Most people see "Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program" and ask, "Which country should I apply to?" That's the wrong first question. The program doesn't run one central application, so the real decision is which partner institution fits your course, your documents, your budget for applying and your chances. This guide helps you compare African and overseas partners before you spend money or time.
How the program actually works
According to the Mastercard Foundation's official Scholars page, the program is managed through partner universities and non-governmental organizations. Those partners run the application process and make the decisions. You don't apply to the Foundation itself.
The same page says partners are primarily in Africa, with others in North and Central America, Europe and the Middle East. Scholarships are offered at secondary, undergraduate and master's levels. They are not currently available to PhD candidates.
The Foundation also says it does not give sponsorship or financial support to candidates who are not awarded a scholarship through the program. So no side door exists. If a person offers one for a fee, be suspicious.
What stays the same and what changes by partner
The Foundation describes the support as financial, psychosocial and academic. Financial support includes, but is not limited to, tuition, accommodation, books and other academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development and a return air ticket to your country of origin where necessary.
What changes is everything around the application. Each partner sets its own programs, admission timelines, fees and guidelines. Each also sets its own deadline. Never rely on a deadline you saw in a WhatsApp group; check the partner's own program page.
African partner or overseas partner: a comparison
| Factor | Africa-based partner | Overseas partner (for example North America) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry tests | The Foundation says it has partnered with Africa-based universities whose programs do not require SAT or TOEFL scores. Check each one. | The Foundation says North American universities require TOEFL and/or SAT scores from international candidates. |
| Upfront cost | Application fees vary by partner. Some may have none. | Application fees plus test fees are common, so costs can be higher. |
| Fee refund | Where a fee is charged, the Foundation says it is reimbursed if you are selected. | Same rule, but you carry the cost until a decision. |
| Travel | Often shorter distance, and a return ticket is covered where necessary. | Longer travel and a visa process you must handle. |
| Your own pace | Better if you want to apply to several places cheaply. | Better if your course or career plan truly needs that institution. |
Treat the table as a starting point. Details can differ between partners, so confirm on each partner's page.
A step-by-step way to decide
- Write down your level and course. Secondary, undergraduate or master's only. If you're a PhD seeker, this program isn't for you; read our PhD funding basics instead.
- List partner institutions that offer that course. Start from the Foundation's Scholars page and follow its "Where to apply" links.
- Open each partner's program page. Note the deadline, the fee, required tests and documents.
- Mark which ones need SAT or TOEFL. Be honest about whether you can afford and prepare for them in time.
- Pick a small, realistic set. The Foundation says you can apply to as many partners as you want, but each package takes a great deal of effort and fees may apply.
- Build one core document set. Transcripts, CV, personal statement and referee details can be adapted per partner.
A worked example (hypothetical)
Say Amaka, a Nigerian graduate, wants a master's in public health. She finds six partners offering something close. Two are in Africa with no test requirement, one is in Europe and three are in North America needing tests.
Suppose the three North American ones each charge a fee, and she'd also pay for TOEFL. Even if fees are later reimbursed on selection, she must pay first and the tests may cost more than she has. She decides to apply to the two African partners and the European one, and to ask about test support for just one North American partner whose program matches her interest most closely. That's three or four serious applications instead of six rushed ones. The numbers here are invented; your own costs will differ.
If tests and fees are a barrier
The Foundation names some options that have helped applicants. Ask your counsellor or principal for a letter of support expressing confidence in your academic achievements, then send it with your story to the admissions office. Some candidates have also found help with SAT or TOEFL costs through EducationUSA. Read how to approach that in our EducationUSA guide.
The Foundation says it can't influence these admission requirements, so ask early and politely rather than assuming a waiver exists.
Common mistakes
- Assuming admission equals a scholarship. The Foundation says the program is highly competitive and admission to a partner doesn't guarantee selection.
- Applying everywhere. Quantity weakens quality and drains your fee budget.
- Using third-party deadlines. Only the partner's own page counts.
- Paying a "scholarship agent." Applications go straight to partners. See our guide on fake scholarship agents if you've been approached.
- Asking the Foundation about your status. Decisions are made by partners, so contact the institution you applied to.
Which route fits whom
If money for fees and tests is tight, begin with Africa-based partners that don't require SAT or TOEFL. If your field depends on facilities or networks found only abroad, an overseas partner may be worth the extra effort, but only if you can complete the requirements on time. If you're unsure, a mixed shortlist of two or three works well.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to more than one partner?
Yes. The Foundation says there is no limit, but each application takes effort and may carry a fee.
Is there one national deadline?
No. Each partner sets its own deadline, so check each program website.
Do I get my application fee back?
The Foundation says that where a fee is required, it is reimbursed if you're selected for the program.
Can I use it at a university that isn't a partner?
No. The program is implemented through partner universities and NGOs.
Next step: open the Foundation's Scholars page, pick three partners that offer your course, and write each one's deadline, fee and test requirement in a single table.
Sources
Details checked against the official sources above on 4 November 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.