Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa 2023

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars Program. This initiative will offer academically talented youth from Africa facing financial, gender, displacement, or disability constraints an opportunity to access world class university education.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa will provide full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate degree-seeking applicants. By completion of their studies, scholars will be required to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent, having been equipped with internationally recognized and locally applicable qualifications.

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, has supported work in 49 countries.In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy. The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.Funding is primaril... read more

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa will receive holistic support which includes:

• Tuition and functional fees;
• Laptops, books and other learning materials;
• Reasonable accommodation and meals;
• Medical insurance;
• Stipend;
• Transport to and from home;
• Access to leadership training;
• Access to entrepreneurial training;
• Psycho-social support, career counselling and mentorship;
• Disability needs will be reasonably catered for.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Courses

• Accounting
• Animation
• Applied Computer Technology
• Data Science and Analytics
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Film Production and Directing
• Finance
• Information Systems and Technolog
• International Relations
• Psychology
• Software Engineering
• nternational Business Administration

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Qualification

1. Only youth not exceeding 29 years old in the following categories qualify:

• Young women and men.
• Refugees and displaced youth;
• Youth with disabilities.

2. Scholars must demonstrate the following qualities:

• Academic talent: They must value learning and have a personal motivation to complete their education. Must meet the university admissions requirement as per the Kenya Commission for University Education or its equivalent.
• Commitment to giving back: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to improving their communities through previous and/or past engagements with community outreach activities.
• Leadership potential: Scholars must show commitment to becoming change makers, role models and mentors who embrace ethical leadership.

3. Must be interested in, and meet USIU-Africa admissions criteria and academic qualifications to undertake, any of the approved 13 undergraduate degree programs for the Scholars Program at USIU-Africa as follows:

• School of Science and Technology (SST) – Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology; Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
• School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS) - Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics;
• School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts (SCCCA) – Bachelor of Arts in Animation, Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Directing;
• Chandaria School of Business Administration (CSOB) - Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting;
• School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) - Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

More information about the above highlighted degree programs can be found at the university website: undergraduate-programs

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• The program intake is twice a year (May and September semesters).
• An advert for the 'Call for Applications' will be rolled out 5 months before the intake.
• The process takes 6 stages:

1. Application
2. Review of applications
3. Shortlisting
4. Interviews
5. Selection
6. University Admissions

For more details, visit Mastercard Foundation website.