Exploring Educational Funding through Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2024
Are you an African seeking avenues to propel your educational journey forward? Are your academic aspirations hindered by financial constraints? Embark on a transformative path by seizing the remarkable opportunity presented by the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2024 to turn your dreams into reality.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, a pioneering initiative across Africa, stands as the most extensive scholarship and leadership endeavor of its kind. Its core objective is to empower promising young individuals, particularly from diverse backgrounds, who possess a dedication to community betterment. The program equips them with the essential skills and mindsets needed to actualize their aspirations and make meaningful contributions to their societies.
Insight into Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2024 | Key Features
The scholarship initiative transcends traditional funding by encompassing an array of invaluable components. Beyond financial support for tuition and essential living expenses, it offers a holistic approach to development, including:
Mentoring: Guided mentorship to nurture personal and academic growth.
Leadership Skills Enhancement: Development of leadership aptitude for effective impact.
Tutoring: Academic guidance and support to ensure excellence.
Internship Opportunities: Hands-on experience through internships.
Career Services: Access to resources for future career success.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program operates through a widespread network comprising over 40 universities and non-governmental organizations, both within Africa and on a global scale. This program goes beyond scholarships, actively bolstering the higher education landscape. It promotes inclusivity, accessibility, innovation in pedagogy, research advancement, and collaboration across crucial sectors and stakeholders.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2024, prospective applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
For undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree programs, candidates must be 29 years old or younger at the time of application.
For graduate (master’s) degree programs, candidates must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and a desire to join a network of young change-makers.
Be a young individual whose academic ambitions surpass their financial means.
Additionally, it’s important to note that each university has its distinct eligibility standards. It’s advised to meticulously review the application prerequisites at the institution of interest before applying.
Application Process
Prospective applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are advised to heed the following guidelines:
Prior to Applying:
Thoroughly research the program’s website of your chosen university to gain a comprehensive understanding of specific eligibility details, requirements, deadlines, and application instructions.
Select the institution and program you wish to apply to. While there’s no limit to the number of schools you can apply to, be mindful that assembling a complete application package demands considerable effort.
Compile all necessary documents for submission. Different institutions require varying document types as part of the application process. Timely submission of each document is crucial to avoid an incomplete application.
If applicable, take required tests several months before commencing your application. Meeting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program prerequisites necessitates fulfilling the university’s admission criteria first. Certain partner institutions mandate tests like SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS for international applicants, while others don’t necessitate these tests.
Solicit references. Most universities require recommendation letters, some of which might need to be submitted online. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to ensure referees follow through with online submissions.
During the Application:
Adhere to the application instructions specified by the university program. Online applications are accepted by some partners, while others may require paper-based submissions.
Pay heed to the deadline and avoid procrastinating until the last moment to submit your application. Verify that your application package includes all required documents. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered for the Scholars Program.
Partner Institutions
For Undergraduate Studies:
- African Development University
- American University of Beirut
- Ashesi University College
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
- Sciences Po
- University of Abomey-Calavi
- University of Gondar
- EARTH University
- Makerere University
- United States International University Africa
- African Leadership University
- International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE)
For Master’s Studies:
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
- American University of Beirut
- Arizona State University
- Carnegie Mellon University Africa
- McGill University
- University of Oxford
- Sciences Po
- University of Cambridge
- University of Cape Town
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Gondar
- University of Pretoria
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- University of Toronto (U of T)