ASU Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarships 2026 for Africans

The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), has unveiled a groundbreaking opportunity: the Innovation and Technology Scholarships 2026 program. African young professionals passionate about technology, innovation, and sustainable development are invited to apply for a fully funded, on-campus 2-year master’s program set to begin in August 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Program Overview: What’s on Offer?

• Number of Awards: 30 scholarships available for the 2026/2027 academic year, part of a larger initiative to train 120 African professionals through 2030 .
• Fields Supported: Programs span cutting-edge sectors, including MS in Global Technology & Development; Information Technology; Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems; User Experience; Computer Science; Data Science, Analytics & Engineering; Robotics & Autonomous Systems; Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering; Clean Energy Systems; and Modern Energy Production & Sustainable Use.

Fully Funded Benefits: What’s Covered?

Recipients will enjoy a comprehensive scholarship package covering:

• Full tuition, academic fees, and books
• On-campus housing and medical expenses
• Visa, application, and English test fees
• Round-trip airfare to and from Phoenix
• Participation in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, including mentorship, leadership training, and peer programming
• Part-time work opportunities (e.g., with the Baobab Platform team) and a two-month internship between Year 1 and Year 2.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of African countries, aged between 18 and 33 by the deadline
• Hold a completed undergraduate degree conferred by August 2026, with no prior graduate-level studies started before that time
• Demonstrate academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a strong commitment to community engagement
• Be ready to relocate to Phoenix, Arizona for the full duration of the program
• Submit a complete and accurate scholarship application first, unqualified or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

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Application Deadline & Timeline

• Deadline: Sunday, 14 September 2025, at 23:59 GMT
• Selection Process:
  1. Submit scholarship application, HERE, not directly to ASU
  2. Shortlisted candidates move through ASU’s graduate admission process
  3. Interviews (via phone or video) follow shortlisting
  4. Final decisions by late February 2026
  5. Program commencement in August 2026.

Why This Scholarship Matters

This initiative aligns with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s mission to cultivate transformative African leaders through inclusive, accessible education . By investing in Africa’s youth, especially those in innovation and green technologies, ASU and the Foundation are empowering a new generation of changemakers to drive digital transformation, sustainability, and economic impact on the continent.

It’s more than an academic award, it’s a strategic platform for Africans to return home with new skills, networks, and global mindsets to lead impactful change.