The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is providing African students with opportunities to pursue fully supported higher education at leading universities across the continent.
The programme is designed to support academically talented young Africans who face financial and other barriers to higher education, while also helping them develop leadership, professional and career skills.
For Nigerian students seeking internationally recognised qualifications without travelling outside Africa, several universities across South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Benin and Ethiopia have participated in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
One of the latest opportunities is at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa, which has opened applications for its 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Depending on the institution and programme, Mastercard Foundation scholarships may provide support covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, visa-related costs, medical support and other educational needs.
Here are 10 African universities prospective applicants can consider.
1. University of Cape Town, South Africa
The University of Cape Town is one of Africa’s leading universities and a participating institution in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The programme supports academically talented African students who face significant financial and social barriers to higher education.
At UCT, opportunities have included undergraduate and postgraduate study, including selected postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees and coursework master’s programmes.
Beyond financial assistance, scholars can receive academic support, mentoring, leadership development and career-related opportunities.
Prospective applicants should first confirm that their preferred degree programme is available and that they meet UCT’s admission requirements before applying for the scholarship.
2. University of Pretoria, South Africa
The University of Pretoria is another South African institution participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The programme supports academically gifted African young people facing economic and social barriers to higher education. Its eligible beneficiaries may include refugees, displaced persons and persons with disabilities.
The university’s Mastercard Foundation programme has offered opportunities at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
As a research-intensive, multi-faculty university, the University of Pretoria offers programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
Applicants should, however, check the latest programme-specific admission requirements and scholarship application procedures before applying.
3. African Leadership University, Rwanda
African Leadership University (ALU), based in Kigali, Rwanda, is a private university and Mastercard Foundation partner institution.
The Foundation currently lists ALU among institutions with undergraduate opportunities through the Scholars Program.
The university places considerable emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and solving real-world problems.
This makes ALU an option worth considering for African students who want an undergraduate education that combines academic study with leadership and entrepreneurial development.
Applicants should confirm ALU’s current admission requirements and Mastercard Foundation eligibility criteria before submitting an application.
4. Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Rwanda
Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is particularly relevant to students interested in technology, engineering and other digital fields.
The Kigali-based institution offers postgraduate programmes and has participated in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Its programmes focus strongly on technology and engineering, making it an option for graduates seeking advanced training in areas relevant to Africa’s growing digital economy.
Applicants should note that admission to a CMU-Africa postgraduate programme and eligibility for Mastercard Foundation funding are separate requirements.
5. Makerere University, Uganda
Makerere University in Kampala is one of Uganda’s major higher education institutions and a participant in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The Foundation currently lists Makerere among institutions with postgraduate opportunities.
This makes the university particularly relevant to African graduates seeking master’s and other postgraduate study opportunities within the continent.
Makerere offers programmes across several academic disciplines and has been involved in Mastercard Foundation initiatives aimed at supporting young African leaders and students facing barriers to higher education.
Applicants should monitor the university and Mastercard Foundation for current scholarship openings and eligibility requirements.
6. Ashesi University, Ghana
Ashesi University is a private university in Ghana that has been part of the Mastercard Foundation’s African tertiary education network.
The university has previously supported undergraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars and is recognised for its focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and problem-solving.
For Nigerian students considering undergraduate study in Ghana, Ashesi remains an institution worth monitoring.
However, prospective applicants should note that the Mastercard Foundation’s current directory lists Ashesi’s scholarship applications as closed.
Students should therefore watch for future application cycles rather than assume that applications are currently open.
7. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is a major public university in Ghana and another institution associated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
KNUST is particularly attractive to students interested in science, technology, engineering and other technical disciplines.
The university has participated in the Mastercard Foundation’s tertiary education initiatives aimed at improving access to higher education and developing young African talent.
The Foundation’s current directory lists KNUST’s scholarship applications as closed, so prospective applicants should monitor future application cycles.
8. United States International University-Africa, Kenya
United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is a private university in Nairobi, Kenya, and has been part of the Mastercard Foundation’s African higher education network.
The institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and attracts students from different African countries and beyond.
USIU-Africa has also participated in Mastercard Foundation initiatives focused on digital and inclusive education.
For Nigerian students, studying in Kenya offers an opportunity to experience another major African education and business hub while remaining on the continent.
Students should confirm the latest scholarship status through USIU-Africa and the Mastercard Foundation before applying.
9. University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
The University of Abomey-Calavi is a public university in Benin that has participated in the Mastercard Foundation’s African university network.
The institution has been included among the Foundation’s tertiary education partners.
For students looking beyond Nigeria, the university represents another potential destination for higher education within West Africa.
However, prospective applicants should pay particular attention to the language of instruction and programme requirements, especially where their previous education has been conducted primarily in English.
The Mastercard Foundation’s current directory lists the university’s scholarship applications as closed.
10. University of Gondar, Ethiopia
The University of Gondar in Ethiopia is another African institution that has participated in Mastercard Foundation higher education initiatives.
The university was involved in the Foundation’s e-learning initiative alongside institutions including Ashesi University, KNUST, Makerere University and USIU-Africa.
Its participation provides another example of how the Mastercard Foundation has supported access to higher education and digital learning opportunities across Africa.
However, prospective applicants should verify whether an active Mastercard Foundation scholarship is available for their preferred programme and level of study.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
The Mastercard Foundation does not operate one central application portal through which students apply to every participating university.
Instead, applications are generally managed by individual partner universities and institutions. Each university determines its own admission requirements, eligibility criteria, application process and deadlines.
Students interested in the programme should:
1. Identify a participating university offering their preferred programme.
2. Check the university’s admission requirements.
3. Confirm whether the Mastercard Foundation scholarship is currently open.
4. Prepare the required academic and supporting documents.
5. Apply through the official university or programme application portal.
6. Follow the scholarship instructions provided by the institution.
7. Monitor the university and Mastercard Foundation websites for updates.
Applicants should also be cautious of individuals or websites claiming to offer Mastercard Foundation scholarships in exchange for payment.
The Mastercard Foundation has warned about fraudulent accounts and individuals seeking money from applicants. Students should use only verified university and Foundation channels.
What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
The exact benefits differ according to the participating institution and programme.
Depending on the university and scholarship, support may include:
– Tuition fees
– Accommodation
– Living expenses
– Academic materials
– Medical or health support
– Visa-related expenses
– Travel support
– Mentorship
– Leadership development
– Career and professional development
Applicants should always check the specific scholarship details provided by the university because benefits and eligibility conditions can vary.
African Universities Provide Alternative Study Destinations
For Nigerian students, studying abroad does not necessarily mean travelling to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Europe or Australia.
Universities such as the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, African Leadership University, Makerere University and Carnegie Mellon University Africa offer opportunities to pursue higher education in different parts of Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can make some of these opportunities more accessible to academically talented students who meet the relevant financial, academic and other eligibility requirements.
However, partnership with the Mastercard Foundation does not automatically mean that a university is accepting scholarship applications at any given time.
Students should therefore check the current application status, eligible programmes, deadlines and requirements before beginning an application.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.