MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program for Africans

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program aims to educate and develop academically qualified but economically disadvantaged young people from Africa. The program's vision is to equip these young leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the economic and social transformation of the African continent. This is a significant $500 million initiative designed to support students at both secondary school and university levels.

This is a fully-funded scholarship program providing comprehensive support. Scholars receive financial assistance covering tuition fees, uniforms, books and supplies, transportation, accommodation, and living stipends. Beyond financial aid, the program focuses on 21st Century Skill Building, offering enrichment in areas like critical thinking, communication, and entrepreneurship. It also provides Transition Support, including mentoring, career counseling, internships, leadership development, and other life skills coaching to help students move into secondary school, university, or the workforce. A key component is the Give-back Component, where scholars commit to contributing to their communities and countries of origin through volunteerism, community service, and experiential learning. Graduates also gain access to an Alumni Network for continued support and opportunities.

This scholarship is open to citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa. Specific eligibility criteria, including academic requirements and other qualifications, are determined by each participating host institution or university. Ethiopian students are eligible as Ethiopia is in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Applicants must demonstrate academic qualification and economic disadvantage. A commitment to giving back to their communities and countries of origin is an integral part of the program, expected to be fulfilled through volunteerism, community service, and other forms of experiential learning. Specific academic and application requirements will be detailed by the individual universities.

Applications for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program must be submitted directly to the participating university or institution of your choice. It is crucial to visit the official MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program website (http://mastercardfdnscholars.org/) and the websites of the specific universities you are interested in for detailed information on their application processes, deadlines, and specific eligibility criteria.

The program aims to award $500 million worth of scholarships to 15,000 African students over a ten-year period. The deadline for applications varies significantly by university, typically falling between January and July for the 2016-2017 academic year. Fields of study are broad and depend on the offerings of the participating universities, with a general focus on programs relevant to growth sectors in Africa such as manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and agriculture.