The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), is offering graduate scholarships to 120 young African professionals as part of a 5-year program running from 2025 to 2030. This fully immersive, on-campus program aims to equip scholars with cutting-edge knowledge in technology and innovation. The program responds to the rapidly evolving global digital economy by preparing African youth to become leaders in technology and sustainable development.
Program Overview
This is a 2-year master’s program with an emphasis on innovation and technology. Successful applicants will study at ASU, one of the top universities in the U.S., with the expectation that they will return to their home countries after graduation to contribute to social and economic growth. The program strongly encourages applications from women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity.
Scholarship Benefits
For the 2025/2026 academic year, 30 scholarships are available. The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, and comprehensive support throughout the graduate program. Scholars will not only receive financial aid but also have the opportunity to participate in leadership development programs, individual mentorship, and networking events as part of the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU.
During the program, students can work part-time on campus and will be offered a 2-month internship in Africa between their first and second year, allowing them to gain practical experience aligned with their field of study.
The scholarship covers:
• Visa application processing fees
• English language test fees
• Program application costs
• Round-trip airfare to Phoenix, Arizona
• Full tuition, books, and fees
• Medical expenses
• On-campus housing
• Participation in leadership and scholarship programming
Also read: Google Opens Applications For Software Engineering Internship 2025 (Winter)
Eligible Programs
The scholarship is available for full-time, on-campus graduate programs at ASU, including:
• MS Global Technology and Development
• MS Information Technology
• MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
• MS User Experience
• MSC Computer Science
• MS Data Science Analytics & Engineering
• MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
• MS Clean Energy Systems
• MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering
• MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
• Be citizens of an African country.
• Be between 18 and 33 years old as of the application deadline.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership and community engagement.
• Hold an undergraduate degree conferred by July 2025.
• Not have started or completed any other master’s degrees before August 2025.
• Qualify academically for their chosen degree and meet English proficiency requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership, service, and academic excellence, with financial needs exceeding personal resources.
• Be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona for the full duration of the program.
How to Apply?
If you are eligible and want to apply, there are two ways to go by:
i. Fill out an online form with an instant submission OR
ii Download an offline form and submit via mastercardfndnscholars@asu.edu.
Access both forms here.
Application deadline: 3rd November, 2024
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