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
From the point of selection through to employment or further education, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive, wrap-around support that addresses their academic, personal, and professional development needs. In addition to full tuition coverage, CMU-Africa provides a range of tailored resources to ensure Mastercard Foundation Scholars thrive during their studies and transition successfully into meaningful careers or advanced academic opportunities.
- 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.
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.
About our Mastercard Foundation Scholars
CMU-Africa's Class of 2026 includes 57 Mastercard Foundation Scholars. 40 Mastercard Foundation Scholars graduated as members of the Class of 2025.
- 45 percent of our Mastercard Foundation Scholars are female
- 40 percent are from Rwanda; 60 percent are from other countries
- These students pursue all three of our degree programs:
- 56 percent are enrolled in the Master of Science in Information Technology program
- 32 percent are enrolled in the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program
- 12 percent are enrolled in the Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence program
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.
