Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley 2026/2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley represents one of Africa’s most prestigious scholarship opportunities, offering talented young Africans a pathway to world-class graduate education and transformative leadership development.

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About the Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is a comprehensive ten-year partnership dedicated to developing the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and energetic leaders from across Africa. Housed within the Center for African Studies, this initiative commits to supporting over 200 master’s degree students through 2030.

This program is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans—particularly young women—to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley actively recruits talented individuals across the African continent, with special emphasis on encouraging applications from women, people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons.

Important: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley exclusively supports master’s degree candidates. Doctoral degree applicants are not eligible for this scholarship.

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley, candidates must meet specific citizenship, academic, and commitment criteria:

Citizenship and Residency

• Must be a citizen of an African country
• Includes Africans who have been forcibly displaced or hold refugee status within the African continent
• Individuals with dual citizenship, asylee status, refugee status, or permanent residency in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible

Academic Excellence and Leadership

• Must demonstrate exceptional academic talent
• Must first secure admission to a UC Berkeley master’s degree program (this is mandatory before scholarship consideration)
• Must show leadership potential and commitment to developing transformative leadership skills that generate ethical, positive, and lasting change

Barriers and Community Commitment

• Must have experienced significant barriers to accessing quality higher education (financial, social, personal, practical, or health-related)
• Must demonstrate commitment to giving back to their community, country, or continent through engagement in activities beyond academics
• Must express clear intention to return to their home country after completing studies to apply their knowledge and skills toward community development

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Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley provides a comprehensive, fully funded scholarship package that eliminates financial barriers to graduate education:

• Complete Tuition Coverage: Full payment of tuition and UC Berkeley student fees
• Travel Support: Coverage of international travel, visa processing, and SEVIS fees
• Living Expenses: Comprehensive support for housing, food, and daily living costs throughout the program
• Leadership Development: Access to exclusive cohort programs focusing on entrepreneurship and transformative leadership
• Networking Opportunities: Connection with a community of emerging African leaders and Berkeley’s extensive alumni network

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Application Guidelines

The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley follows a multi-stage timeline aligned with UC Berkeley’s graduate admissions cycle:

Timeline Overview (2026-2027 Cycle)

September – Early January: UC Berkeley Admission Application

• Apply to your chosen UC Berkeley master’s degree program through regular admissions
• Most program deadlines fall in December
• Critical: Only first-round applicants (before January) are considered for the Scholars Program

November 15: Optional Application Fee Waiver Deadline

• Applicants from African countries who complete demographic information and list at least two recommenders by this date will receive an invitation to apply for an admission fee waiver
• Waiver decisions communicated before December 1

February: Supplemental Scholarship Application

• Candidates nominated by their graduate programs receive invitations to complete the supplemental scholarship application

March: Online Interviews

• Selected candidates participate in virtual interviews with the selection committee

Late March/Early April: Final Decisions

• Scholarship awards announced

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Required Documents

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley, candidates must prepare:

For UC Berkeley Graduate Admission:

• Completed online application to your chosen master’s program
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3, depending on program requirements)
• Statement of purpose specific to your graduate program
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) if applicable
• GRE scores (if required by your specific program)
• Application fee or fee waiver documentation

For MCFSP Supplemental Application (by invitation only):

• Supplemental essays addressing leadership experience, barriers overcome, and commitment to returning to Africa
• Documentation of citizenship and any displacement/refugee status
• Additional information about financial need and barriers to education

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Program Structure and Duration

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley structure aligns with the duration of your chosen master’s degree program:

Academic Component

• Duration varies by master’s program (typically 1-2 years)
• Full integration into UC Berkeley’s academic community
• Access to world-class faculty and research facilities

Leadership Development Component

• Participation in exclusive MCFSP cohort programming
• Workshops and seminars on transformative leadership
• Entrepreneurship training and skill-building sessions
• Mentorship from alumni and African leaders
• Community engagement projects

Network Building

• Connection with fellow Scholars from across Africa
• Access to the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars network globally
• Engagement with UC Berkeley’s Center for African Studies community

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Why You Should Apply

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley offers transformative opportunities that extend far beyond financial support:

World-Class Education

Earn your master’s degree from one of the world’s top-ranked universities without financial burden, gaining knowledge and credentials that open doors globally.

Develop Transformative Leadership

Build the skills, mindsets, and networks necessary to drive meaningful change in your community and across Africa through specialized leadership programming.

Join a Movement

Become part of a continental network of emerging leaders committed to Africa’s socio-economic transformation, with connections that last a lifetime.

Return with Impact

Gain the tools, training, and confidence to address critical challenges facing your community upon your return home, contributing to Africa’s development.

Remove Financial Barriers

Focus entirely on your academic and leadership development without worrying about tuition, living expenses, or travel costs.

Special Encouragement for Priority Groups

The program actively seeks to support women, people with disabilities, and refugees or displaced persons—recognizing that diverse perspectives drive innovation and change.

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How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley:

Step 1: Research and Select Your Master’s Program

Visit the UC Berkeley Graduate Division website to explore master’s programs aligned with your academic and professional goals. Review specific program requirements and deadlines.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Gather all required documents for your chosen graduate program well in advance of deadlines. Request letters of recommendation early and craft compelling statements that demonstrate your academic excellence and leadership potential.

Step 3: Submit UC Berkeley Graduate Application

Apply to your chosen master’s program by the first-round deadline (typically in December). Remember, only first-round applicants are considered for the MCFSP scholarship.

Step 4: Apply for Fee Waiver (Optional)

If needed, complete demographic information and list recommenders by November 15 to receive a fee waiver invitation for the application fee.

Step 5: Await Nomination

If admitted to a UC Berkeley master’s program, strong candidates will be nominated by their department for scholarship consideration.

Step 6: Complete Supplemental Application

If nominated, you’ll receive an invitation to complete the MCFSP supplemental application in February. This is your opportunity to share your story, barriers overcome, and commitment to Africa’s development.

Step 7: Prepare for Interview

Selected candidates will be invited for online interviews in March. Be ready to discuss your leadership experiences, academic goals, and plans for contributing to your community.

Step 8: Await Final Decision

Scholarship decisions are typically announced in late March or early April.

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Get Started Today

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is more than a scholarship—it’s an investment in Africa’s future through its most promising young leaders. If you’re an academically talented African with leadership potential and a commitment to transformative change, this program could be your pathway to making a lasting impact.

For more information and detailed requirements:

• Visit the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions page
• Explore the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley website
• Contact the Center for African Studies for program-specific questions

Start preparing your application today and take the first step toward joining a continental movement of transformative leaders.

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