Introduction
For young Africans dreaming of world-class education but held back by financial or social barriers, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) is nothing short of a game-changer. Launched in 2012, this initiative was designed to provide access to quality, inclusive higher education and to build a generation of African leaders committed to transformative social impact. Fast forward to 2025, and the program continues to expand, forging new partnerships and offering fully funded undergraduate and master’s degree scholarships across top-tier institutions globally.
Whether you’re a high school graduate from Lagos, a refugee in Uganda, or a working young woman in Nairobi, MCFSP could be your ticket to a world-class degree. In this guide, we dive deep into what the 2025 program offers: who’s eligible, where you can study, how to apply, and why it matters.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is an ambitious, long-term scholarship initiative aimed at enabling talented yet underprivileged young Africans to pursue higher education — and to eventually lead meaningful change in their communities. Through strategic partnerships with universities and NGOs, the program delivers more than just financial aid. It offers holistic support: from tuition and accommodation, to mentorship, leadership development, and post-study career guidance. (mastercardfdn.org)
As of 2025:
- The foundation has committed over 57,000 scholarships to young African leaders. (mastercardfdn.org)
- By 2030, the ambition is to reach 100,000 scholars. (mastercardfdn.org)
- The program’s investments in education and transition support already top US$ 3 billion. (mastercardfdn.org)
Crucially, MCFSP isn’t just about individual success. It’s about empowering a network of changemakers — individuals who will return to their home countries equipped to tackle social, economic, and health challenges.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
One of the most appealing aspects of MCFSP is how comprehensive the scholarship is. Scholars often receive:
- Full tuition and academic fees
- On-campus accommodation or support for housing
- Books, learning materials, and a study-laptop (at many institutions)
- Living expenses (stipend / meal allowances)
- Health insurance
- Return airfare to their home country (if needed)
- Mentorship, leadership development, and psychosocial support
- Career guidance, internship opportunities, and job transition support after graduation (mastercardfdn.org)
In short, MCFSP removes almost all financial barriers — letting you focus on your studies and growth as a future leader.
Who Can Apply — and What Are the Eligibility Criteria?
MCFSP is geared toward academically talented young Africans who face financial or social barriers to accessing higher education. In many partner institutions, there is a strong emphasis on young women, refugees or displaced youth, and persons with disabilities. (uwc.ac.za)
General eligibility criteria often include:
- Citizenship or residency in an African country
- Demonstrable financial need / limited access to resources
- Academic merit (for undergraduates: high school completion; for master’s: a bachelor’s degree)
- Leadership potential and a commitment to community or social impact
- For some institutions: age limits (e.g., under 26 for undergraduates; under 30 for master’s at UWC) (uwc.ac.za)
- Proof of refugee status (if applicable) or documentation of disability, in some cases (uwc.ac.za)
Importantly, applying to a partner university does not guarantee a scholarship — selection remains highly competitive. (mastercardfdn.org)
Where Can You Study? — Partner Universities Worldwide (2025 / 2026)
One of the strengths of MCFSP is its global reach. Scholars can study not only in Africa, but also in North America, Europe, and beyond. The exact institutions vary over time, as new partnerships are forged. Below is a snapshot of partner universities offering undergraduate or master’s scholarships around 2025–2026.
| Region | Example Partner Universities | Study Levels Offered (UG / Master’s) |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | Makerere University (Uganda), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (Ghana), Ashesi University (Ghana), University of Cape Town (South Africa), University of the Western Cape (UWC, South Africa), African Leadership University (Rwanda), University of Rwanda, USIU-Africa, etc. (TruePort) | Often both Undergraduate & Master’s (depending on the institution) (USIU-Africa) |
| North America (Canada / USA) | McGill University (Canada), University of Toronto (Canada), University of British Columbia (Canada), Arizona State University (USA), UC Berkeley (USA) (TruePort) | Primarily Master’s (some may have undergrad, depending on the institution) (2025 FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS) |
| Europe | University of Edinburgh (UK), Sciences Po (France), University of Cambridge (UK) (postgraduate) (2025 FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS) | Mostly Master’s programs |
| Middle East / Other Regions | American University of Beirut (Lebanon) among others (World Scholarship Finder) | Varies — depends on partnership |
Note: The list above is not exhaustive. MCFSP continuously expands its network. Always check the official MCFSP website or the partner university’s page for the most up-to-date list.
Also of note: in 2025, MCFSP announced new partnerships — such as Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) in Nigeria, the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco. These onboarding institutions will gradually roll out scholarship cohorts. (mastercardfdn.org)
Recent 2025 Updates & New Partnerships
2025 has seen significant growth and developments for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
- New Nigerian Partner: In January 2025, PAU (Pan-Atlantic University) in Nigeria joined the network. Through this partnership, PAU aims to support 650 scholars over the next 10 years, with its first cohort launching in September 2025. (mastercardfdn.org)
- Health Education Expansion: The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda became the first MCFSP partner to offer medical and health-related postgraduate degrees — a major step in expanding into global health education. UGHE will offer around 500 scholarships over 10 years. (mastercardfdn.org)
- Focus on Women’s Access to Education: The partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco is especially designed to support young women who face social and economic barriers, reflecting MCF’s commitment to equity and inclusion. (mastercardfdn.org)
These additions illustrate how MCFSP is evolving — not just scaling in numbers but diversifying the fields, regions, and demographic reach.
What You Should Know Before Applying
Before you hit “submit,” here are a few practical tips and caveats:
- Application is through partner institutions, not directly to MCF. Each university manages its own admissions and scholarship application process. That means different deadlines, document requirements, and selection criteria. (mastercardfdn.org)
- No guarantee of scholarship. Even if you get accepted to a partner university, you still need to be selected for the MCFSP. The scholarship is competitive, so ensure your application is strong, especially on financial need and leadership/community engagement. (mastercardfdn.org)
- Some institutions have age limits. For example: at UWC, undergraduates must normally be ≤ 26 years old; master’s applicants ≤ 30 years old. (uwc.ac.za)
- Early preparation pays off. You often need to first apply for academic admission to the university before you can submit the MCFSP application. Be aware of multiple forms, deadlines, and supporting documents. (uwc.ac.za)
- Start-up costs might need covering. In some cases, there may be application fees or entrance exam costs (e.g., SAT, TOEFL). For some successful scholars, the Foundation may reimburse such costs — but this varies by partner. (mastercardfdn.org)
Why the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Matters
Empowering Individuals and Communities
MCFSP is more than just a scholarship — it’s a platform for social transformation. By investing in talented young Africans who are committed to service, the program builds a cadre of leaders ready to tackle the continent’s pressing challenges. Whether in public health, education, business, or social enterprise, these scholars carry skills, networks, and mindsets geared toward sustainable development.
Promoting Equity and Inclusion
By prioritizing young women, refugees, displaced youth, and persons with disabilities — groups often marginalized in access to higher education — MCFSP contributes to leveling the playing field. This inclusive focus amplifies the program’s impact, empowering often-overlooked voices to rise and lead change. (uwc.ac.za)
Global Exposure, Local Impact
Through partnerships spanning Africa, North America, Europe, and beyond, MCFSP broadens horizons. Scholars don’t just get degrees — they gain exposure to global standards, networks, and opportunities. Yet, the Foundation insists on scholars returning to contribute to their home countries, ensuring this global exposure fuels local impact. (Centre for International Experience)
How to Navigate the Application — Step by Step
Here’s a quick “to-do” checklist if you want to apply for MCFSP in 2025 or 2026:
- Choose your target universities
- Review the current list of MCFSP partner institutions.
- Identify which universities offer your desired course (undergraduate or master’s).
- Apply for academic admission
- Submit your application to the university’s regular admissions portal.
- Ensure you meet all admission requirements (e.g., high school GPA, previous degrees).
- Gather documents for MCFSP application
- Proof of financial need (family income, unemployment letter, etc.)
- Academic transcripts / certificates
- Personal statements / essays — especially highlighting leadership, community service, ambitions to give back
- Documents for refugees or persons with disabilities (if applicable)
- Submit MCFSP scholarship application
- Fill out the dedicated MCFSP form (often online) once you have your university application number. (uwc.ac.za)
- Wait for selection
- If shortlisted, you may be invited to interviews or asked for additional documentation.
- If selected, sign the scholarship agreement and prepare for relocation / start of studies.
- Maintain academic and personal standards
- Scholars are usually required to stay in good academic standing, take part in mentoring / leadership programs, and engage in community or social-impact activities. (uwc.ac.za)
Real Impact: What the Numbers Tell Us
To get a sense of scale and impact:
- Over 57,000 young Africans have received — or are in the process of receiving — MCFSP scholarships. (mastercardfdn.org)
- By 2030, the target is to double that number to 100,000 scholars. (mastercardfdn.org)
- The financial investment is massive: more than US$ 3 billion disbursed so far toward scholarships and transition support. (mastercardfdn.org)
- More than 70% of scholars are young women, underscoring the program’s commitment to gender equity. (mastercardfdn.org)
Anecdotally, there are stories of scholars who started as economically disadvantaged students and now lead social enterprises, NGOs, or work as health professionals, educators, and community development officers. Through the Baobab Alumni Network, these individuals continue to connect, collaborate, and launch social-impact projects across Africa and beyond. (mastercardfdn.org)
Challenges & Things to Watch Out For
While MCFSP is powerful and transformative, it’s not without its challenges and limitations:
- Highly Competitive: Given the limited number of scholarships vs. the high number of applicants, many strong candidates may still be rejected.
- Uncertain Deadlines & Varying Requirements: Each partner university sets its own timeline and admission requirements, which can be confusing. Miss a deadline, and you could lose the chance.
- Not All Fields Covered: Not every university offers every course under MCFSP. For example, some universities don’t support science or medical degrees. (That’s why the partnership with UGHE — offering global health degrees — is notable.) (mastercardfdn.org)
- No PhD Funding (Usually): The Program typically covers only up to master’s level — so if you aim for a PhD, you’ll need to explore other scholarships or funding sources. (mastercardfdn.org)
- Burden of Proof for Need: Applicants often must submit detailed financial documentation — which can be a challenge for those from informal or rural economies where such documentation is less common.
Despite these, the benefits and opportunities far outweigh the challenges for many.
Why 2025 Could Be a Great Time to Apply
If you’re an African student (undergraduate or graduate) in 2025–2026, here’s why this moment is especially promising:
- New Partnerships = More Spots: With new institutions joining — including one in Nigeria (PAU) — there are more opportunities than ever before. (mastercardfdn.org)
- Diverse Range of Subjects: From humanities and management sciences to health, public policy, computational sciences, and more — there is a wide array of courses depending on the university.
- Rising Global Demand for African Talent: Employers, NGOs, governments, and international bodies are increasingly looking for skilled, educated Africans with global exposure and commitment to social change. MCFSP alumni are uniquely positioned in that regard.
- Support Beyond Graduation: The program doesn’t just give you a degree — it offers career guidance, mentorship, and a global alumni network focused on social impact and development. This could help you build a meaningful career post-graduation.
Call to Action: Should You Apply?
If you meet the criteria — academically capable, financially constrained or socially marginalized, driven to learn, and committed to giving back — then yes, applying is worth it. MCFSP isn’t just a scholarship: it’s a tremendous opportunity to transform your life and contribute to your community, country, or continent.
And even if you don’t get selected immediately, the process of applying — preparing your documents, writing about your ambitions, envisioning your future — can itself help you clarify your goals and build a mindset geared for leadership and impact.
Start by picking a university, checking their admission cycle, gathering documents, and submitting both the academic and scholarship applications before the deadline.
Conclusion — MCFSP: A Gateway to Global Education and Local Impact
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program stands out as one of the most ambitious, impactful, and inclusive scholarship initiatives in recent memory. By 2025, it has grown far beyond its original scope now partnering with universities around the world, supporting tens of thousands of young Africans, and building a powerful network of future leaders.
For ambitious young Africans facing social or financial barriers, MCFSP offers not just a fully funded education, but a transformative path from high school or undergraduate graduation to global exposure, leadership training, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to their societies.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Could this be me?” the answer is probably yes. What’s stopping you might only be a few clicks, a couple of completed applications, and a bit of courage.
Go ahead — apply. The future of Africa needs you.