University of California Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026

The University of California Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026 at UC Berkeley provide fully funded graduate opportunities to students from Africa. These scholarships are designed for academically talented individuals committed to leadership and community development in their home countries. Only graduate students applying to eligible UC Berkeley programs are considered.

Category	Details
Host Country	USA
Disciplines	Any eligible graduate discipline at UC Berkeley
Scholarship Type	Merit based
Eligible Country	All African countries

Grant

The program covers tuition, fees, and living costs. Scholars also receive monthly stipends, graduate assistance, and other support throughout their degree.

Believe It’s Possible

Many students stop reading because they feel scholarships are “too competitive” or “not for them.” But here’s the truth: every scholarship winner once thought the same. The difference is: they tried.

Scholarship Type: Merit Based

This scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to creating change in Africa.

Programmes Available

Applicants must first apply to one of UC Berkeley’s eligible master’s degree programs. Each graduate program has its own requirements and deadlines, but only those applying in the first admission round are considered for the scholarship.

Eligibility for Application

Must be a citizen of an African country
Must apply to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program
Demonstrated leadership qualities and community service experience
Strong academic record
Commitment to return to Africa and contribute to development

Benefits of the Scholarships

Benefit	Description
No Application Fee	There is no fee for applying to the scholarship program
No IELTS	English test may be waived if prior education was in English
Fully Funded	Covers tuition, living costs, housing, and more
Monthly Stipends	Support for personal and living expenses
Graduate Assistance	Mentorship, academic, and career support

Criteria for Application

Academic excellence and leadership potential
Clear goals for contributing to African development
Strong application essays and recommendation letters

Required Documents Checklist

Graduate program application form
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Academic Transcripts
Two or more Recommendation Letters
Proof of English proficiency (if required)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Fully funded, including living support
Prestigious UC Berkeley degree
Access to mentorship and leadership training

Cons:

Very competitive selection process
Only open to graduate programs
Must apply in the first admissions round

Scholarship Application Formatting: Common Issues

Submitting the wrong file type for essays or CV
Ignoring essay word-count limits
Forgetting required signatures on documents
Poor formatting in CV/resume

Step-by-Step Application Process

Identify and apply to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program.
Ensure your graduate program application is submitted in the first round.
If admitted, you may be nominated for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Submit additional scholarship documents when requested.
Await nomination results and further instructions.

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Application Deadline: Not Specified

Deadlines vary by program, but applicants must apply in the first admission round of their chosen program to be eligible.

Scholarship Timeline & Planning

Graduate program deadlines: vary, check department websites
First round applications: required for scholarship consideration
Nomination process: after initial admission review
Selection and notification: typically in spring before the academic year begins

Common Mistakes

Applying in later admission rounds
Submitting incomplete transcripts
Weak or generic recommendation letters
Overlooking program-specific requirements

Tips for Winning Essay

Share clear leadership experiences
Highlight community service and future goals
Connect your study plans with African development needs
Follow word limits and structure carefully

Tips for Strong Reference Letter

Choose referees who know you well academically or professionally
Provide them with your CV and personal statement for guidance
Letters should highlight leadership, academic skills, and community impact

Scholarship-Friendly CV/Resume

Focus on academics, leadership, volunteering, and community service
Use clear structure and consistent formatting
Include achievements relevant to development goals

Post-Application Phase: What to Do After Submission

Monitor your email for updates from UC Berkeley
Be ready for interviews or additional documentation
Prepare early for travel and relocation logistics if accepted

Visa Route

Successful scholars will apply for a U.S. student visa (F-1 visa) using their UC Berkeley admission and scholarship documents.

Work After Study Options and Possible Jobs Opportunity

Graduates may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or employment in the U.S. for a limited time. Many scholars return to Africa to work with NGOs, governments, research institutions, or international organizations.

Alternatives if You Don’t Win

If not selected, consider other fully funded scholarships such as:

Chevening Scholarships
DAAD Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Conclusion

The University of California Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2026 at UC Berkeley offer life-changing opportunities for African students to study at one of the world’s top universities with full financial support. This program seeks leaders who are ready to drive positive change in Africa. Apply early, prepare strong documents, and give your best effort.