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:
- Submit scholarship application, HERE, not directly to ASU
- Shortlisted candidates move through ASU’s graduate admission process
- Interviews (via phone or video) follow shortlisting
- Final decisions by late February 2026
- 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.