Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program 2026

The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University, is offering 40 opportunities for graduate study through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The new Mastercard Foundation Scholars will pursue ASU degrees online with in-person support and wrap around services from Kepler College in Rwanda, blending flexible online learning with personalized guidance and community engagement

The third phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) marks a significant step in empowering young African leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovative and sustainable development on the continent.

• Table of Content
• About MasterCard Foundation
• Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program
• Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program
• Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program Courses
• Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, has supported work in 49 countries.In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy. The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.Funding is primaril... continue reading

Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program

Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program

The Scholarship will cover the following:

• Costs incurred for visa application processing
• Costs incurred for English language tests
• Costs incurred for program application 
• Travel to and from Kigali, Rwanda 
• Full tuition, books and fees
• Medical expenses
• Student housing
• Participation in Scholarship programming

Awards are tenable for the duration of the graduate program of study. 

Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program Courses

• Business Analytics
• Global Technology and Development
• Information Technology
• Learning Design and Technologies
• Sustainable Engineering

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program Qualification

• Applicants must qualify academically for admission to the degree of their choice that includes English proficiency.
• Applicants must be a citizen of an African country committed to ethical leadership and demonstrated engagement in their community.
• Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 33 on or before the application deadline.
• Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service in their community.
• Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and ambitions that exceed one's financial resources.
• Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree conferred by July 2026.  
• Applicants must not have started or completed other graduate or masters degrees before July 2026.  
• Applicants must be able to live in Kigali, Rwanda for the duration of the program

Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation Arizona State University Scholar Program

The deadline for all applications will be 23:59 GMT on Sunday, 2 November.  No applications will be accepted past this deadline. All applicants must first apply for the scholarship.  Those who are selected to advance beyond the initial review, will be assisted in the process of applying for admission to Arizona State University. Do not apply to admission to ASU to be considered for the scholarship. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email to schedule a video or phone interview.  Final scholarship decisions will be made by late April 2026. Successful applicants will travel to Kigali, Rwanda to join the Program in July 2026. 

All applicants, once registered, should have read and understood the application guidance and eligibility criteria before submitting an application to the Program to avoid any errors or incorrect information. Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU reserve the right to cancel incomplete and/or late applications, to effect changes to the conditions of the scholarship or to make no awards at all.

Admission to the academic program does not guarantee being awarded the scholarship.

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

There are 2 ways to submit your application:

We encourage applicants to submit an online application.  To proceed to the online application, please click NEXT at the bottom of this page to begin.  

OR

If you have limited internet access, view and download the PDF Version of the form. To submit, email your completed application and required attachments (Scholarship Application, CV/Resume, Letter of Recommendation, and Transcripts) to [email protected]. 

For more details, visit Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship webpage