Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University 2027: Fully Funded Innovation and Technology Master’s Scholarship for African Students
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University is offering fully funded graduate scholarships for young African professionals pursuing master’s degrees in technology, innovation, and related fields. For the 2027–2028 academic year, 30 graduate study opportunities are available.
Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) provides fully funded graduate study opportunities for young African professionals. The current Phase III: Innovation and Technology cycle offers 30 scholarships for full-time, two-year, in-person master's degree programmes at ASU’s Tempe campus in Arizona, USA. The initiative is designed to remove financial barriers while preparing scholars with leadership skills and technical knowledge to foster sustainable social and economic development in Africa.
Eligible master's degree programmes include:
- Master of Science in Global Technology and Development
- Master of Science in Information Technology
- Master of Science in Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Data Science, Analytics and Engineering (Computing and Decision Analytics pathway)
- Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Master of Science in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
- Master of Science in Clean Energy Systems
- Master of Science in Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage and required student fees
- Support for required books
- On-campus housing accommodation
- Medical support and healthcare coverage
- Visa application processing costs
- Airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona
- English language proficiency test vouchers if required
- ASU graduate application fee waivers for shortlisted candidates
- Leadership development, mentorship, professional development, community engagement, and a two-month internship between the first and second years
Eligibility
- Must have earned or be on track to earn a recognized bachelor's degree by August 2027
- Must demonstrate a strong academic record equivalent to a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Must satisfy ASU’s English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission
- Must be a citizen of an African country
- Must be 18 to 33 years old on or before the application deadline
- Must demonstrate a record of leadership, service, community engagement, and a commitment to positive change
- Must not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree programme
- Must not be enrolled in or begin another graduate or master's degree programme while applying
- Must be able to relocate to Tempe, Arizona, USA, and reside on the ASU campus
How to Apply
Applicants must first complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship application before applying for admission to Arizona State University. Do not independently apply for admission to ASU or a graduate degree programme unless instructed to do so by the scholarship team. Applications can be submitted online or through the alternative downloadable PDF application form for candidates with limited internet access alongside supporting documents such as a CV or résumé, academic transcripts, and a recommendation letter.
Deadline
The application deadline is Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.