Apply for the 2025 MasterCard Scholarship at the University of California. The University of California, Berkeley’s MasterCard Scholarship aims to nurture a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and dynamic young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal is to support youth who are committed to driving socio-economic change in Africa.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the scholarship details, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Application Deadline:
- The deadline varies by program. Ensure you check the specific deadline for your intended Master’s program at UC Berkeley.
About the Award:
The MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley provides comprehensive support for talented young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These students are chosen for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to the socio-economic transformation of Africa. The scholarship covers full funding for the duration of the Master’s program, preparing students to return to their home countries and drive impactful change.
Eligible Fields of Study:
Eligibility depends on the specific Master’s programs offered at UC Berkeley. Each program has its own set of requirements, and not all graduate programs are covered by the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
Scholarship Type:
- Postgraduate (Master’s degree)
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Citizenship: Be citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries, including refugees or displaced individuals.
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrate a strong academic background and leadership potential.
- Financial Need: Come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Commitment to Africa: Show a commitment to returning to their home country or community to contribute to development.
- Program Eligibility: Apply for an eligible Master’s degree program at UC Berkeley.
Selection Process:
Applicants are selected based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit: A track record of high academic achievement.
- Leadership potential: Evidence of leadership ability and community involvement.
- Financial background: Demonstration of socio-economic disadvantage.
- Commitment to Africa: A desire to return to Africa and contribute to its socio-economic development.
Eligible Countries:
- All Sub-Saharan African countries.
Location:
- University of California, Berkeley, USA
Number of Scholarships:
The program aims to support over 108 Master’s students through the year 2030.
Scholarship Benefits:
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley offers full funding, covering:
- Travel costs
- Tuition fees
- Berkeley student fees
- Visa and SEVIS fees
- Housing and food
- Living expenses
- Leadership and entrepreneurship development programs
For MBA students, additional funding may be required from the Haas Business School.
Duration of the Scholarship:
- The scholarship will cover the full duration of the Master’s degree program.
How to Apply:
- Apply to UC Berkeley: First, submit your application to an eligible Master’s program at UC Berkeley through the standard admissions process.
- Invitation to Apply: Once admitted, eligible applicants will be invited to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Apply Early: Ensure you meet the specific requirements of your chosen graduate program and apply within the first round of admissions to be considered for the scholarship.
For more details, visit the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley.
This is a transformative opportunity for young African leaders who are ready to make a positive impact in their communities and across the continent.
