2026 MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley in USA

Location: USA

Program: Postgraduate (Master’s Degrees)

Eligibility: Sub-Saharan African Students

Duration: 1-2 years

Deadline: Not Specified

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The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is a prestigious fully funded graduate scholarship program that supports outstanding young African leaders pursuing advanced master’s studies at one of the world’s premier public universities. Founded in 1868 and ranked as the #1 public university in the United States and #9 globally by Times Higher Education, the University of California, Berkeley is renowned for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and its commitment to positive global impact.

This transformative scholarship is part of a ten-year partnership between UC Berkeley’s Center for African Studies and the MasterCard Foundation, supporting 201 master’s degree students through 2030. The program is designed to develop a cohort of ethical, entrepreneurial, and energetic young leaders who will drive socio-economic transformation across Africa. Scholars receive comprehensive financial, academic, social, and career support, alongside specialized training in leadership and entrepreneurship, with connections to the innovative ecosystems of the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Since 2012, the program has graduated 157 Scholars from 27 African countries across over 35 degree programs. Scholars benefit from world-class education, mentorship from distinguished faculty, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and a global network of change makers committed to addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges—from education reform to climate action, sustainable development, and social innovation.

Benefits of the Scholarship

This scholarship provides comprehensive support including:

Complete tuition fee waiver
Full coverage of Berkeley student fees
Comprehensive living expenses stipend to cover housing, meals, and daily costs
Round-trip international airfare to and from the United States
Visa fees coverage
Books, supplies, and academic materials funding
Full health insurance coverage
Leadership and entrepreneurship training through cohort signature programs
Conference and professional development funding
Access to world-class research facilities and resources
Academic advising and counseling services
Other benefits

Also Check:

2026 American University of Beirut (AUB) MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
NOT hold dual citizenship, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU
Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the chosen master’s program
Demonstrate exceptional academic performance with a strong undergraduate GPA
Have academic talent sufficient to gain admission to a UC Berkeley master’s degree program
Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to developing transformative leadership skills
Come from a socio-economically disadvantaged background
Be willing to complete a required internship in Africa during the program (for two-year programs)
Meet UC Berkeley’s standard graduate admission requirements for your chosen program

Note: Kindly check the official website for full and detailed requirements

Also Check:

2026 MasterCard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship in Ghana

Southeast University Chinese Government Scholarship in China

Selection Criteria

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley follows a multi-stage, competitive selection process. Applicants must first gain admission to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program, where academic excellence is evaluated through grades, recommendations, and statements of purpose. Nominated candidates then complete a supplemental scholarship application assessing leadership potential, community engagement, socio-economic background, commitment to Africa’s development, intent to return home, personal qualities, and program alignment. Shortlisted applicants undergo an interview to evaluate their motivation, vision, and communication skills. Final selection is based on a holistic review of academic merit, leadership, social impact potential, financial need, and alignment with the program’s mission to nurture Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders.