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

• 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 August 2026.  
• Applicants must not have started or completed other graduate or masters degrees before August 2026.  
• Applicants must be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona for the duration of the program.

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