Fully Funded: How to Apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (2025/2026)

Hello, the BoaBlog readers! Are you ready to take the next big step in your academic journey?

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program has officially opened its applications for the 2025/2026 period. This prestigious scholarship is designed for international students from the African region, American region, and other under-represented regions across the globe.

If you have been missing out on other opportunities, this is the one I am dragging you to apply for! It is a fully funded life-changer, and I am confident that with the right preparation, you can secure it.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The MasterCard Foundation scholarship is fully funded, meaning it handles the financial burden so you can focus on your studies. Benefits include:

Full tuition fees
Full accommodation expenses
Travel costs (Airfare)
Monthly living allowances
Medical health insurance/surcharges
Additional perks and leadership development opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be a successful candidate, you must demonstrate excellence and need in the following areas:

Academic Excellence: You need a strong academic record. (Tip: Use your personal statement to showcase your skills and experience if you feel your grades don’t tell the whole story).
Financial Need: You must demonstrate that you come from an under-represented or low-income background.
Leadership Potential: The foundation looks for “change-makers.” You must show your leadership skills and commitment to giving back to your community.
Regional Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a region within Africa or other designated under-represented areas.
Educational Level: Opportunities are available for High School graduates (for Undergraduate degrees), Undergraduate graduates (for Masters), and Masters graduates (for PhDs), depending on the partner institution.

Required Documents

Before you start your application, ensure you have these documents ready:

Completed Application Form: Done directly via the partner university’s website.
Recommendation Letters: From high school teachers, lecturers, or tutors who know your potential.
Personal Statement: A compelling essay showing why you are the best fit, highlighting your leadership and financial need.
Proof of Financial Need: Such as bank statements.
Proof of Citizenship: A certificate of origin or passport.
Academic Transcripts: Both official and unofficial copies of your certificates and transcripts.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

It is important to note that you do not apply to the MasterCard Foundation directly. Instead, you apply through their Partner Institutions.

1. Visit the Official Website

Go to the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program website and click on the “How to Apply” section.

2. Choose Your Institution

The website lists affiliated partners categorized by:

Undergraduate Studies (e.g., American University of Beirut, etc.)
Graduate/Master’s Studies (e.g., McGill University, University of Cape Town, etc.)

3. Follow the Partner Link

For example, if you choose McGill University, click “Visit Site” from the dropdown menu. This will take you to that specific university’s scholarship page.

4. Check Deadlines and Specific Requirements

Every university has a different timeline. While many applications open in September, deadlines vary. Always check the “Selection Criteria” and “Application Deadlines” on the specific partner’s page.

5. Submit Your Program Application

Once you find your desired program (Arts, Law, Engineering, etc.), click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions to submit both your admission application and your scholarship application.

Official Foundation Resources

Official List of Partner Institutions: This is the most important link. It allows students to find every university currently accepting applications.
MasterCard Foundation Application Tips Series: A great resource where the Foundation shares “insider tips” and common mistakes to avoid.

Key Regional Partner Links (Examples)

Depending on your location, you can check out these popular partners:

In Africa:
- University of Cape Town (South Africa): For postgraduate and undergraduate leadership-focused degrees.
- University of Pretoria (South Africa): Focuses on African youth facing socio-economic challenges.
In North America:
- McGill University (Canada): Known for its “Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill” for African master’s students.
- University of Toronto (Canada): Fully funded graduate studies, specifically in health-related disciplines.
In Europe & Middle East:
- University of Cambridge (UK): Offers master’s scholarships with a focus on climate resilience and sustainability.
- American University of Beirut (Lebanon): Scholarships for both on-campus and online graduate programs.

A checklist is a perfect way to end your post because it gives your readers a clear path forward. You can present this as a “Downloadable Checklist” or a “Quick Reference Guide” at the bottom of the article.

MasterCard Foundation 2025: Your Final Success Checklist

Before you hit that “Submit” button, run through this final list to ensure your application is gold-standard:

[ ] The “Region” Check: Have I confirmed that I am a citizen or refugee from a qualifying region (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa)?
[ ] Partner Match: Have I applied to the University first? (Remember: Most partners require an admission offer before the scholarship is finalized).
[ ] Authentic Voice: Does my personal statement sound like me, or did I use a generic template? (Tip: The Foundation values your unique story over perfect “academic” prose).
[ ] The “Change-Maker” Proof: Have I included at least two specific examples of my leadership or community service?
[ ] Financial Transparency: Have I clearly explained my financial barriers without being afraid to show my true need?
[ ] References Management: Have my referees been briefed on the scholarship’s values (Leadership, Service, and Academic Excellence)?
[ ] Document Clarity: Are all my transcripts and certificates scanned clearly in the required format (usually PDF)?
[ ] No Fees: I have not paid any “processing fees” to an agent. (Remember: The official application is always free).
[ ] Deadline Double-Check: Am I submitting at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid website crashes?

Bonus: 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Plagiarism: Never copy a personal statement from the internet. The Foundation uses high-level detection software.
Incomplete Profiles: Leaving a single field blank can lead to automatic disqualification.
Rushing: This application is rigorous. Give yourself at least 2–3 weeks to refine your essays.

“Don’t let this opportunity slip away! Head over to the MasterCard Foundation Partner List right now and find your university. Your future self will thank you!”

Success awaits those who take action! Remember, your personal statement is your voice—make it hook the reader’s attention and showcase your unique story.

If you found this guide helpful, stay tuned for more tips on writing winning personal statements. I am rooting for you, and you should never stop rooting for yourself. See you at the top!

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