Deadline: November 3, 2024
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), is accepting applications for the 2025 Innovation and Technology Scholarship. This fully-funded opportunity will provide graduate scholarships to train 120 young African professionals at the master’s level over the next five years (2025–2030). The program is designed to empower African youth in the rapidly evolving global digital economy, focusing on technology and innovation. It offers a fully immersive, on-campus, 2-year master’s degree program at ASU.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers all necessary expenses, including:
- Visa application processing fees
- English language testing fees
- Program application fees
- Round-trip airfare to Phoenix, Arizona
- Full tuition, books, and fees
- Medical insurance
- On-campus housing
- Participation in scholarship activities
30 scholarships will be awarded for the 2025/2026 academic year, fully funding tuition, accommodation, and additional support for the entire 2-year program.
In addition to financial aid, scholars will benefit from mentorship, leadership development, and other activities through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU. Scholars will also have opportunities for part-time on-campus work and a 2-month Africa-based internship related to their studies.
Eligible Graduate Programs
Scholarships are available for the following full-time, on-campus master’s programs at ASU:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
- MS User Experience
- MS Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation/ASU Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be between the ages of 18 and 33 by the application deadline
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential
- Hold an undergraduate degree by July 2025
- Not have begun or completed any other master’s or graduate degree by August 2025
- Be eligible for admission to the selected program (English proficiency required)
- Be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona during the program
Special consideration is given to women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities. ASU is committed to accessibility for all students.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must first submit a scholarship application. If selected, they will be guided through the ASU admissions process. Interviews will be conducted in November 2024, with final decisions made by January 2025. Successful applicants will begin their studies at ASU in August 2025.
