Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) enters its third phase with a sharpened focus on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This 2027-2028 scholarship cycle offers 30 graduate study opportunities specifically designed for young African professionals seeking to advance their careers in technology-driven fields.
The program represents a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and ASU, delivered through both in-person and online pathways. For Zimbabwean and SADC region applicants, this presents a rare opportunity to access world-class graduate education in the United States with comprehensive financial support.
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Available Master’s Programs
Scholarships are available for nine full-time, on-campus graduate programs at ASU’s Tempe campus:
- MS Global Technology and Development – Examines technology’s role in international development
- MS Information Technology – Advanced IT systems and management
- MCS Computer Science – Computing theory and software engineering
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering – Big data and analytical systems
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems – Robotics engineering and AI integration
- MS Clean Energy Systems – Renewable energy technologies
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering – Infrastructure and sustainability
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use – Energy systems engineering
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems – Human-centered design and AI
What the Scholarship Covers
This is a fully funded scholarship package that eliminates financial barriers to graduate study:
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- Full tuition and academic fees for the entire program duration
- On-campus housing and books
- Visa processing, round-trip airfare, and medical insurance
- Leadership development programming
- Dedicated academic advising and support services
- Two-month internship placement between the first and second years
The internship component is particularly valuable for African applicants, providing US-based professional experience that can significantly enhance career prospects upon returning home.
Eligibility and Target Applicants
The program specifically seeks young African professionals committed to contributing to social and economic growth in their home countries. This expectation is binding—scholars must return to Africa after completing their degrees.
Priority groups strongly encouraged to apply:
- Women in technology and engineering fields
- Refugees and displaced persons
- People with disabilities
Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a clear vision for how their graduate education will benefit their communities. While specific GPA requirements are not published, competitive applicants typically hold strong undergraduate records in relevant fields.
Application Timeline and Deadline
The application deadline is Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT. This deadline is fixed and non-negotiable.
Given the competitive nature of the program and the time required to prepare graduate school applications (including standardized tests, transcripts, and recommendation letters), Zimbabwean and SADC applicants should begin preparation at least 6-8 months in advance.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps:
- Review the FAQs document and program flyer to confirm eligibility and program fit
- Prepare required documentation including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose
- Submit the online application through the official portal before the deadline
- Monitor email for interview invitations or additional documentation requests
Applicants with questions should contact [email protected] directly rather than relying on third-party information.
Why This Matters for Zimbabwe and SADC
For Zimbabwean professionals, this scholarship addresses a critical gap in advanced technology education. Zimbabwe’s technology sector is growing, but local graduate programs in specialized fields like robotics, data science, and clean energy remain limited. The return-of-service requirement aligns with national development priorities, ensuring that skills transfer directly to Zimbabwe’s economy.
The program’s explicit welcome to refugees and displaced persons is significant for the region, given ongoing displacement challenges in parts of SADC. Similarly, the strong encouragement of women applicants addresses persistent gender gaps in African technology sectors.
Program Structure and Community
Beyond individual degree programs, scholars join the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community—a network of thousands of African leaders across multiple university partnerships. This provides:
- Peer networking with scholars at other institutions
- Mentorship from program alumni
- Professional development workshops
- Connection to entrepreneurship resources
The two-month internship between years one and two is typically US-based, though specific placement arrangements are determined individually.
Official scholarship page: https://mcfscholars.asu.edu/phase-three-innovation-and-technology
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
