The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has become one of the most recognised scholarship and leadership initiatives for young Africans seeking access to higher education. Since its launch, the programme has supported thousands of students across Africa and beyond by providing not only financial assistance but also leadership development, mentorship, and career support.
Here are five important things to know about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and why it continues to attract attention from students, universities, and development organisations around the world.
1. The programme was launched to support talented young leaders
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was launched in 2012 with the goal of helping academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds access quality education.
The initiative started with nine university partners and an initial cohort of 145 scholars. Since then, it has expanded significantly across multiple countries and institutions.
The programme focuses heavily on developing future African leaders who are committed to giving back to their communities. Scholars are selected not only for academic excellence but also for leadership potential, community involvement, and commitment to social impact.
Over the years, the programme has become one of Africa’s most influential scholarship initiatives, helping students pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in different fields.
2. It has supported more than 58,000 scholarships
One of the biggest achievements of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the scale of its impact.
The programme has committed over 58,000 scholarships to young people seeking access to higher education opportunities. These scholarships have opened doors for students who may otherwise have struggled to continue their education due to financial limitations.
The support covers several academic levels and institutions across Africa, North America, and other regions. Beneficiaries come from diverse backgrounds, including refugees, displaced persons, young women, and students from underserved communities.
By increasing access to higher education, the initiative aims to reduce inequality while creating opportunities for economic growth and social transformation across the continent.
3. The scholarship is more than financial support
Unlike many scholarship programmes that focus mainly on tuition assistance, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a more holistic support system.
Scholars often receive accommodation support, books, learning materials, mentorship, counselling, leadership training, career guidance, and networking opportunities.
The programme is designed to ensure students succeed academically, socially, and professionally throughout their educational journey.
Many partner institutions also provide internship opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and leadership programmes that prepare scholars for future careers and community impact.
This broad support structure has contributed to the success of many scholars after graduation, with several beneficiaries going on to become entrepreneurs, researchers, professionals, and social change leaders.
4. Women and underserved groups are a major focus
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places strong emphasis on inclusion and equal opportunity.
The initiative supports talented young people from disadvantaged communities, particularly women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and students facing barriers to education.
Gender inclusion remains one of the programme’s major priorities. By supporting more female scholars, the initiative hopes to help close educational and leadership gaps that still exist in many parts of Africa.
The programme also partners with universities and organisations to create more accessible learning environments for students with disabilities and individuals from marginalised backgrounds.
This inclusive approach has helped expand opportunities for thousands of young Africans who previously faced limited access to higher education.
5. The programme works with universities and institutions globally
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program collaborates with several universities and educational institutions across Africa and other parts of the world.
Partner institutions play a major role in identifying, training, and supporting scholars throughout their academic journey.
These partnerships help strengthen educational systems while creating opportunities for innovation, research, and leadership development.
Several African universities participating in the programme have also introduced specialised initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Beyond academics, the programme encourages scholars to contribute to community development and social change initiatives after graduation.
As the programme continues to expand, it remains one of the most impactful educational initiatives focused on empowering the next generation of African leaders.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has grown beyond a scholarship scheme into a broader leadership and development platform. By combining education, mentorship, leadership training, and community impact, the initiative continues to shape the future of thousands of young Africans.
For many students across the continent, the programme represents more than access to university education — it represents opportunity, empowerment, and the chance to create lasting change in their communities.
