If you’re an African student passionate about technology and leadership, the Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 might be your chance to shine. This fully funded master’s scholarship offers both education and a platform to become a transformational change-maker in your community.
Scholarship Categories
This opportunity is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Phase III: Innovation and Technology) at ASU. It targets young African professionals ready to develop tech-driven solutions to real-world challenges. ASU offers both online certificate scholarships and full scholarships for on-campus master’s programs.
Types of Scholarships Available
- Certificate Scholarships (online): Fully funded Graduate Certificates in areas like Global Management or Supply Chain Management, including coaching, ASU credits, and mentorship.
- Master’s Scholarships (on-campus): Full funding for select master’s degrees in technology and innovation, covering tuition, fees, housing, travel, living costs, and professional development.
Courses Available
Approved master’s degree options include:
- MS in Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
- MS User Experience
- MSc Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Online certificates include:
- Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management (W.P. Carey School of Business)
- Graduate Certificate in Global Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Thunderbird School of Global Management)
Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country committed to community service and ethical leadership.
- Be aged between 18 and 33 by the application deadline (June 1, 2025 for certificate track).
- Hold an undergraduate degree conferred by July 2025, with no prior graduate degrees started before August 2025.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and ambition that exceeds financial resources.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This is more than tuition support, it’s a full academic and professional mentorship experience, offering:
- Tuition and fees fully covered (certificate or full master’s program)
- 1:1 coaching and mentorship, access to ASU’s career and academic resources
- Transferable ASU credits if starting with the online certificate
- For master’s awardees: on-campus housing, book allowances, visa and medical expenses, airfare, leadership development, internship opportunities
Criteria for Application
Selection is based on:
- Academic achievement
- Demonstrated leadership and community engagement
- Fit between your ambition and ASU/Mastercard Foundation’s goals (technology-driven impact)
- Completeness and quality of application materials
Required Documents
Prepare to submit:
- A resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts and proof of degree completion
- Statement of purpose showcasing leadership, ambition, and commitment
- Evidence of leadership, community engagement, and ethical conduct
How to Apply for the Scholarship
- Choose your pathway: Apply for the graduate certificate if interested in online study and transfer credits.
- Or apply for the full master’s scholarship directly if planning to study on campus.
- Submit your application: Use the official ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program portal
- Interviews and selection: Qualified applicants may be invited to interviews. Final decisions are typically announced in early 2026.
- Start your journey: Master’s scholars begin at ASU in August 2026; certificate scholars can begin earlier, and top performers may be invited into the full master’s track.
Suggested Scholarships from My Blog
While this opportunity is fantastic, you may also explore:
- Chevening Scholarships in the UK
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia)
- University of Florida Scholarships (USA)
Summary
This Mastercard Foundation ASU scholarship opens doors to education, leadership, and meaningful impact in technology for Africa’s future. If you meet the criteria and are passionate about transformative tech solutions, this is your moment.
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