The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), will provide graduate scholarships to train 120 young African professionals at the master’s level for various programs over 5 years (2025–2030). This is a fully immersive and traditional on-campus 2-year master’s program with an emphasis on technology and innovation. Additionally, this program aims to equip African youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in areas such as technology and sustainable innovation.
When is the Application Deadline:
🗓️ 8 March, 2025
Tell Me About The Award:
Arizona State University (ASU), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering fully funded master’s scholarships to young Africans passionate about technology and innovation. The program develops future leaders who will drive digital transformation across Africa.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Which Fields are Eligible?
STEM, technology, engineering, innovation, and related fields.
Type:
Master’s degree (2 years)
Who can Apply?
- Citizens of African countries
- Applicants aged 18–35
- Must have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field
- Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to giving back to the community
How are Applicants Selected?
Based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, community engagement, and alignment with program goals.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
African countries
Where will the Award be Taken?
Arizona State University, USA
How Many Awards?
30 scholarships for the 2026 intake
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full tuition
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel costs
- Visa and health insurance
- Academic and leadership development support
How Long Will the Award Last?
2 years
How to Apply:
If you have limited internet access, click HERE to view and download the PDF version of the form. To submit, email your completed application and all required attachments (CV/Resume, Letter of Recommendation, and Transcripts) to mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu. However, if you can submit online, please click NEXT to proceed to the application.🔗 Apply Now
Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Makes a Good Scholarship Essay?
Question: What makes a good scholarship essay?
Answer:
A strong scholarship essay demonstrates how your personal and professional experiences make you a strong candidate for graduate studies at ASU and for the specific academic program you are applying to. Focus on clarity, relevance, and authenticity in your writing.
Question: How can I make sure my essay is well written?
Answer:
Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or professor to review your essay. They can help you catch grammar or spelling mistakes and check that your ideas flow well. A second set of eyes can strengthen your application.
Question: Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT to help write my essay?
Answer:
If you choose to use AI tools, you must ensure your final essay is personalized and authentic. Essays that feel generic or clearly generated by AI without human input are easy to spot and will weaken your application. Be sure your essay reflects your voice and story.
Question: What content should my essay include?
Answer:
Your essay should show what makes you unique and how your experiences have shaped your commitment to transforming Africa. It should also reflect a strong understanding of the graduate program you’re applying to and how it connects to your goals.
2. Application Process
Question: What should I do if I need help while filling out the application?
Answer:
If you have any questions or face challenges while completing your application, please email us at mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu. We are happy to help clarify requirements or troubleshoot issues.
Question: What academic programs are available through this scholarship?
Answer:
This scholarship offers the following academic programs:
- 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 Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Question: Am I able to apply to other academic programs?
Answer:
The scholarship will only provide opportunities for the above-listed academic programs. These are the programs that have been approved through this scholarship grant. No other programs will be available during this scholarship cycle.
Question: How will my application be evaluated?
Answer:
Applications will be reviewed based on academic background, leadership and service, quality of essays, and alignment with the program’s goals. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview.
Question: What if I change my mind about the academic program I selected?
Answer:
Please choose carefully. You will only be considered for the program you select. Changes may not be allowed after submission.
Question: Do I need to apply for academic admission before applying for the scholarship?
Answer:
No. You will need to apply for the scholarship first, and then you will be guided to apply for admission to Arizona State University only if you are selected to interview for the scholarship.
Question: Deadlines are approaching… do I need to apply to ASU before applying for the scholarship? Can I have financial assistance for the graduate application fee now?
Answer:
Admission to the academic program is not required for scholarship eligibility. We advise you to submit the scholarship application first. If you are selected as a scholarship finalist, you will be prompted to apply to the academic program. Do not pay for the application fee.
Please note, getting the scholarship does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
Question: Does getting the scholarship guarantee admission into the desired graduate program?
Answer:
No. But a graduate program admission is required in order to be selected for the scholarship.
Question: I will graduate with my bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree in 2026. Am I eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Answer:
Your bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree will need to be conferred before July 2026 to be considered eligible. No exceptions will be allowed.
Question: Can I select or apply for more than one academic program?
Answer:
No, we encourage applicants to select only one program they feel a strong interest in.
Question: Can you provide funding for an academic program of my choosing?
Answer:
No, the current scholarship opportunity is only available for the specific programs listed on the application page. These opportunities were pre-arranged with the Mastercard Foundation and the academic departments long ago.
Question: What if I don’t have a Bachelor’s degree, but I have something that is post-high school education?
Answer:
To be considered for this scholarship, it is a requirement that you have a bachelor’s degree or that you have completed your bachelor’s degree by July 2026.
3. Recommendation Letters
Question: Could you elaborate on the recommendation letter requirements?
Answer:
This scholarship application requires one letter, which should speak to your leadership, academic success, etc. Most academic admission applications require more than one letter, and you might be able to reuse the letter of recommendation submitted for this scholarship. Please ensure that you are uploading PDF recommendations that are signed by the recommender. Word documents may not be reviewed.
Question: Can I use an older letter of recommendation?
Answer:
You can, but we strongly encourage using letters written within the past year. Recent letters give reviewers the most up-to-date view of your experience and strengths.
Question: Can my recommender submit a letter of recommendation directly? To whom should my letter of recommendation be addressed?
Answer:
Our preference would be to have your recommender send the letter directly to you, and you can upload it when you submit the rest of your application materials.
However, if your recommender would like to send your letter directly to us, advise them to include your name, and send it to our email address: mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu
Question: Does submitting a non-academic recommendation letter reduce your chances of being accepted?
Answer:
A non-academic recommendation letter is fine for the scholarship application, but the academic program will require recommendation letters that speak to your academic abilities/experience.
4. Transcripts and Language Requirements
Question: Do I need to submit an official translation if my transcript is in French?
Answer:
Please submit the responses to the online scholarship application form in English. For the additional materials, including letters of recommendation, resumes, and transcripts, those can be submitted in French. Our Francophone staff will be able to review your application materials in full.
An official transcript translation will only be needed if you are selected as a scholarship finalist. At that point, you may be asked to produce an official translation to apply to the academic program. However, for this scholarship application, a transcript translation is not required.
Question: Do I need to submit proof of English proficiency for the scholarship?
Answer:
No, it is not required for the scholarship application. However, if selected as a finalist, you will need to provide it for ASU graduate admission.
