Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at USIU-Africa 2025: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Young African Leaders
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela.
Imagine a scholarship that doesn't
just pay for your university education—but also supports your dreams, unlocks
your leadership potential, builds your career path, and connects you with a
global network of changemakers. That’s what the Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program at USIU-Africa offers.
If you’re a bright, driven, and
passionate student facing financial or social barriers in Africa, this could be
the biggest turning point of your life.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll
learn everything you need to know about this fully funded opportunity in
2025—who it's for, what it covers, how to apply, real-life stories, and insider
tips to increase your chances of winning.
What
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program is a global initiative launched in 2012, aimed at
empowering young people—especially those from marginalized communities—to
access quality education, develop leadership skills, and uplift their
communities.
So far, the program has supported
over 40,000 scholars across Africa and beyond.
One of the key partners of this
initiative is United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa),
a leading private university located in Nairobi, Kenya. Through this
partnership, USIU-Africa offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships
to talented but financially disadvantaged youth from across Africa.
The
Mission: Education, Empowerment, and Impact
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Program at USIU-Africa is not just about academic excellence. It’s a leadership
journey.
The program is designed to nurture a
generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and impactful African leaders who will
drive social and economic transformation.
It focuses on youth who are:
- Economically disadvantaged
- Refugees or internally displaced
- Living with disabilities
- Female and underrepresented
- Passionate about community impact
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Program has allowed me to dream again, to serve others, and to believe that my
background does not define my future.” — Scholars’ testimonial.
About
USIU-Africa: Where Global Education Meets African Values
USIU-Africa is one of the most diverse universities in East Africa,
offering American-accredited degrees in a multi-cultural learning
environment. It blends academic rigor, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with
programs across:
- Business
- IT and Data Science
- International Relations
- Film and Media
- Psychology
- Pharmacy
- Communication
- and more...
With strong global partnerships,
world-class faculty, and a vibrant student body, USIU-Africa is an ideal
launchpad for global careers and local leadership.
What the Mastercard Scholarship Covers (It’s
FULLY FUNDED!)
Here’s what you get when selected:
- Full tuition for your entire undergraduate program
- Accommodation on campus or housing allowance
- Books and study materials
- A laptop and internet access
- Monthly stipend for personal upkeep
- Transport to and from university
- Medical insurance
- Support for disability needs (if applicable)
- Leadership development training
- Entrepreneurship & career readiness support
- Mentorship and counseling
- International exposure and alumni networks
This is not just a scholarship—it’s
a holistic life-enabling experience.
Who
Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria 2025
To be
eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa in 2025,
you must:
- Be under the age of 29 at the time of application
- Be applying for your first undergraduate degree
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Show leadership potential and community
engagement
- Be from a financially disadvantaged background
- Be from an African country (preference for youth
from conflict zones, refugee communities, rural areas, or those with
disabilities)
- Be committed to returning home and contributing to
your community after graduation
Pro Tip: Even if you’re from a refugee background or you’ve faced
extreme hardships, don’t hesitate to apply—this program was made for you.
DISCOVER RELATED TOPICS:
Eligible
Courses at USIU-Africa
The scholarship is open to most full-time
undergraduate degree programs at USIU-Africa, including:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- BSc. Applied Computer Technology
- BSc. Information Systems and Technology
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Entrepreneurship,
Finance, Marketing)
- BA in Psychology
- BA in International Relations
- BA in Animation and Film Production
- BA in Journalism
- BA Criminal Justice
- And more…
Note: Check the latest admissions page for any updates or new
courses.
How
to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applications usually open around January
to March and are done online via the official USIU-Africa Mastercard
Foundation application portal.
Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
You’ll need:
ü
National
ID or Passport
ü
High
school results (KCSE, UACE, WASSCE, etc.)
ü
School
leaving certificate
ü
Birth
certificate
ü
Recommendation
letter from a teacher or community leader
ü
Proof of
financial need (optional but helpful)
ü
Personal
essay (more below)
Step 2: Write a Strong Personal Statement
This is your chance to shine. Talk
about:
Ø Your background and struggles
Ø Your academic journey
Ø Your leadership roles
Ø Community projects you’ve done
Ø Why USIU-Africa?
Ø How you’ll give back to your community after graduation
Step 3: Apply Online
Visit: https://usiu.ac.ke
→ Navigate to Scholarships → Select Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Program → Fill in the online form and upload documents.
Step 4: Wait for Shortlisting & Interviews
Shortlisted applicants are invited
for interviews and assessments, including leadership activities, written
essays, and sometimes group tasks.
Application
Timeline (Expected 2025)
Deadline usually sept 30th for September intake 2025
💬 Real Scholar Stories: Changing Lives Across Africa
⭐
Doreen, Uganda
“I come from a refugee settlement. I
never thought I’d sit in a university class, let alone in a prestigious one
like USIU. Today, I’m studying IT, and I mentor girls back in my community. The
Mastercard Foundation gave me wings.”
⭐
Kevin, Kenya
“I lost my parents early and worked
as a boda rider to survive. Now I’m studying Business Admin and leading a youth
entrepreneurship group. This program changed my life.”
⭐
Nadia, Rwanda
“As a young woman in tech, I faced
many barriers. With this scholarship, I now feel empowered to build inclusive
digital tools for African communities.”
Long-Term
Benefits Beyond Graduation
Graduates of the Mastercard Scholars
Program don’t just leave with a degree—they become part of a powerful alumni
network and access:
- Career support & internships
- Global leadership conferences
- Graduate school opportunities abroad
- Seed funding for startups & community projects
- Lifelong mentorship
The program aims to create social
entrepreneurs, policy leaders, educators, scientists,
and more.
Global
Impact: Why This Scholarship Is Recognized Worldwide
Because the Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program partners with top global universities—including Harvard,
Cambridge, Sciences Po, AUB, Ashesi, and USIU-Africa—it is globally
respected.
Graduates go on to win:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Fulbright Grants
- Mandela Washington Fellowships
- Tech and finance jobs at top companies
- and even launch their own NGOs
Tip: Use Google Docs to draft
your essays and scan documents using apps like CamScanner or Adobe Scan.
Why
You Should Apply Today
If you’re a young African with a
fire to learn, grow, and uplift others—this opportunity was made for you.
This isn’t just a scholarship. It’s a
community. A movement. A chance to break cycles of poverty and become a beacon
of hope.
📌 Bookmark this page, share with a friend, and start your
application journey today. You could be the next changemaker Africa has been
waiting for.
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