About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Arizona State University (ASU) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offering 30 fully funded graduate study opportunities to talented young Africans pursuing selected master's degree programmes in technology, innovation, engineering, data, and related fields.
The programme is offered through a partnership between Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation and is designed to support academically talented young African leaders who demonstrate a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
Successful scholars will undertake a traditional, full-time, two-year, in-person graduate programme at ASU's Tempe campus in Arizona, United States.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel, and other educational and personal support, alongside leadership development, mentorship, professional development, and community engagement opportunities.
About the ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University seeks to equip a new generation of African professionals with advanced knowledge, technical skills, leadership capacity, and opportunities to contribute to social and economic development.
In addition to their academic programmes, Scholars participate in enrichment activities designed to strengthen their leadership, professional networks, community engagement, and ability to create meaningful impact.
The programme therefore combines graduate education with leadership development and community-focused learning.
Number of Scholarships
For the 2027–2028 academic year, the programme is offering:
30 graduate scholarship opportunities
The scholarships are for eligible students admitted to selected full-time, on-campus master's programmes at Arizona State University.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a citizen of an African country.
Have earned, or be on track to earn, a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution by August 2027.
Have a strong academic record equivalent to at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Meet ASU's English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission.
Be between 18 and 33 years old on or before the application deadline.
Demonstrate a record of leadership and service.
Demonstrate a commitment to creating positive change in their community.
Have not previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master's degree programme.
Not be enrolled in, or planning to begin, another graduate or master's programme while applying for this scholarship.
Be willing and able to relocate to Tempe, Arizona, USA, and reside on campus for the duration of the programme.
Important Academic Requirement
A bachelor's degree is required.
Higher education diplomas, certificates, or other non-degree credentials do not qualify as equivalent to a bachelor's degree for this scholarship.
Eligible Master's Degree Programmes
The scholarship supports selected full-time, on-campus graduate programmes at Arizona State University, including:
Technology, Computing and Innovation
MS Global Technology and Development
MS Information Technology
MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
MCS Computer Science
MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering – Computing and Decision Analytics
MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Engineering, Sustainability and Energy
MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
MS Clean Energy Systems
MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Applicants should confirm that their intended programme is included in the 2027–2028 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offering before applying.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support.
Successful Scholars may receive:
Full Tuition and Academic Costs
Full tuition coverage
Required books
Student fees
ASU graduate application fee waiver
Travel Support
Airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona
Visa application processing costs
Accommodation and Healthcare
On-campus housing
Medical and healthcare support
English Language Support
English language proficiency test voucher, if required
Leadership and Professional Development
Scholars also participate in:
Leadership development
Mentorship
Professional development
Community engagement
Signature Mastercard Foundation programming
Other enrichment and networking opportunities
The programme is designed to support Scholars throughout their graduate experience rather than providing tuition assistance alone.
What the Programme Offers Beyond Financial Support
One of the distinctive aspects of the scholarship is its emphasis on developing leaders as well as highly skilled graduates.
Scholars have opportunities to build professional networks, develop leadership capabilities, participate in community engagement activities, and gain experiences that can help them apply their knowledge to challenges affecting their communities.
The programme encourages Scholars to connect their education with social and economic transformation in Africa and beyond.
How to apply