Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarship at Arizona State University (ASU) in the United States. The scholarship offers 30 fully funded graduate study opportunities for young African professionals who want to pursue selected master's degree programs in technology, innovation, engineering, and related fields. Register for our Coaching class for the IELTS

The program is offered by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in partnership with Arizona State University. Selected scholars will study full-time and on campus at ASU's Tempe campus in Arizona, while receiving academic, professional, leadership, and financial support throughout their graduate studies.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:

·       Full tuition and required student fees

·       Required books

·       On-campus housing

·       Medical/healthcare support

·       Visa application processing costs

·       Airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona

·       English language proficiency test voucher, if required

·       ASU graduate application fee waiver

·       Leadership development and signature programming

·       Academic advising and support

·       Mentorship and professional development opportunities

·       Community engagement opportunities

·       A two-month internship between the first and second years

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

·       Be a citizen of an African country.

·       Be between 18 and 33 years old on or before 27 September 2026.

·       Have earned, or be on track to earn, a bachelor's degree by August 2027 from a recognized institution.

·       Have a strong academic record equivalent to at least 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

·       Meet Arizona State University's English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission.

·       Demonstrate leadership, community service, and a commitment to creating positive change.

·       Have no previous enrollment in or completion of a graduate or master's degree program.

·       Not be enrolled in or begin another master's or graduate program while applying for this scholarship.

·       Be willing and able to relocate to and reside on the ASU campus in Tempe, Arizona, for the duration of the program.

Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Register for our coaching class for the Duolingo English Test 

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

The scholarship is available for the following full-time, on-campus master's degree programs:

1.     MS Global Technology and Development

2.     MS Information Technology

3.     MS Computer Science

4.     MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering (Computing and Decision Analytics)

5.     MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems

6.     MS Clean Energy Systems

7.     MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering

8.     MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use

9.     MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems

The scholarship supports a traditional two-year, in-person graduate degree experience at ASU's Tempe campus.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

·       Completed scholarship application form

·       Resume/CV in PDF format

·       One signed letter of recommendation in PDF format, dated within the past three years

·       Official or unofficial academic transcripts in PDF format

·       English translation of transcripts if they are not in English

·       Proof of English language proficiency, if available and applicable, in PDF format

·       Three Essays

The essays cover career aspirations and community impact, resilience/leadership/adaptability, and personal experiences that have shaped the applicant.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applicants must first apply through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.

Important: Do not apply directly to Arizona State University or to one of the graduate programs unless instructed to do so by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.

To apply:

1.     Prepare your scholarship application information and required documents.

2.     Complete the online Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarship application.

3.     Provide your personal, academic, leadership, entrepreneurship, and background information.

4.     Select your preferred master's program.

5.     Complete all three required essays within the specified word limits.

6.     Upload your CV/resume, recommendation letter, transcripts, and English proficiency proof if available.

7.     Carefully review all information before submitting.

8.     Submit the completed application before the deadline.

Applicants selected to advance will be invited for an interview and will receive further guidance on the ASU graduate admission process. Those invited to apply to ASU will receive an application fee waiver and should not pay an application fee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicants who need English proficiency testing may receive an English language proficiency test voucher, if required. Proof of English proficiency may not be necessary to complete the initial scholarship application, but it will be required for graduate admission where applicable. Register for our Coaching class for the IELTS

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT