Mastercard Foundation/Arizona State University Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026–2027: Empowering Africa’s Future Leaders
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), is offering a transformative opportunity for young African professionals through the Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026–2027. This fully funded scholarship aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation and sustainable development across Africa.
About the Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation/ASU Innovation and Technology Scholarship is a comprehensive program designed to support 120 young African professionals over five years (2025–2030). For the 2026–2027 academic year, 30 scholarships are available for students admitted to various graduate programs at ASU. The scholarship provides full financial support for a two-year, on-campus master’s program with an emphasis on technology and innovation.
Key Features:
- Fully Funded: Covers full tuition fees, accommodation expenses, airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona, visa application costs, English language test fees, and program application costs.
- Comprehensive Support: Includes books, medical expenses, and participation in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU, which offers leadership curriculum, individual mentorship, and other events and programming.
- Work Opportunities: Scholars have the opportunity to work part-time in on-campus positions, either with the Baobab Platform team or in the broader ASU community.
- Internship Experience: Between the first and second year, scholars are supported to participate in a two-month internship that aligns with their program of study.
Eligible Graduate Programs
The scholarship is available for the following full-time, on-campus graduate programs at ASU:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MSE Sustainable Engineering
- MS Information Technology
- MS Business Analytics
- MEd Learning Design and Technologies
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation/ASU Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: Must qualify academically for admission to the degree of their choice, including English proficiency.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African country committed to ethical leadership and demonstrated engagement in their community.
- Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 33 on or before the application deadline.
- Leadership and Service: Demonstrate a track record of leadership and service in their community.
- Academic Excellence: Show academic excellence and ambitions that exceed one’s financial resources.
- Undergraduate Degree: Must have earned an undergraduate degree conferred by July 2026.
- Graduate Studies: Applicants must not have started or completed other graduate or master’s degrees before August 2026.
- Residency: Applicants must be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona, for the duration of the program.
Application Process
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation/ASU Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026–2027 involves the following steps:
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a personal statement.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application form and submit all required documents by the deadline.
- Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- Notification: Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions.
Note: All application materials must be entirely the applicant’s original work. Using artificial intelligence tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Bard, or similar software) to generate, edit, or assist with any part of the application is strictly prohibited. Any application that includes content created or modified with the help of AI will be immediately disqualified and rejected without further consideration.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: September 14, 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Program Start Date: August 2026
Why Apply?
The Mastercard Foundation/ASU Innovation and Technology Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for young African professionals to gain world-class education and training in fields critical to Africa’s development. By participating in this program, scholars will:
- Acquire advanced skills in technology and innovation.
- Engage in leadership development activities.
- Build a global network of professionals and peers.
- Contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the Mastercard Foundation/ASU Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026–2027?
A1: The scholarship is open to young African professionals who meet the eligibility criteria, including being between the ages of 18 and 33, holding an undergraduate degree, and demonstrating leadership and service in their community.
Q2: What does the scholarship cover?
A2: The scholarship provides full financial support, including tuition fees, accommodation, airfare, visa application costs, English language test fees, program application costs, books, medical expenses, and participation in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU.
Q3: Can I apply if I have already started a graduate program?
A3: No, applicants must not have started or completed other graduate or master’s degrees before August 2026.
Q4: How can I apply for the scholarship?
A4: Interested applicants can apply through the official application portal. Ensure that all application materials are original and not generated or edited using artificial intelligence tools.
Q5: What are the benefits of the scholarship?
A5: In addition to financial support, scholars will participate in leadership curriculum, individual mentorship, and other events and programming as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU.
Q6: Where will the program take place?
A6: The program will be conducted on-campus at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona.
Q7: What is the duration of the program?
A7: The program is a two-year, on-campus master’s program.
Q8: Are there any work opportunities during the program?
A8: Yes, scholars have the opportunity to work part-time in on-campus positions, either with the Baobab Platform team or in the broader ASU community.
Q9: Is there an internship component?
A9: Yes, between the first and second year, scholars are supported to participate in a two-month internship that aligns with their program of study.
Q10: What is the application deadline?
A10: The application deadline is September 14, 2025, 23:59 GMT.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation/ASU Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026–2027 is a prestigious opportunity for young African professionals to advance their education and careers in fields critical to the continent’s development. By providing comprehensive support and fostering leadership development, this scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders to drive innovation and sustainable change in Africa.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference in your community and beyond, consider applying for this transformative scholarship. Remember to prepare your application materials diligently and submit them before the deadline to enhance your chances of success.
Click HERE to Apply