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.
This initiative will offer academically talented youth from Africa facing financial, gender, displacement, or disability constraints an opportunity to access world class university education.
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 quali
- Youth not exceeding 29 years old in the following categories qualify:
- Young women
- Young men
- 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-Africa’s admissions criteria and academic qualifications to undertake, any of the approved 11 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;
- 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 (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 on the undergraduate programs page.
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 here or pick the forms from the Admissions Office, located in the Main Administration building at USIU-Africa at no cost.
- Submit completed application form by email ensuring that the scanned copy of the scholarship application form and all the required documents are scanned in PDF format and clearly named while saving, with your name as the email subject to: or drop your application at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Office located on the 2nd Floor, Old School of Humanities and Social Sciences 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
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.
Required Documents:
A completed application should include the following:
- Application letter stating the following: a) Personal Background including family financial position. b) Why you chose USIU-Africa. c) Where you see yourself after graduation.
- Copies of academic documents (Final High school certificates);
- Recommendation from your high school teacher, head teacher or sponsoring organization. The letter must be current, official, stamped and signed.
- One recent Passport size photograph;
- A copy of your Birth certificate, National Identity Card or Passport and/or refugee travel document;
- A copy of refugee identity document (where applicable).
- A copy of disability registration document/card (where applicable)
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.