The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), will provide graduate scholarships to train 120 young African professionals at the master’s level for various programs over 5 years (2025 – 2030). This is a fully immersive and traditional on-campus 2-year master’s program with an emphasis on technology and innovation. Recognizing the rapid evolution of the global digital economy, this program aims to equip African youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in areas such as technology and sustainable innovation.
30 Scholarships are available for students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic year, which will cover the full tuition fees, expenses for accommodation, and comprehensive support for the 2-year graduate program. On top of financial support, Scholars will participate in activities as part of the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU, including leadership curriculum, individual mentorship, and other events and programming. While classes are in session, Scholars have the opportunity to work part-time in on-campus positions, either with the Baobab Platform team or in the broader ASU community. Between the first and second year, Scholars will be supported to participate in a 2-month Africa-based internship that aligns with their program of study.
A strong expectation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is that participants return to their home countries to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic growth. Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. ASU is committed to enhancing the quality of students' educational experience by ensuring accessibility for all programs and services.
Established in 1885, Arizona State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Tempe (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Arizona. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale, Lake Havasu City. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Higher Learning Commission, Arizona State University (ASU Tempe) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution. Arizona State University (ASU Tempe) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 134 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 80-90% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.