Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa 2026
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa 2026-2027 supports talented African students who need strong financial and learning support to study for a master’s degree. The programme helps students whose skills and promise are clear, but whose money resources are limited. The deadline for applications is 15 December 2025.
This support at Carnegie Mellon University Africa began in 2016. Since then, the programme has backed young people who want to grow as leaders and give real value to their communities across Africa. CMU-Africa is part of a global group of 33 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners that work together to develop young African leaders.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa gives more than a standard scholarship. It offers money support, learning support, and personal support so that students can focus on study and on service.
The vision is clear: use education as a strong tool to drive social and economic change. Scholars are encouraged to become active in their local and wider communities and to plan careers that help solve real problems in Africa.
Scholarship benefits for scholars
The programme offers a wide range of support so that scholars can meet both academic and personal needs during their time at CMU-Africa.
Holistic support
The scholarship covers many key costs, including:
- Help with preparing the application.
- Orientation activities at the start of the programme.
- Tuition and fees.
- Health insurance.
- Travel and basic living expenses.
- Support for projects and entrepreneurship work.
Scholars also have access to resources that help them stay healthy, manage stress, and do well in class.
Career preparation
Career growth is a core part of the support. During their time at CMU-Africa, scholars:
- Take part in internship and career fairs.
- Join networking events with industry leaders.
- Receive one-to-one career coaching sessions.
These activities help scholars plan clear steps after graduation and move into roles where they can apply the skills gained at CMU-Africa.
Leadership development
Scholars grow as leaders through day-to-day campus life and structured programmes. They:
- Join student clubs and groups.
- Take part in community service.
- Attend leadership training sessions designed around their needs.
The aim is to help students build strong leadership skills so they can guide teams, manage projects, and drive change with care and insight.
Giving back to the community
The give-back ethos is central to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Scholars:
- Lead and join service projects.
- Design and run activities that improve life for others.
- Work with the CMU-Africa community to grow their give-back goals.
This focus on service encourages scholars to keep community needs at the centre of their plans, both during and after their studies.
Who can apply for the scholarship
Eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa is clear and focused.
Applicants must:
- Be African students.
- Have an interest in studying one of these Master of Science degrees:
- Information Technology
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering Artificial Intelligence
The programme is designed for students who want to use these fields to bring change to their home countries and to the wider region.
Selection criteria for scholars
Scholars usually face social and economic barriers, yet they show high promise and strong values. The key attributes include:
- Academic talent: scholars care deeply about learning and show the drive to complete their education at a high level.
- Commitment to giving back: scholars have shown, through action, that they want to improve their communities.
- Potential to lead: scholars are likely to become role models, mentors, and change-makers in their fields and home areas.
These criteria help the programme find students who will use the support well and who will share the benefits with others.
How to apply to CMU-Africa as a Mastercard scholar
There are two main steps to apply to CMU-Africa as a potential Mastercard scholar. Both steps must be completed.
- Submit an online application through the CMU-Africa online application page.
- Complete the required tests listed on the CMU-Africa competency tests page.
Students should read each page carefully, gather their documents in advance, and make sure all details are correct before submitting.
Why students value the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
For many African students, the cost of a high-level master’s degree, travel, and living expenses can block access to further study. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa helps reduce these barriers by pairing full support with strong mentoring and career guidance.
Scholars gain:
- Full or wide financial support, so they can focus on study rather than constant money pressure.
- A learning space that promotes leadership and community impact.
- Links to a global network of 33 Scholars Program partners who focus on Africa’s young leaders.
This mix of support makes it easier for students to grow in knowledge, skills, and character, and to return home ready to serve in areas such as technology, engineering, and public service.
For more information, visit MCFSP at CMU-Africa.
