Mastercard Awarding 100,000 Scholarships by 2030
The global education landscape just lit up with exciting news! The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has announced its ambitious plan to support 100,000 young leaders with life-changing scholarships by the year 2030. For students around the world—especially those across Africa—this could be the golden ticket to world-class education, leadership training, and a powerful global network.
A Global Movement for Education
Since its launch, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has already transformed the lives of over 40,000 students. With 70% of scholars being women, the program has stood at the forefront of breaking barriers and championing inclusivity. Today, it proudly counts 20,206 alumni who are actively contributing to communities, businesses, and governments worldwide.
Now, with an unprecedented investment of more than US $3 billion, the Foundation is scaling up like never before—opening the doors of opportunity to 100,000 young talents by 2030.
What Makes This Scholarship Special?
This isn’t just a funding scheme—it’s a complete package for future changemakers. Scholars don’t just get their tuition fully covered; they also receive:
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Leadership development training
- Mentorship and career coaching
- Health insurance and personal support
- Networking with global alumni and institutions
- Opportunities for internships and real-world placements
For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study at leading global universities, return home with world-class skills, and lead transformative change.
Expanding Across Africa and Beyond
The program currently partners with 26 top institutions worldwide, and in 2025 it welcomed three new African powerhouses to its family:
- Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria – 650 scholarships over the next decade.
- University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda – 500 graduate-level health scholarships.
- Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco – a special focus on empowering young women in STEM and leadership.
This means more seats, more opportunities, and more impact for African students ready to make their mark.
Who Can Apply?
The program targets talented youth facing social and economic barriers, with priority given to:
- Women and girls
- Persons with disabilities
- Refugees and displaced youth
It supports studies at the secondary, undergraduate, and master’s levels (PhD excluded), and applications are made directly through partner universities.
Why This is a Big Deal?
This is more than a scholarship—it’s a movement to transform the future of Africa and the globe. By 2030, Mastercard Foundation’s goal is to build a generation of 100,000 strong leaders, equipped not just with degrees, but with vision, resilience, and the drive to rewrite history.
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying abroad, making an impact in your community, and joining a global alumni network that spans continents, this could be your moment.
Explore Mastercard Opportunities: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/.
Final Word
The countdown to 100,000 scholarships has begun. Will you be part of the new wave of change-makers shaping the future by 2030? Stay tuned, check partner universities, and get your applications ready—this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
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