The University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, invites applications for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This prestigious initiative is aimed at nurturing ethical, entrepreneurial, and energetic young leaders who will drive socio-economic transformation across Africa.
The scholarship provides full financial support, accommodation, living expenses, and opportunities for leadership and professional development.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Airfare Tickets
- IELTS: Not Required
- Deadline: Varies by Program
Scholarship Details
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most significant educational commitments on the continent, with over USD $1.2 billion invested to support more than 40,000 young people globally. At UC Berkeley, the program is managed by the Center for African Studies and has supported over 120 students between 2012 and 2020, with plans to extend support to more than 108 master’s students through 2030.
The program focuses exclusively on master’s degree students, as doctoral programs are not covered. Scholars benefit from world-class academic training, mentorship, and professional networks, while also engaging in leadership and entrepreneurship programs. The ultimate goal is to equip young Africans with the tools to lead transformative change in their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Scholarship at UC Berkeley 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country, including refugees or displaced individuals (North African citizens and those with dual citizenship or permanent residency in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible)
- Demonstrate strong academic talent, meeting the admission requirements of a UC Berkeley master’s degree program
- Show clear leadership potential with a commitment to ethical and impactful change
- Come from a socio-economically disadvantaged background with limited access to higher education opportunities
- Have a proven track record of community engagement and a willingness to contribute to social, political, or economic development beyond the classroom
- Express the intention to return home after completing studies to apply knowledge, skills, and professional connections toward national and regional development
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UC Berkeley is fully funded and covers:
- Tuition and student fees
- Travel, visa, and SEVIS expenses
- Accommodation and living costs
- Food and healthcare support
- Leadership and entrepreneurship training through specialized cohort programs
Note: MBA applicants must secure additional funding through the Haas School of Business scholarships by applying in Round One or Two deadlines.
How to Apply
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 at UC Berkeley:
- Apply first to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program through the university’s graduate admissions portal
- Only applicants who meet admission requirements will be invited to complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars application
- Review the list of eligible programs carefully, as not all graduate courses are covered
- Ensure you apply in the first admission round of your chosen program to be considered for the scholarship
- Visit UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division for detailed international admissions guidelines
