Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026: Complete Application Guide

About the Program

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a premier entrepreneurship acceleration program designed to support African EdTech ventures transforming education across the continent. Implemented in partnership with leading innovation hubs and accelerators, the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship provides critical business support, financial resources, and evidence-based insights into the science of learning.

This Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship program prepares EdTech companies for sustainable scale and deep educational impact by fostering collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The accelerator equips the next generation of learners with essential tools to thrive while catalyzing positive change in education throughout Ghana and beyond.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, your organization must meet the following strict criteria:

Incorporation Status: Must be officially incorporated in Ghana
Operational History: Minimum of 3 years in active operation
Solution Type: Must offer a tech or tech-enabled solution specifically designed to improve educational outcomes in Ghana
Development Stage: Must be at the growth stage with a working product and active users
Impact Potential: Solution must demonstrate capacity to reach at least 8,000 learners
Team Composition: Must have an inclusive, diverse team passionate about transforming education

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship accepts applications from Startups, SMEs, and NGOs that meet these requirements.

Benefits

Companies selected for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship receive comprehensive support designed to accelerate growth and maximize impact:

Financial Support

$60,000 in equity-free funding for every accepted fellow
Access to additional funding opportunities to fuel business growth and long-term sustainability

Accelerated Growth

Structured curriculum specifically designed for EdTech startup development
Evidence-based frameworks to scale your educational impact

Expert Mentorship

Specialized support from sector experts and education industry leaders
Personalized mentorship aligned with your startup’s unique challenges and opportunities

Market Expansion

Opportunities to showcase solutions to key stakeholders in the education sector
Networking access to expand reach and deepen impact across Ghana and Africa

Application Guidelines

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship application process consists of three comprehensive stages:

Stage 1: Online Application Submission

Complete and submit the detailed application form before the deadline. Your submission must include comprehensive information across the following areas:

Company Details and Registration Information
Team Structure and Leadership
Solution and Product Design
Current Reach and User Base
Business Model and Revenue Strategy
Company Financials
Learning Outcomes and Impact Evidence
Scale Potential and Growth Strategy
Program Motivation
Supporting Attachments and Final Comments

Stage 2: Virtual Pitch and Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their EdTech solution and participate in a comprehensive interview with the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship selection committee.

Stage 3: Final Selection and Onboarding

Successful startups will be officially onboarded into the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship program and begin their acceleration journey.

Required Documents

When applying for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, prepare to upload the following documentation:

Certificate of Incorporation (Ghana)
Company Registration Documents
Financial Statements (covering operational history)
Product/Solution Demonstration Materials
Impact Evidence and Learning Outcomes Data
Team Profiles and Organizational Chart
Business Model Documentation
Current User Data and Reach Metrics

Additional supporting documents may be requested during the application review process.

Program Structure and Duration

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is structured as an intensive acceleration program that combines:

Curriculum-Based Learning: Comprehensive modules covering EdTech-specific growth strategies, sustainable business models, and evidence-based educational design
Mentorship Sessions: Regular one-on-one and group mentorship with industry experts
Peer Learning: Collaboration opportunities with fellow EdTech entrepreneurs across Africa
Funding Deployment: Strategic guidance on utilizing the $60,000 equity-free funding for maximum impact
Market Access Activities: Showcase events and stakeholder engagement opportunities

The program is designed to provide sustained support throughout your scaling journey.

Why You Should Apply

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship offers unique advantages for Ghanaian EdTech ventures:

Equity-Free Capital: Access $60,000 without diluting ownership or control of your company
EdTech Expertise: Learn from mentors who understand the unique challenges of educational technology in African contexts
Proven Impact Framework: Leverage evidence-based approaches to learning that drive measurable educational outcomes
Network Effects: Connect with a community of education innovators, investors, and policymakers
Sustainable Growth: Develop strategies for long-term viability beyond the fellowship period
Expanded Reach: Position your solution to impact thousands more learners across Ghana

If your EdTech venture is ready to scale its impact and transform education for at least 8,000 learners, the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship provides the resources, expertise, and network to make it happen.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship:

Review Eligibility: Confirm your organization meets all eligibility requirements
Gather Documentation: Prepare all required documents and supporting materials
Complete Application: Fill out the comprehensive online application form with detailed information about your company, team, solution, financials, and impact
Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted before January 30, 2026
Await Communication: The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship team will contact shortlisted applicants for the virtual pitch stage

Deadline

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship application window closes on January 30, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

If your Ghanaian EdTech venture has been operational for at least 3 years and is ready to scale its impact, submit your application to the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship before this critical deadline.

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure $60,000 in equity-free funding and accelerate your EdTech venture’s growth with the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.

Apply today!

About The Author

Henry Izuu

Henry Izuchukwu is a passionate business administrator who has dedicated his career to transforming lives through education and career development. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment across Africa, he connects aspiring students and young professionals with life-changing opportunities that help them achieve their dreams.

See author's posts

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