Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) enters its third phase in 2027-2028, expanding access to graduate education for African professionals. This iteration focuses specifically on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship through in-person master’s degree programs at ASU’s main campus.
The program is designed for young African professionals who will return home to drive social and economic growth. Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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What the Scholarship Covers
This is a fully funded scholarship that includes:
- Full tuition and fees for the entire master’s program
- On-campus housing
- Books and academic materials
- Visa processing costs
- Airfare to and from the United States
- Medical expenses
- Leadership development programming
- Academic advising and ongoing support
- A two-month internship between the first and second years of study
Eligible Master’s Programs
Scholarships are available for these full-time, on-campus graduate programs only:
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- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MCS Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
All programs are STEM-focused and designed to equip graduates with practical skills for Africa’s growing technology sector.
Who Can Apply
The scholarship targets young African professionals who meet these criteria:
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- Citizens of African countries (including Zimbabwe and SADC region)
- Demonstrated commitment to returning to Africa after graduation
- Strong academic background relevant to the chosen program
- Professional experience or clear career trajectory in technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship
The program explicitly welcomes applications from underrepresented groups. Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities receive strong encouragement to apply.
Program Structure and Commitment
The scholarship spans two academic years of full-time study. A distinctive feature is the mandatory two-month internship between years one and two, providing practical industry experience.
Scholars join the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community, connecting with peers across Africa and beyond. This network extends beyond graduation, creating lifelong professional relationships.
A core expectation—non-negotiable—is that graduates apply their education to benefit their home communities. This is not merely preferred; it is a fundamental program requirement.
How to Apply
The application process requires direct submission to Arizona State University. Follow these steps:
- Review the eligible master’s programs and confirm your interest aligns with the technology and innovation focus
- Prepare all required documentation (see Documents section below)
- Submit your complete application through the official ASU portal by the deadline
- Monitor your email for communications from the scholarship administrators
For detailed guidance, applicants should consult the official FAQs document and downloadable flyer referenced on the program page.
Application Deadline
Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT
This is a firm deadline. Late applications are not accepted. Applicants from Zimbabwe and southern Africa should note that this falls on a Sunday evening, so plan submission well in advance.
Contact and Resources
For questions not covered in the FAQs:
Email: [email protected]
Additional resources available:
- Comprehensive FAQs document (view online)
- Program flyer (downloadable PDF)
Why This Matters for African Professionals
For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants specifically, this scholarship addresses a critical gap: access to world-class technology education without prohibitive cost. ASU ranks among the top U.S. universities for innovation, and its location in the Phoenix metropolitan area provides exposure to a growing technology corridor.
The internship component is particularly valuable—U.S. work experience in technology fields is rare for African graduates and creates distinctive career advantages. The return-home requirement aligns with national development needs across SADC countries, where technology infrastructure and skilled professionals remain in high demand.
Compared to other U.S. graduate scholarships, this program’s explicit focus on technology and its integration with African institutional partners (through online and professional certificate pathways) creates multiple entry points for career advancement.
