Study Abroad: Study in USA 

Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships 

Eligible Countries: All Sub-Saharan African Countries 

Reward: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Airfare Tickets 

No IELTS Required 

Deadline: Varies by Program

Scholarship Alerts: To receive Scholarship Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley, is a ten-year initiative to support 201 master's degree students from Sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to transformative change on the continent.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country. This includes individuals who are refugees or displaced within the African continent. Citizens of North African countries, as well as those with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU, are not eligible.
• Academic Excellence: Candidates should have a strong academic record and must first be admitted to a UC Berkeley master's degree program to be considered for the scholarship.
• Leadership Potential: The program seeks individuals committed to developing skills and mindsets associated with transformative leadership, engaging others ethically to generate positive and lasting change.
• Socio-Economic Background: The scholarship is designed for exceptionally talented individuals who might not otherwise have access to quality further education due to financial constraints.
• Community Commitment: Applicants should have demonstrated a commitment to giving back to their community, country, or continent, engaging in activities beyond the classroom.
• Intention to Return Home: The program encourages students to return to their home countries after completing their studies to apply their knowledge and skills locally.

Benefits:

The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:

• Tuition and Fees: Coverage of tuition, Berkeley student fees, visa, and SEVIS fees.
• Living Expenses: Provision of housing, food, and a living stipend.
• Travel: Round-trip airfare to and from the United States.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage during the study period.
• Leadership Development: Participation in cohort signature programs focusing on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Application Process:

1. Apply to UC Berkeley: Prospective scholars must first apply and gain admission to a UC Berkeley master's degree program.
2. Scholarship Application: After admission, eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
3. Application Deadline: The application deadline for the 2025 cohort is January 15, 2025.