Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley
Eligible Degree
Master’s degree programs (2 years or less)
Bachelor’s and doctoral programs are not eligible.
Brief Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley supports academically talented and socially responsible students from Africa who face significant barriers to accessing higher education. Scholars are selected for their leadership potential and commitment to giving back to their communities and countries.
Details of the Scholarship
Master’s Program Requirements: Applicants must first apply to a UC Berkeley master’s program and be admitted before being nominated for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Application Process: Only those who apply in the first round of graduate program applications can be considered for the Scholars Program.
Eligible Programs: The scholarship covers a wide range of master’s programs, including:
Architecture (M.Arch), Art (MFA), Business Administration (MBA), City & Regional Planning (MCP), Development Practice (MDP), Education (MA), Environmental Science, and various Engineering programs (M.Eng, MS), among others.
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African country. Africans with refugee status within the continent are also eligible. Dual citizens or those with permanent residency in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.
Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate strong academic talent and must be admitted to a UC Berkeley master’s program.
Leadership Potential: Candidates must show a commitment to developing transformative leadership skills to generate positive and lasting change.
Barriers to Higher Education: Applicants should have experienced significant barriers to accessing higher education, such as financial, social, or health-related challenges.
Commitment to Community: Must demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities, with plans to return to their home country after completing studies.
Scholarship Values
The scholarship covers:
Tuition and student fees
Travel costs
Visa and SEVIS fees
Housing and living expenses
Leadership and entrepreneurship programs
Required Documents
Applicants must submit all necessary documentation required for their master’s degree program.
Additional materials for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program may be requested after admission.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
Step 1: Apply to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s degree program through the regular admissions process.
Step 2: After admission, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will invite selected applicants to apply for the scholarship.
Note: Applications must be submitted in the first round of the master’s program admissions process to be eligible.
Deadline
Varies by master’s degree program.
Applicants must refer to the specific program’s deadline and submit applications in the first round.
