Closing Date: Not Specified
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship for Africans
Are you an African student seeking a fully funded master’s scholarship in the United States? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) offers talented African students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education with comprehensive financial support, leadership development, and career guidance.
The programme supports academically talented individuals who have experienced significant barriers to accessing quality higher education and demonstrate a commitment to transforming their communities. Scholars gain access to world-class education while developing the skills and networks needed to contribute to Africa’s social and economic development.
UC Berkeley plans to continue recruiting Mastercard Foundation Scholars through fall 2028. Prospective students interested in the 2027 intake should begin preparing their graduate applications early because admission deadlines vary by degree programme.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is administered through UC Berkeley’s Center for African Studies. The university partners with the Mastercard Foundation to develop ethical, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible leaders committed to Africa’s development.
The programme offers scholarships for selected master’s degrees across several academic disciplines, including engineering, energy and resources, climate solutions, public policy, public health, education, journalism, business, and environmental studies.
Beyond academic training, scholars participate in leadership and entrepreneurship activities and connect with professional networks that can help them apply their skills to challenges across Africa.
The programme is designed for master’s students only. Undergraduate and doctoral programmes are not eligible for this scholarship at UC Berkeley.
Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial, academic, and personal support for their eligible master’s degree.
The scholarship package includes:
- Full tuition and university fees: Financial support covering the costs associated with the approved master’s programme.
- Accommodation and living expenses: Funding for housing, food, and other essential living costs.
- Travel expenses: Support for eligible travel to and from the United States.
- Visa-related costs: Assistance covering applicable visa and SEVIS fees.
- Academic support: Guidance to help scholars navigate their studies and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Leadership development: Special programmes designed to strengthen leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
- Career development: Access to networks and resources supporting professional opportunities in Africa.
- Internship opportunities: Eligible scholars in programmes longer than two semesters are required to undertake an internship in Africa, with support for round-trip airfare and living expenses.
The scholarship is intended to cover the costs associated with completing the eligible master’s degree, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
Who Can Apply for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The programme seeks academically talented African students who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to their communities.
Applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African country, including eligible Africans who have been forcibly displaced or have refugee status within Africa.
- Meet the admission requirements of an eligible UC Berkeley master’s degree.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Have experienced significant barriers to accessing quality higher education, including financial, social, personal, practical, or health-related barriers.
- Show a commitment to addressing challenges affecting their communities, countries, or the African continent.
- Express an intention to return to their home country after completing their studies and post-graduation training.
The programme prioritizes candidates who completed their undergraduate education at an African university, have not previously earned a postgraduate degree, and have not already received a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
Applicants with dual citizenship, asylum, refugee, or permanent resident status in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the European Union are not eligible under the programme’s stated rules.
Eligible Master’s Degree Programmes
Eligible degrees span several fields, including:
- Energy and Resources
- Climate Solutions
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Development Engineering
- Environmental Economics and Policy
- Public Policy and Development Practice
- Public Health
- Journalism
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Education
- Data Science and selected information and social science programmes
Only approved master’s degrees of two years or less are eligible. Applicants should consult the official list because not every graduate programme at UC Berkeley qualifies.
How to Apply for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The application process begins with admission to an eligible master’s degree programme.
- Identify an eligible master’s degree and review its admission requirements.
- Submit your UC Berkeley graduate application within the programme’s deadline. Where multiple admission rounds exist, only first-round applicants can be considered.
- Complete the basic demographic information and provide at least two recommenders by 15 November to receive an invitation to apply for a graduate application fee waiver, where available.
- If nominated by your graduate programme, complete the supplementary Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
- Attend an online interview if shortlisted.
The UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship‘s selection process generally includes nominations in February, interviews in March, and final decisions in late March or early April. These dates may vary by cycle, so applicants should confirm the latest schedule.
Official scholarship website: https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/
Eligibility requirements: https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/am-i-eligible-scholarship
Application guidance: https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/apply-be-mastercard-foundation-scholar-uc-berkeley
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for eligible African students seeking fully funded master’s education in the United States. Its combination of financial support, academic excellence, leadership training, and career development makes it particularly valuable for students who want to contribute to Africa’s future.
If you intend to apply for the 2027 intake, start by identifying an eligible degree and checking its application deadline. A strong academic application, evidence of leadership, and a clear commitment to contributing to your community will be important throughout the selection process.
