The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), will provide graduate
scholarships to train 120 young African professionals at the master’s level for various programs over
5 years (2025 – 2030). This is a fully immersive and traditional on-campus 2-year master’s program
with an emphasis on technology and innovation. Recognizing the rapid evolution of the global digital
economy, this program aims to equip African youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead
in areas such as technology and sustainable innovation.
30 Scholarships are available for students admitted for the 2026/2027 academic year, which will
cover the full tuition fees, expenses for accommodation, and comprehensive support for the 2-year
graduate program. On top of financial support, Scholars will participate in activities as part of the
wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU, including leadership curriculum, individual
mentorship, and other events and programming. While classes are in session, Scholars have the
opportunity to work part-time in on-campus positions, either with the Baobab Platform team or in the
broader ASU community. Between the first and second year, Scholars will be supported to participate
in a 2-month internship that aligns with their program of study.
A strong expectation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is that participants return to
their home countries to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic
growth. Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly
encouraged to apply. ASU is committed to enhancing the quality of students’ educational experience
by ensuring accessibility for all programs and services.

Eligibility Criteria
Value of the Scholarship
The Scholarship will cover the following:
● Costs incurred for visa application processing
● Costs incurred for English language tests
● Costs incurred for program application
● Airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona
● Full tuition, books and fees
● Medical expenses
● On campus housing
● Participation in Scholarship programming
Awards are tenable for the duration of the graduate program of study.
The deadline for all applications will be 23:59 GMT on Sunday, 14 September. All applicants
must apply for the scholarship first and, if successful, will be assisted in the process of applying for
admission to Arizona State University. Do not apply to admission to ASU. Shortlisted candidates
will be contacted via email to schedule an interview via video or phone call. Final scholarship
decisions will be made by late February 2026. Successful applicants will travel to Phoenix, Arizona
to join the Program in August 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 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