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Description: The University of California, Berkeley, has partnered with The Mastercard Foundation in a global network of educational institutions and non-profit organizations that believe education is a catalyst for social and economic advancement. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to develop a cohort of ethical, entrepreneurial, and energetic young leaders who will drive socio-economic transformation in Africa. To date, the program has committed over USD $1.2 billion to support the education and leadership development of more than 40,000 young people.
Program Goals and Benefits
The future of Africa will be shaped by its young people, particularly talented, economically disadvantaged students who face significant barriers to accessing quality education. The Mastercard Foundation's strategy, Young Africa Works, aims to enable 30 million young people, especially young women, to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides next-generation leaders with access to quality education by delivering comprehensive financial, social, and academic support throughout their secondary and university education. This support also facilitates their transition to further study or the workforce.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship: Be a citizen of an African country, including those with refugee status within Africa. Dual citizens or those with permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.
Academic Talent: Applicants must first gain admission to a UC Berkeley master's degree program. Demonstrated academic excellence is a crucial criterion for admission.
Leadership Potential: The program seeks individuals committed to transformative leadership that engages others ethically to generate positive and lasting change.
Barriers to Education: This scholarship is designed for talented individuals who have faced significant barriers to quality higher education, including social, financial, personal, or health-related challenges.
Community Engagement: Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to giving back to their community, country, or continent, and should elaborate on their achievements in their application.
Intent to Return: Candidates must express a desire to return to their home country after completing their studies, using their education to address issues affecting their communities.
Program BenefitsThe Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support, including:
Full Financial Assistance: Covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and additional academic expenses, including flights and laptops for a smooth academic transition.
Mentorship & Leadership Development: Offers skill-building workshops and leadership training tailored for social and economic impact.
Professional Internships: Supports career exploration and provides a pathway for work experience in Africa.
Global Alumni Network: Connects Scholars with a community of change-makers dedicated to Africa’s future.
Application ProcessMaster's degree applicants must first apply to an eligible master's program before they can be nominated for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. If a graduate program has multiple admission rounds with staggered deadlines, only those who submit applications in the first round will be considered for the Scholars Program.
Each graduate degree program has specific requirements and deadlines, so applicants should review these carefully. The Graduate Division provides detailed information on the admissions process, and any questions regarding admission requirements should be directed to the specific graduate program.
While the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is not open to undergraduates, students at this level are welcome to apply to the University of California, Berkeley
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