United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars Program. This initiative will offer academically talented youth from Africa facing financial, gender, displacement, or disability constraints an opportunity to access world class university education.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa will provide full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate degree-seeking applicants. -By completion of their studies, scholars will be required to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent, having been equipped with internationally recognized and locally applicable qualifications.
United States International University Africa Information
Established in 1989, United States International University Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 7,000-7,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), 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 30 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this Kenyan higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
. Only youth not exceeding 29 years old in the following categories qualify:
- Young women and men.
- Refugees and displaced youth;
- Youth with disabilities.
2. Scholars must demonstrate the following qualities:
- Academic talent: They must value learning and have a personal motivation to complete their education. Must meet the university admissions requirement as per the Kenya Commission for University Education or its equivalent.
- Commitment to giving back: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to improving their communities through previous and/or past engagements with community outreach activities.
- Leadership potential: Scholars must show commitment to becoming change makers, role models and mentors who embrace ethical leadership.
3. Must be interested in, and meet USIU-Africa admissions criteria and academic qualifications to undertake, any of the approved 13 undergraduate degree programs for the Scholars Program at USIU-Africa as follows:
- School of Science and Technology (SST) – Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology; Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS) - Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics;
- School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts (SCCCA) – Bachelor of Arts in Animation, Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Directing;
- Chandaria School of Business Administration (CSOB) - Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting;
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) - Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
More information about the above highlighted degree programs can be found at the university website: undergraduate-programs
Offered Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa will receive holistic support which includes:
- Tuition and functional fees;
- Laptops, books and other learning materials;
- Reasonable accommodation and meals;
- Medical insurance;
- Stipend;
- Transport to and from home;
- Access to leadership training;
- Access to entrepreneurial training;
- Psycho-social support, career counselling and mentorship;
- Disability needs will be reasonably catered for.
Application Process
- Interested applicants can download the application form from the USIU-Africa website or pick the forms at no cost, from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Office at the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Extension, 2nd floor.
- Before filling in the application form, please read through all the instructions and required information.
- Submit complete application together with other supporting documents required by email ensuring that the scanned copy of the scholarship application form and all the required documents are scanned in PDF format. Clearly name while sending with your name and nationality as the email subject to: or drop your application at the Scholars Program Office, located in the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Extension building at USIUAfrica, or post your application to:
Program Director,
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program,
United States International University – Africa,
P. O. Box 14634 – 00800, Nairobi – Kenya
- Download the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form (September, 2023)
- Download the Guidelines to a good Recommendation Letter
APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO SEND ONLY ONE COMPLETE APPLICATION. DUPLICATE OR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS WILL BE REJECTED. PLEASE NOTE THAT CANVASING WILL LEAD TO AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION.
For more information,
- Contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Team at USIU-Africa on:
- Email:
- Phone: +254 730 116 218 /500 /107 /148
- Click here for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Established in 1989, United States International University Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 7,000-7,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), 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 30 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this Kenyan higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.