The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program wants young African professionals ready to lead in technology and innovation, and it covers absolutely everything
If studying in the United States on a fully funded master’s degree has ever felt like a distant dream, this is the moment to take it seriously. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Arizona State University, has opened applications for the 2027 Innovation and Technology Scholarship, offering 30 graduate study opportunities to young African professionals ready to pursue a full time, on campus master’s degree focused on technology and innovation.
This is part of a much bigger five year commitment. Between 2025 and 2030, the Mastercard Foundation and ASU are working together to train 120 young Africans at the master’s level, and this cohort of 30 is your chance to be part of that journey.
What Makes This Scholarship Genuinely Different
A lot of scholarships cover tuition and leave you to figure out the rest. This one does not. Successful scholars receive a comprehensive package covering full tuition, required books and student fees, on campus accommodation, healthcare coverage, and airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona. The scholarship also covers visa application processing costs and provides an English language proficiency test voucher where required. If you are shortlisted for the ASU admission stage, you even get an application fee waiver.
Beyond the financial support, scholars also get a genuine enrichment experience built into the program, including a leadership curriculum, one on one mentorship, and community building events throughout their two years on campus at ASU’s Tempe campus in Arizona.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is built for young African professionals who are academically strong and genuinely community driven. Here is what you need to qualify.
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Have earned, or be on track to earn, a bachelor’s degree by August 2027 from a recognized institution, note that higher education diplomas, certificates, or other non degree credentials do not count as equivalent
- Hold a strong academic record, equivalent to a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Meet ASU’s English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission
- Be between 18 and 33 years old on or before the application deadline
- Demonstrate a genuine record of leadership, service, and commitment to creating positive change in your community
- Not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree program
- Be able to relocate to, and reside on, ASU’s campus in Tempe, Arizona, for the full duration of the program
Why This Program Matters
Arizona State University is not just any university. It is ranked number one in the United States, and number six globally by Times Higher Education for its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a student population of nearly 145,000 across its programs. Studying technology and innovation there means learning inside an institution genuinely recognized for pushing boundaries, not just earning a degree on paper.
The program’s mission is bigger than individual scholars too. It is built to develop young talent capable of using their skills to contribute directly to the social and economic development of their communities and home countries, meaning your two years at ASU are meant to translate into real impact once you return.
Deadline
Applications close Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered, so do not leave this until the final days. Given the depth of what is required, academic records, recommendation letters, and a genuine reflection of your leadership journey, it is worth starting your application early.
Final Word: This Could Be Your Two Years That Change Everything
Opportunities that combine full financial coverage, a world class institution, and a genuine mission to build Africa’s next generation of tech and innovation leaders do not come around often. If you have the academic record, the drive, and the leadership story to back it up, this scholarship gives you a real, comprehensive pathway to a master’s degree in the United States without the financial burden holding you back.
Do not let this deadline pass you by.
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