The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program for Africans is an initiative aimed at providing comprehensive support to young Africans who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to improving their communities. The program is designed to equip these scholars with the skills and resources they need to become leaders in their fields and make a positive impact on their societies.
The program is open to students from all over Africa who are interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies at leading universities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Scholars are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to social change. Once selected, they receive full scholarships that cover tuition, travel expenses, and living expenses, as well as access to a range of support services and professional development opportunities.
Since its inception in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans has supported over 35,000 scholars from across the continent. Through its partnerships with leading universities and non-profit organizations, the program has helped to create a new generation of African leaders who are committed to driving social and economic progress in their communities.
Program Overview
Table of Contents
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is a scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance to talented and deserving African students who lack the necessary resources to pursue higher education. The program is open to students from all African countries and aims to support students who are committed to giving back to their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Have completed secondary school and attained excellent grades
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and leadership
- Be from a disadvantaged background, with limited financial resources to pursue higher education
- Meet the specific eligibility requirements of the participating universities
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans offers a comprehensive scholarship package that covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other related expenses. In addition, the program provides students with a range of support services, including mentorship, leadership training, and career guidance.
Program Duration
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is a full-time scholarship program that covers the entire duration of the undergraduate or graduate program. The duration of the program varies depending on the participating university and the degree program chosen by the student.
Overall, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is a great opportunity for talented and deserving African students to pursue higher education and make a positive impact in their communities.
Application Process
The application process for the 2024 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is straightforward and easy to follow. Applicants are required to complete an online application form and submit all the required documents before the application deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents along with their application form:
- Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation from academic referees
- Personal statement outlining their leadership potential, community service experience, and career goals
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- National ID or Passport
All documents must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. Applicants who are shortlisted for the program will be required to provide additional documentation.
Selection Procedure
The selection process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is highly competitive. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, which will evaluate each application based on academic merit, leadership potential, and community service experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a telephone or video interview. Finalists will be invited to an in-person interview, which may take place in their home country or a nearby location.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2024 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is March 15, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application and all required documents well before the deadline to ensure that their application is considered. Late applications will not be accepted.
In summary, the application process for the 2024 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is rigorous, but straightforward. Applicants are required to submit all the required documents before the application deadline, and the selection process is highly competitive. Applicants who are selected for the program will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and other support.
Areas of Study
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The program aims to provide high-quality education to talented and deserving students from Africa, who face financial barriers to accessing education.
Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate programs offered by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields. The program offers undergraduate programs in the following areas of study:
- Agriculture
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Information Technology
- Natural Sciences
Each undergraduate program is tailored to meet the unique needs of students, and the curriculum is designed to be rigorous and challenging. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions, and to develop the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in their communities.
Graduate Programs
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans also offers a range of graduate programs, designed to help students build on their undergraduate education and develop specialized skills in their chosen fields. The program offers graduate programs in the following areas of study:
- Business Administration
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Information Technology
- Natural Sciences
Graduate students are provided with opportunities to conduct research, engage in internships, and participate in other experiential learning opportunities. The program also offers support to help students transition to the workforce after graduation, including career counseling and job placement services.
Overall, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans provides students with the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals, and to make a positive impact in their communities.
Partner Institutions
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans is a prestigious scholarship program that partners with top African and global universities. The program provides comprehensive support to talented and economically disadvantaged young Africans to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
African Universities
The program partners with several leading African universities, including:
- Ashesi University in Ghana
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana
- Makerere University in Uganda
- University of Cape Town in South Africa
- University of Gondar in Ethiopia
- University of Pretoria in South Africa
These universities have a strong commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility, and offer a wide range of programs in various fields of study. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides full scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and career support to selected students at these institutions.
Global Universities
In addition to African universities, the program also partners with some of the world’s top universities, including:
- McGill University in Canada
- University of California, Berkeley in the United States
- University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom
- University of Oxford in the United Kingdom
- University of Toronto in Canada
These universities are recognized for their academic excellence, research capabilities, and global impact. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides full scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and career support to selected students at these institutions.
Partnering with both African and global universities allows the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to provide a diverse and comprehensive educational experience to its scholars. The program’s focus on leadership development and community engagement ensures that its scholars are equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Scholar Support Services
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans offers a variety of support services to its scholars to ensure that they succeed both academically and personally. These services are designed to help students overcome any challenges they may face during their studies and to prepare them for leadership roles in their communities.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a key component of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans. Each scholar is assigned a mentor who provides guidance and support throughout their academic journey. Mentors are experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the challenges that students face and are committed to helping them succeed. They provide advice on academic and personal matters, help students navigate the university system, and offer career guidance.
Leadership Training
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans aims to develop the next generation of African leaders. To achieve this goal, the program provides leadership training to its scholars. This training is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to become effective leaders in their communities. It covers topics such as communication, team building, conflict resolution, and decision making.
Community Service Opportunities
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans encourages its scholars to give back to their communities. To this end, the program provides community service opportunities to its scholars. These opportunities allow students to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their studies to real-world problems. They also help students develop a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
Overall, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans provides a comprehensive set of support services to its scholars. These services are designed to help students overcome any challenges they may face and to prepare them for leadership roles in their communities.
Alumni Network
Graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans become part of a vast network of alumni. This network provides graduates with access to a range of resources and networking opportunities that can be leveraged to advance their careers and make a positive impact in their communities.
Alumni Resources
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans provides alumni with access to a range of resources designed to support their professional development. These resources include career counseling, job placement services, and access to online learning resources.
In addition, alumni can access funding opportunities to support their research and other projects. This funding can be used to support community development initiatives, start businesses, or pursue further education.
Networking Opportunities
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans alumni network provides graduates with access to a range of networking opportunities. These opportunities include regional and global alumni events, mentorship programs, and online networking platforms.
Through these networking opportunities, alumni can connect with other graduates from the program, as well as with leaders in their fields. This can provide valuable opportunities to learn about new developments in their industries, gain insights into career opportunities, and make valuable connections that can lead to new collaborations and partnerships.
Overall, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans alumni network provides graduates with a range of resources and networking opportunities that can be leveraged to advance their careers and make a positive impact in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Africans:
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The program is open to African students who have completed their secondary education and have been admitted to a participating university in Africa. The program is targeted at students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, books and supplies, and a stipend for living expenses. In addition, the program provides leadership and entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and internship opportunities to help scholars develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers.
How many scholarships are available?
The program will provide scholarships to 10,000 African students over the next 10 years, with 1,000 scholarships awarded each year. The program aims to create a new generation of African leaders who will drive social and economic transformation on the continent.
How can I apply for the program?
Interested applicants can apply online through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website. The application process includes submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview before the final selection is made.
Can I apply for the program if I have already started my degree?
No, the program is only open to students who have been admitted to a participating university and have not yet started their degree. However, students who are already enrolled in a participating university may be eligible for other Mastercard Foundation programs, such as the Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund, which provides funding for student-led ventures.