Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UC Berkeley, USA, Apply!

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Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley is designed to nurture a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and impact-driven leaders who will spearhead socio-economic development across Africa.

UC Berkeley, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is part of a global network of educational institutions and non-profits committed to using education as a powerful tool for driving positive change.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of this prestigious scholarship, including its eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process.

Also Check: SchottishPower Scholarship UK, Fully Funded

Scholarship Overview

Host Institution: University of California, Berkeley, USA
Study Destination: United States of America
Level of Study: Master’s Degree
Eligibility: Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries
Funding Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, travel expenses
IELTS Requirement: Not required
Application Deadline: Varies by program

About the 2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UC Berkeley

With a financial commitment exceeding $1.2 billion, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has supported over 40,000 young scholars worldwide.

The program at UC Berkeley is anchored in the Center for African Studies and has been instrumental in supporting over 120 students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) between 2012 and 2020.

Moving forward, it aims to support over 108 master’s students by 2030.
Important Note: This scholarship is not open to doctoral (PhD) students.

Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Mastercard Scholarship at UC Berkeley

To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Nationality Requirement
Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country, including refugees and displaced individuals within the region.
Those with dual citizenship, permanent residency, or asylum status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.
Academic Excellence
Admission into a UC Berkeley master’s program is a prerequisite for scholarship consideration.
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance.

Leadership Potential

The program seeks individuals with transformational leadership abilities, capable of making a lasting impact in their communities.

Financial Need

Candidates must come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and require financial assistance to pursue higher education.

Commitment to Giving Back

Applicants should be actively involved in community service and social impact projects, demonstrating a clear commitment to contributing to their home country.

Intent to Return to Africa

Scholars are expected to return to their home country after graduation, leveraging their education to drive change.

Scholarship Benefits

This fully funded scholarship covers:

Full tuition fees
Housing and meal plan
Living stipend
Airfare and visa fees
SEVIS fees (for international students)
Leadership and entrepreneurship training programs

Additional Requirement for MBA Applicants:

MBA candidates must secure additional financial support through Haas Business School scholarships, which require submission during Round One or Two of the application cycle.

Step-by-Step Application Process
Apply for a Master’s Program at UC

Berkeley following the university’s standard admissions process.
If eligible, candidates will be invited to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
Only applicants for specific master’s programs are considered. Be sure to check the list of eligible programs.
If a program has multiple admission rounds, only applicants who submit during Round One will be considered.
Additional details on graduate admissions for international students are available on UC Berkeley’s official website.

For program-specific application requirements, contact the respective graduate department directly.

Application Deadline

Deadlines vary depending on the chosen graduate program. Ensure you check the specific dates for your desired course.
For further details, visit UC Berkeley’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.

Click Here to Apply through the Official Website

Happy Applying and Congratulations in Advance!