The most common mistake with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is looking for a single application form. There isn't one. According to the Foundation's official page, the program runs through partner universities and NGOs, and those partners handle applications and make the decisions. So your real task is to pick the right partner and apply to it properly.
How the program is set up
The Foundation says it has committed over 58,000 scholarships and aims to reach 100,000 young people in higher education by 2030. It lists 62 global partners and says 71% of Scholars are young women. Partners are mainly in Africa, with some in North and Central America, Europe and the Middle East.
The page lists many countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal and others. Because each partner is a separate institution, what you need to apply differs from one to the next.
What the scholarship covers and what level it funds
The Foundation says support is financial, psychosocial and academic. Financial support includes, but is not limited to, tuition, accommodation, books and academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development, and a return air ticket to your country of origin if necessary.
Scholarships are offered at secondary, undergraduate and master's levels. They are not currently available to PhD candidates. If you are planning a doctorate, look at other funders instead.
The Foundation also says it gives no sponsorship or financial support to people who are not awarded a scholarship through this program. Anyone who contacts you offering a Mastercard Foundation award in exchange for money is not acting for the Foundation.
Step by step: how to apply
- Open the official page at mastercardfdn.org/scholars and use the "Where to apply" and "How to Apply" sections to find the list of partner institutions.
- Shortlist by level and course. Each partner offers different programs. Check that your degree level and subject are available.
- Go to the partner's own program website. Deadlines, fees and guidelines are set by each partner. The Foundation gives no single deadline.
- Read the requirements in full and make a checklist: transcripts, references, essays, test scores and any proof the partner asks for.
- Apply through the partner and keep a record of every submission and email.
- Follow up with the institution, not the Foundation, if you want your application status. The Foundation says partners manage this.
Admission is not the same as a scholarship
The Foundation states that the program is highly competitive and that being admitted to a partner university does not guarantee selection as a Scholar. Treat admission and the scholarship as two hurdles, and read the instructions to see whether the scholarship needs a separate section or essay.
Fees and tests: the cost barrier
Many partners charge admission fees. The Foundation says that where a fee is required, it is reimbursed if you are selected. You would still need to pay upfront, so budget for it.
North American universities require TOEFL and/or SAT scores from international candidates. The Foundation can't change these rules, but it suggests some options:
- Ask your school counsellor or principal for a letter of support expressing confidence in your academic ability, and send it with your story to the admissions office.
- Look for help with test costs through EducationUSA, which some applicants have used.
- Consider partner universities in Africa that offer undergraduate or graduate programs and do not require SAT or TOEFL scores.
A hypothetical way to plan your applications
Say Amaka, a final-year student in Lagos, wants a master's degree. She finds five partners. Two are in Africa with no SAT or TOEFL requirement, and three are abroad. She checks each website and finds that the three abroad need English tests and charge fees, while the African ones don't. These numbers are made up for illustration.
She applies to both African partners first, since they are cheaper and quicker to prepare. Then she decides whether the test costs for the others are worth it. The Foundation says you can apply to as many partners as you like, but it warns each package takes a lot of effort and may cost fees. A focused set of three or four strong applications usually beats ten rushed ones.
Comparing your options
| Factor | Africa-based partner | Partner in North America, Europe or Middle East |
|---|---|---|
| Test requirements | Some need no SAT or TOEFL, per the Foundation | North American partners require TOEFL and/or SAT for international candidates |
| Fees | Set by each partner | Set by each partner; reimbursed if you are selected |
| Deadline | Set by partner | Set by partner |
Common mistakes
- Paying an "agent". You never need one to apply, and the Foundation gives no money to people outside the program. See our guide on spotting fake agents if you can find it on the blog, and always verify through the official site.
- Waiting for a Foundation deadline. There is none. Check each partner's page now.
- Sending one generic essay everywhere. Tailor each to the partner and course.
- Ignoring the support letters option when tests are the barrier.
Prepare your documents early
Start by collecting transcripts, referees and a draft personal statement. Our 12-month scholarship timeline shows how to space the work. The Foundation also publishes a scholarship application tips series on its page, which is worth watching before you write.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one deadline?
No. Each partner sets its own, so check the partner's program website.
Can I apply to several universities?
Yes, with no limit, but each takes real effort and may carry a fee.
Can PhD students apply?
Not currently. The program funds secondary, undergraduate and master's levels.
Who do I ask about my application status?
The partner institution you applied to.
Next step: open the official page today, list three partners that offer your course, and note each one's deadline and fee in a simple table.
Sources
Details checked against the official sources above on 16 October 2026. Things change, so confirm on the official site before you act.
Scholarship details, deadlines and eligibility can change. Always confirm on the official website before applying, and never pay anyone who promises to "guarantee" a scholarship.