MasterCard Foundation                                                                     Deadline: Feb-July 2014
                                                                                                          Study in: USA & Africa
                                                                                                         Course starts September 2014
Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree

Brief description:

The vision of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is to educate and develop academically qualified yet economically disadvantaged young people in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent. This $500 million program will provide students in secondary school and university with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to contribute to economic and social progress across Africa.

Host Institution(s):

The following universities/institutions were selected for their commitment to academic excellence, nurturing environments, and programs relevant to growth sectors in Africa, such as manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and agriculture:

- African Leadership Academy, South Africa
- Ashesi University, Ghana
- American University of Beirut, USA
- Arizona State University, USA
- Duke University, USA
- Earth University, Costa Rica
- Michigan State University, USA
- Stanford University, USA
- Wellesley College, USA
- University of California, Berkeley, USA

Field(s) of study:

Approved fields of studies offered by participating Universities/Institutions.  See the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship pages of the Universities/Institutions above.

Number of Scholarships:

The Scholarship Programs aims to give out $500 million worth of scholarships to 15,000 African students in 10 years.

Target group:

Citizens of Sub-Saharan Africans

Scholarship value/inclusions:

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to provide students with holistic support, including:

Comprehensive Scholarships:  Students receive financial support for fees, uniforms, books and supplies, transportation, accommodation, and stipends.

21st Century Skill Building: Students benefit from enrichment in skill areas relevant to employment success, such as critical thinking, communications, and entrepreneurship.

Transition Support: Students will receive support during their transition into secondary school, university or the workforce with mentoring, career counseling, internships, leadership development, and other life skills coaching.

Give-back Component: An integral component of the Program is the commitment from the Scholars to give back to their communities and countries of origin. Students will demonstrate this commitment through volunteerism and community service, as well as other forms of experiential learning.

Alumni Network: Graduates of the Scholars Program will be connected through an alumni network that offers information, resources, and opportunities to consult with other graduates.

Eligibility:

Please check the specific eligibility criteria of the host institution/university you are interested in.

Application instructions:

Applications must be made directly to the participating university/institution of your choice. Deadline varies but is around February-July 2013 this year.

It is important to visit the institution’s or university’s websites (see above links) and the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  http://mastercardfdnscholars.org/