Closing Date: 27 September 2026
Apply now for the Fully Funded 2027 Innovation and Technology Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University
The third phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University expands access to graduate education and professional learning opportunities focused on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Through in-person and online degree programs, professional certificates, and English language learning opportunities delivered in collaboration with institutions across Africa, the Program provides multiple pathways for young people to advance their education, strengthen their professional and leadership skills, and connect with the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community.
2027 Innovation and Technology Scholarship Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Arizona State University, is offering 30 graduate study opportunities for students admitted for the 2027–2028 academic year to pursue select master’s degree programs focused on technology and innovation.
The Innovation and Technology Scholarship supports a traditional, in-person, two-year graduate degree experience at ASU’s Tempe campus in Arizona, United States. The scholarship covers full tuition, on-campus housing, healthcare coverage, and comprehensive support throughout the graduate program.
In addition to financial support, Mastercard Foundation Scholars participate in leadership development, mentorship, community engagement, professional development, and other enrichment opportunities. Through their academic and other experiences, participants are prepared to apply their knowledge, skills, and leadership to contribute to meaningful social and economic progress in their communities and beyond.
A strong expectation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University is that participants use the skills and education they gain to contribute to their communities, fostering social and economic growth in their home countries. Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Scholarships are available for the following full-time, on-campus graduate programs:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MCS Computer Science
- MS Data Science Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
What is included in the scholarship?
- Full tuition and fees
- On-campus housing and books
- Visa, airfare, and medical expenses
- Leadership development
- Academic advising and support
- Two-month internship between the first and second years
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree by August 2027 from a recognized institution. Higher education diplomas, certificates, and other non-degree credentials are not equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, equivalent to a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants must meet ASU’s English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission.
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 33 on or before the application deadline.
- Applicants must demonstrate a record of leadership, service, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
- Applicants must not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree program.
- Applicants must not be enrolled in, or begin, another graduate or master’s degree program while applying for this scholarship.
- Applicants must be able to relocate to and reside on ASU’s campus in Tempe, Arizona, USA, for the duration of the program.
Value of the Scholarship
The scholarship will cover the following:
- Visa application processing costs
- English language proficiency test voucher, if required
- ASU graduate application fee waiver
- Airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona
- Full tuition, required books, and student fees
- Medical support
- On-campus housing
- Leadership and signature programming
The deadline for all scholarship applications is 23:59 GMT on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
All applicants must first complete this application. Please do not apply for admission to ASU or to a graduate degree program unless instructed to do so by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Team.
Applicants selected to advance in the scholarship process will be invited to interview and will receive guidance on the ASU admission process. Those invited to apply for admission will be provided with an ASU application fee waiver and should not pay any application fees. Admission to the academic program does not guarantee being awarded the scholarship.
