Published: 31 Oct 2025 1,741 views
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa supports highly talented, service-oriented young people who face the highest social and economic barriers to opportunity. The graduate students complete their Master of Science degrees in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Engineering Artificial Intelligence. Upon completion of the program, Mastercard Foundation Scholars go on to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent.
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
| Application Deadline | 15 Jan 2026 |
| Country to study | Rwanda |
| School to study | Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
| Type | Masters |
| Course to study | View courses |
| Sponsor | MasterCard Foundation |
| Gender | Men and Women |
From the point of selection through to employment or further education, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive, wrap-around support that addresses their academic, personal, and professional development needs. In addition to full tuition coverage, CMU-Africa provides a range of tailored resources to ensure Mastercard Foundation Scholars thrive during their studies and transition successfully into meaningful careers or advanced academic opportunities.
In order to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, students must first be admitted to one of CMU-Africa's degree programs.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars face social and economic barriers and have demonstrated the following attributes:
Important dates for applying to CMU-Africa and understanding the admissions decision process
October 1: All program applications open. Begin your application to the Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE), or the Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI) program. Learn more about our programs.
December 15: Early admission deadline. Submit your application by the early admission deadline of December 15 for CMU-Africa to cover your competency test fees. Learn more about test fees
January 15: Final application deadline. Any application received after the early admission deadline will only be considered if submitted with valid DET/IELTS/TOEFL.
January-April: Applications are reviewed. After the final application deadline, all components of the applications are reviewed.
April-May: Admissions decisions are shared with applicants. You will receive email communications from the admissions team on the status of your application at every stage. You can also view the status of your application through your application portal.
May-August: The Student Induction Program is held for admitted students. The program ensures a successful transition to CMU-Africa through a mix of online and in-person learning, including Tartan Tuesdays webinars, self-paced online learning, the English Enhancement Program, and on-campus orientation activities.
September: The semester begins for admitted students. The academic calendar serves as Carnegie Mellon University's information source and planning document for students, faculty, staff, departments, and outside organizations. The calendar includes registration, class start dates, add/drop deadlines, and exam dates. View CMU-Africa's academic calendar
Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026
Two steps to apply to CMU-Africa
Submit your application by the early admission deadline of December 15 so that the school (CMU-Africa) will cover your competency test fees
For more details, visit CMU-Africa Scholarship webpage
