paperwork. |
How to shortlist partner universities (in 60 minutes)
Scorecard (rate 1–5)
- Career fit: modules, labs, internships, alumni outcomes.
- Funding fit: coverage, duration, extra benefits.
- Language fit: teaching language vs. your proficiency.
- Location fit: visa/travel feasibility and support services.
- Portfolio fit: match with your projects and leadership story.
Pick 3–5 “A-list” programs
- Use the official partner list to filter by country/degree level.
- Download program PDFs and note deadlines two weeks early.
- Confirm whether the partner requires a separate program admission first.
Documents & file rules
- CV (1 page) and a focused motivation letter (500–800 words typical).
- Transcripts, passport, proof of status (if applicable), language test if required.
- References: two letters (on letterhead) or forms per partner instructions.
- Use PDF; name files consistently: Lastname_Firstname_DocType_Partner.pdf.
Motivation letter template (customize per partner)
Hook (2–3 sentences): The challenge you care about and why this partner’s mission fits your goals.
Evidence (1–2 short paragraphs): 2–3 results with metrics (project, internship, community leadership).
Fit (1 paragraph): Name modules, labs, professors and how you’ll contribute to the cohort.
Impact (1 paragraph): Your post-degree plan that aligns with Mastercard Foundation values.
Closing (2 sentences): Confirm readiness for academic workload and leadership commitments.
1-page CV template (results-first)
Structure
- Header with name, email, phone, LinkedIn/portfolio.
- Education with GPA (if strong) and relevant courses.
- Experience: 2–3 roles with impact bullets.
- Skills, awards, languages, and volunteer leadership.
Impact bullet formula
Action → tool → outcome (+metric): Led a rural solar project using AutoCAD + Python that cut outages by 32% across 3 villages.
References that help
- Choose referees who can speak to results and leadership.
- Send a brief (CV + draft letter + partner link) and give a 10-day window.
- Check the submission method (portal upload vs. email link) and follow up politely.
Apply step-by-step (repeat for each partner)
- Open the official partner list and shortlist 3–5 targets.
- Read each partner’s eligibility, funding, and documents list closely.
- Prepare your CV, motivation letter, references, and transcripts (PDF).
- Complete the program application (if required) and the Scholars Program form.
- Submit 7–14 days early and save all confirmations.
- Prep for interviews/tests; keep your referees on standby.
Common mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Generic statements: fix with specific modules/labs and outcomes.
- Missing files or wrong formats: fix with a pre-submission checklist.
- Late references: fix by requesting early and sending a reference pack.
- No measurable results: fix by quantifying your impact (numbers help).
- Ignoring partner FAQs: fix by reading the latest instructions carefully.
FAQs
Is there a single portal for Mastercard 2026?
No. Applications are handled by partner universities. Use the official partner directory link at the top of this guide.
Do partners reimburse application fees?
Some do for selected Scholars. Read the current policy on each partner’s page.
Who is encouraged to apply?
All eligible students may apply; the program emphasizes opportunities for young women, persons with disabilities, and displaced youth.
• Information (deadlines, funding, documents) varies by partner and may change each year. Always verify on the official partner page before applying.