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.
USIU-Africa appreciates your interest in the Scholars Program made possible by the partnership of Mastercard Foundation and USIU-Africa.
By completing this application, you are taking in a process that will allow us to learn more about you, your achievements, and your goals as a potential Scholar of this Program. We encourage you to read the application The application form is NOT FOR SALE and NO PAYMENT IS REQUIRED.
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. Young women are strongly encouraged to apply
- Refugees and displaced youth;
- Youth with disabilities.
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.
Must be interested in, and meet USIU admissions criteria and academic qualifications to undertake, any of the approved 11 undergraduate degree program 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;
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS)-Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of 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.
Duration of Award: 4 years
Application Process
Timeline:
- Review of applications and communication to shortlisted Candidates – Monday, October 4 to Friday, October 29, 2021
If you do not hear from us by this date, please consider your application not successful.
- Interviews – Monday, November 4 to Friday, December 10, 2021
- Communication to successful Candidates – Tuesday, December 14 to Friday, December 17, 2021
- Home Visits – Monday, January 10 to Friday, February 11, 2022
- Travel preparation, assistance for passport, visa and flight tickets application for international students – Monday, January 20 to Friday, April 8, 2022
- Reporting to USIU-Africa for Pre-University Orientation – Sunday, April 17, 2022
- Scholars Pre-University Orientation – Monday, April 18 to Friday, April 29, 2022
- University wide orientation – Monday, May 2 to Friday, May 6, 2022
Download the Application Form.
Submit completed application forms by email as an attachment, ensuring that the scanned copy of the scholarship application form and all the required documents are legible and send to mcfsp-applications@usiu.ac.ke or drop your application at Admissions Office, located in the Main Administration building at USIU- Africa, or post your application to:
Program Director,
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program,
United States International University – Africa,
P. O. Box 14634 – 00800, Nairobi – Kenya
Any queries can be directed through e-mail at mcfsp@usiu.ac.ke or phone +254730 116 218 or in person
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.