Talented African students who wish to enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year can apply for full scholarships through the University of California MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2025. This program pays for tuition, housing, travel, and other costs, but it aims to develop future leaders more than it does financial aid. This scholarship can help you acquire the skills necessary to truly make an impact if you have a strong desire to address Africa's most pressing problems.

This transformative experience is provided by the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to awarding degrees, the objective is to develop morally upright, capable, and enterprising leaders who will propel Africa forward. With $1.2 billion in funding, the program has helped more than 40,000 youth to far. This could be your opportunity to study in the United States while spearheading change in Africa!

The future of Africa rests on its youth, especially the bright minds who face financial obstacles to receiving high-quality education. The Scholars Program is a vital link in line with The Mastercard Foundation's ambitious Young Africa Works plan. It offers substantial academic, social, and financial support, guiding these future leaders from high school to college and beyond, and then into further education or the workforce, thereby equipping them to steer the future of their continent.

How does the University of California MasterCard Scholarship 2025 benefit recipients?

1. This scholarship pays for all your major expenses, such as Tuition fees.
2. Housing is also taken care of under the program.
3. Daily living costs and Travel costs are also paid for.
4. You will also be provided with Health insurance.
5. You get to study at UC Berkeley, which is among the best universities in the world, with Great study programs and Opportunities to work on research.
6. The scholarship enables you to become a good leader.
7. You'll have full assistance during your stay there.

University Partners for the MasterCard Scholarship

African Development University, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), African Leadership Academy, African Leadership University, American University of Beirut, Arizona State University, Ashesi University, CAMFED, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, EARTH University, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Makerere University, McGill University, Sciences Po, United States International University Africa, University of Abomey-Calavi, University of British Columbia, University of Cape Town, University of Edinburgh, University of Gondar, University of Pretoria, and University of Toronto.

For the 2025 University of California MasterCard Scholarship, what are the requirements for eligibility?

You need to be a citizen of an African nation. This also includes displaced persons or those with refugee status in Africa. If you possess dual citizenship, asylum, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU, you do not qualify.

1. To begin with, you'll have to gain admission to a UC Berkeley master's degree program. Acquired academic ability is an essential requirement for this.
2. Applicant should be dedicated to developing the skills and leadership mindset of a transforming leader, an individual who calls forth ethical action and fuels lasting positive change.
3. This scholarship is designed for exceptionally gifted individuals who have experienced major obstacles to obtaining quality higher education, either social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related.
4. Applicant who plan to return to their home communities once they have finished their education and post-graduation training, using their new skills and contacts to make a difference.
5. Applicant should have graduated from an African university with their undergraduate degree.
6. Applicant should not already possess a postgraduate degree, master's or doctorate.
7. Applicant has not been previously supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Required document for University of California

1. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities that you've attended, indicating your coursework and grades.
2. A brief history of your education, professional experience, skills, and accomplishments.
3. An essay detailing your educational and professional aims, the reasons you're interested in studying at UC Berkeley, and how your selected program fits into your goals.
4. If you are not an English speaker, you will probably be asked for test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.
5. Personal Statement for Scholarship.
6. Proof that you have major financial obstacles to pursuing higher education.
7. African citizenship confirmatory documents.
8. They could be requested to clarify your activities in your community, plans to remain in Africa, and how you aim to contribute to its development.

How can I apply for a scholarship?

1. First, select an eligible master's degree program at UC Berkeley that aligns with your academic and career ambitions.
2. Submit the official UC Berkeley online graduate application form for your desired program.
3. Gather and upload all the required documents for your graduate program application.
4. If you qualify for the scholarship's requirements and are accepted to an appropriate program, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley will ask you to apply for a standalone scholarship application.
5. Complete the specific Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application form.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Mastercard Scholarship

For the most up-to-date and accurate information on eligible programs, deadlines, and qualified programs, please visit the official websites of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the UC Berkeley Graduate Division.

Official Website