Apply: University of California Berkeley MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 University of California, Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Through its long-standing partnership with The Mastercard Foundation, UC Berkeley participates in a global initiative that unites leading universities and nonprofit organizations committed to expanding access to quality education. The program focuses on empowering a new generation of ethical, innovative, and socially responsible African leaders who are prepared to shape meaningful socio-economic progress across the continent.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley supports academically gifted young people from Africa who have shown exceptional resilience, leadership potential, and a deep commitment to community development. Scholars pursue master’s degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, gaining advanced academic training while engaging in initiatives that strengthen leadership and social impact skills. The overarching vision is to equip emerging leaders with the expertise and values required to drive sustainable change within their home countries.
About the University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the world’s leading public research universities, known for its tradition of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a strong culture of social responsibility. Located in the heart of California’s Bay Area innovation ecosystem, Berkeley offers students unmatched opportunities to engage with global challenges through interdisciplinary study and hands-on research.
Berkeley’s vibrant campus community brings together scholars, activists, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world. With a commitment to diversity, public service, and transformative education, the university provides an environment where students can pursue bold ideas, build networks, and develop the professional and leadership skills necessary to make meaningful contributions globally.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a major global initiative designed to support talented young people from Africa who face significant financial, social, or structural barriers to higher education. Through comprehensive scholarships and enrichment opportunities, the program empowers scholars to build the knowledge and character required to contribute effectively to the advancement of their communities.
Beyond financial support, the program emphasizes transformative leadership development, encouraging scholars to cultivate ethical decision-making, community engagement, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility. The initiative fosters a growing network of African changemakers who are trained to address local and continental challenges and who commit to returning home to drive sustained impact.
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an African country, including individuals who have refugee status or have been forcibly displaced within the African continent. Individuals with dual citizenship, or who hold asylee, refugee, permanent resident, or citizenship status in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the European Union, are not eligible.
Academic talent: Prospective scholars must first secure admission into a UC Berkeley master’s program. Admission is highly competitive and requires evidence of strong academic performance and intellectual readiness.
Leadership potential: Applicants should demonstrate a record of leadership or an interest in developing transformative leadership skills—leadership grounded in ethics, collaboration, and the desire to generate long-term, positive change.
Barriers to education: The scholarship targets individuals who have faced substantial obstacles in pursuing higher education. These may include financial hardship, limited access to quality schooling, social or personal challenges, displacement, or health-related barriers.
Commitment to community impact: Candidates must show active involvement in community service, social causes, or initiatives aligned with their academic or personal passions. They should clearly articulate their contributions in both the UC Berkeley application and the scholarship application.
Intent to return home: Scholars must express a strong commitment to returning to their home country after completing their studies and post-graduation training, with the goal of applying their knowledge and skills to local development efforts.
Masters Scholarship Guide
Applicants are encouraged to review UC Berkeley’s graduate admissions guidelines and scholarship application instructions carefully to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines for their chosen program.
Application Deadline: Varying by program
