The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), will provide graduate scholarships to train 160 young African professionals at the master’s level for various programs over 5 years (2025 – 2030). This scholarship program offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue an ASU Online degree while benefiting from in-person support and comprehensive wrap-around services provided through Kepler College in Rwanda. This innovative approach combines the flexibility of an online education with the personalized guidance, resources, and community engagement available at Kepler College to ensure a well-rounded and supportive learning experience. 

40 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 enriching activities including individual mentorship, leadership development, and other events and programming. Between the first and second year, Scholars will be supported to participate in a 2-month summer intensive experience that aligns with their program of study.

A strong expectation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is that participants use the skills and education they gain to contribute to their communities, fostering social and economic growth in their home countries. Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 
 

Scholarships are available for the following full-time, online graduate programs:

MS Global Technology and Development

MSE Sustainable Engineering

MS Information Technology

MS Business Analytics

MEd Learning Design and Technologies
 

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 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

Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed or considered.

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 
• Travel to and from Kigali, Rwanda 
• Full tuition, books and fees
• Medical expenses
• Student housing
• Participation in Scholarship programming