The Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional, fully funded scholarship backed by the Mastercard Foundation and Arizona State University (ASU).
It supports African applicants to enrol in an online Graduate Certificate program, with full tuition covered, plus mentorship, coaching, and a path toward a fully funded Master’s degree in key fields such as supply chain or leadership management.
Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026 |
| Host / Sponsor | Arizona State University & Mastercard Foundation |
| Program Type | Online Graduate Certificate, path to fully funded Master’s |
| Eligible Countries | African nations |
| Coverage | Full tuition, coaching, mentorship, ASU resources |
| Possible Next Stage | Scholarship for a full Master’s degree in Supply Chain or Leadership Management |
| No IELTS Required | Yes (for many certificate courses) |
| Deadline | 2 November 2025 (for certificate phase) |
Overview & Purpose
The Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026 is designed to empower young Africans with skills in innovation, technology, leadership, and management. The program begins with an online certificate, fully funded by the Mastercard Foundation, which includes coaching, one-on-one mentorship, and access to ASU’s academic resources.
Exceptional participants may then be awarded a full scholarship to pursue online Master’s degrees in Supply Chain Management or Leadership Management. This approach blends flexibility (online learning) with support structures to nurture success.
Key Details & Strategy
- The certificate is delivered online, which allows learners to study remotely while benefiting from guidance and mentorship.
- The scholarship strongly encourages women, refugees & displaced persons, and people with disabilities to apply.
- The Mastercard Foundation / ASU partnership aims to develop ethical, community-minded leaders across Africa who will contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026, candidates must:
- Be an African citizen, typically aged between 18 and 33.
- Hold an undergraduate degree (completed or conferred) by mid-2026.
- Not have begun or completed a graduate degree before August 2026.
- Show leadership, academic excellence, and community commitment in previous experiences.
- Meet ASU’s admissions and English proficiency requirements for the chosen certificate/degree program.
- Reside in Rwanda (for the program duration) in many cases, especially where hybrid wraparound services are delivered via Kepler College.
Benefits & What the Scholarship Covers
The Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition coverage for the online Graduate Certificate program
- One-on-one mentorship and coaching to support your learning and professional growth.
- Access to ASU resources, including academic, career, and library services.
- Transferable credits: the certificate may count toward a future Master’s degree at ASU. r
- Possibility of full Master’s scholarship: selected certificate participants may be awarded full scholarships for Master’s degrees in Supply Chain Management or Leadership Management.
Application Steps & Tips
- Review eligibility carefully to confirm you meet all criteria.
- Prepare supporting documents: degree transcripts, CV, personal statement, proof of community engagement or leadership, etc.
- Apply through the official portal (the scholarship application is the first step before applying to ASU.
- Monitor your application portal/email for follow-up requests, feedback, or admission steps. mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu.
- Highlight alignment with impact goals: in essays and statements, show how you’ll apply your education to benefit your community or country.
- Meet all deadlines—for the certificate phase, the deadline is 2 November 2025.
For more details about this scholarship, click here.
Why This Scholarship Is a Unique Opportunity
- It offers a stepping stone approach: start with an online certificate and, if successful, transition into a fully funded Master’s program.
- It combines flexibility (remote learning) with wraparound support such as coaching and mentorship.
- It is tailored for African youth leaders, emphasising social impact, innovation, and community growth.
- It opens access to global education (via ASU) without bearing high costs.
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