Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Developing leaders

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa supports highly talented, service-oriented young people who face the highest social and economic barriers to opportunity. The graduate students complete their Master of Science degrees in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Engineering Artificial Intelligence. Upon completion of the program, Mastercard Foundation Scholars go on to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent.

CMU-Africa is part of a global network of 33 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners, comprised of institutions committed to developing Africa’s young leaders.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa was established in 2016. With a vision that education is a catalyst for social and economic change, the Program focuses on developing leaders who are transformative, encouraging them to be active contributors in their communities.

Support

The Program focuses on:

Learn more

For more information, please contact Sandra Malaika

Holistic support: The scholarship covers application preparation support, orientation, tuition and fees, health insurance, travel and basic living expenses, project, and entrepreneurship support. Mastercard Foundation Scholars also have access to a range of resources that support their well-being and academic success.
Career preparation: Mastercard Foundation Scholars benefit from tailored activities to prepare them for the workplace. Throughout their studies, they participate in professional development activities including, but not limited to, internship and career fairs, networking opportunities with industry leaders, one-on-one career coaching that prepare them to pursue their goals upon graduation.
Leadership development: Mastercard Foundation Scholars develop leadership skills through participation in student clubs, community service, and a variety of programs that equip students to become change-makers. During their time at CMU-Africa, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars take a series of leadership training sessions tailored to their needs to ensure they are equipped with cutting-edge leadership skills that will enable them to lead with distinction.
Giving back: Mastercard Foundation Scholars live out the give-back ethos of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by leading and participating in community service activities, developing, and implementing projects that make a difference in the lives of others. They collaborate with the members of the CMU-Africa community to push their give-back agenda.

Group picture of Mastercard Foundation Scholars — Mastercard Foundation Scholars outside of CMU-Africa after a leadership training

Mastercard Foundation Scholars outside CMU-Africa — Mastercard Foundation Scholars pose outside of CMU-Africa

Scholars with Reeta Roy and Farnam Jahanian — Mastercard Foundation Scholars with Mastercard Foundation CEO Reeta Roy and CMU President Farnam Jahanian

Students celebrate at end-of-the-year party — Students celebrate at end-of-year Mastercard Foundation Scholars party

Criteria

Mastercard Foundation Scholars face social and economic barriers and have demonstrated the following attributes:

Academic talent: Mastercard Foundation Scholars value learning and have the drive to complete their education.
Commitment to giving back: Mastercard Foundation Scholars have demonstrated a commitment to improving their communities.
Potential to lead: Mastercard Foundation Scholars will become role models, mentors, and change-makers.

In order to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, students must first be admitted to one of CMU-Africa's degree programs. Learn more about tuition and financial aid and how to apply to CMU-Africa.

Hear from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at CMU-Africa have access to leadership training to help develop their skills beyond the classroom.

View more videos about CMU-Africa's Mastercard Foundation Scholars.

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