Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2027: How Africans Can Apply

African graduates can apply for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarship at Arizona State University (ASU), an opportunity offering tuition support and other benefits to eligible young professionals pursuing selected graduate programmes.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and supported by Kepler College Plus Program in Kigali, Rwanda, is expected to provide 50 graduate study opportunities. Successful applicants will study through ASU Online while living in Kigali, where they will receive in-person support and mentorship.

The scholarship is open to eligible citizens of African countries, including Nigerians who meet the academic, age and other admission requirements. The application deadline is November 22, 2026.

What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Arizona State University?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Arizona State University, is offering graduate study opportunities to young African professionals interested in technology, business, engineering and related fields.

Selected scholars will complete their studies through ASU Online while residing in Kigali, Rwanda. The programme combines online academic instruction with in-person support, leadership development and opportunities to learn alongside other Mastercard Foundation Scholars.

The initiative is designed to support young people who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.

Applicants should note that online study does not mean they can remain in Nigeria throughout the programme. Successful candidates must be able to relocate to and live in Kigali for the duration of their studies.

Benefits of the Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship

The scholarship offers financial and academic support intended to reduce the costs associated with graduate study.

Successful applicants may receive:

• Full tuition coverage: Payment of tuition for the eligible programme.
• Housing: Accommodation in Kigali during the programme.
• Transportation: Travel to and from Kigali, Rwanda.
• Visa support: Coverage of visa application processing costs.
• Study materials: Required books and student fees.
• Medical support: Healthcare-related assistance.
• English test support: An English-language proficiency test voucher, where required.
• Application fee waiver: A waiver of the ASU graduate application fee.
• Leadership development: Access to leadership activities and signature programming.
• Academic resources: Access to relevant Arizona State University resources.

The programme also provides coaching and one-on-one mentorship. Applicants should consult the official scholarship terms to confirm the precise coverage and any conditions attached to individual benefits.

Eligible Programmes for the 2027 Scholarship

According to the published scholarship information, applicants can pursue the following full-time ASU Online graduate programmes while residing in Kigali:

1. MS in Business Analytics
2. MCS in Computer Science
3. MS in Engineering in Sustainable Engineering
4. MS in Global Technology and Development
5. MS in Information Technology
6. MS in User Experience

These programmes cover areas relevant to technology, business analysis, engineering, digital innovation and development.

Prospective applicants should verify the exact degree title, admission requirements and availability of their preferred programme on the official application page before submitting an application.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Mastercard Scholarship 2027

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a citizen of an African country

The scholarship is open to citizens of African countries. Nigerians are eligible to apply if they satisfy the remaining requirements.

2. Hold a bachelor’s degree

Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution by July 2027.

3. Meet the academic requirement

Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic record equivalent to a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants whose universities use a different grading system should confirm how their results will be assessed.

4. Meet the age requirement

Applicants must be between 18 and 33 years old on or before November 22, 2026, the stated application deadline.

5. Meet English-language requirements

Candidates must satisfy Arizona State University’s English-language proficiency requirements for graduate admission.

The scholarship information mentions an English proficiency test voucher for applicants who need one. This does not automatically mean that every applicant is exempt from English-language testing.

6. Demonstrate leadership and community commitment

Applicants must show evidence of leadership, service and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

Relevant experiences may include community initiatives, volunteering, student leadership or projects addressing local challenges, provided they demonstrate the applicant’s actual contributions.

7. Have no previous graduate degree enrolment

Applicants must not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree programme.

8. Be willing to relocate to Rwanda

Successful scholars must be able to relocate to Kigali and remain there throughout the academic programme.

Candidates who cannot meet this residency requirement may not be suitable for the opportunity.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2027

Interested applicants should take the following steps:

1. Locate the official application page
2. Confirm programme eligibility: Check the admission requirements for your preferred graduate programme and ensure that your qualifications meet them.
3. Prepare academic records: Gather your bachelor’s degree certificate or relevant graduation documentation and academic transcripts.
4. Prepare evidence of leadership: Identify genuine examples of your community service, leadership experience and contributions to positive change.
5. Check language requirements: Confirm whether you need an English proficiency test and whether the available test voucher applies to your circumstances.
6. Review the relocation requirement: Ensure you can live in Kigali, Rwanda, for the duration of the programme.
7. Submit before the deadline: Follow the instructions on the official portal and complete all required sections before November 22, 2026.

Do not rely on unofficial application links or assume that completing an ASU admission application automatically constitutes a scholarship application. Confirm whether the scholarship and university admission processes require separate submissions.

What Nigerian Applicants Should Know

For Nigerian graduates interested in technology, business analytics, sustainable engineering or related fields, the scholarship could provide a route to postgraduate study with substantial financial support.

However, applicants should assess the residency requirement before applying. Although coursework is delivered online, scholars are expected to live in Kigali rather than study entirely from Nigeria.

Applicants should also verify the programme’s exact qualification level. The announcement refers to an online graduate certificate in some sections but lists master’s-level programmes in others. Confirming the official award title and application category is important before committing time to the application.

The stated deadline is November 22, 2026, so prospective candidates should begin checking the official application instructions as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

The published information describes the opportunity as fully funded and lists full tuition, housing, transportation, visa application processing costs, study materials, student fees and medical support. Applicants should confirm the complete funding terms through the official programme.

Can Nigerians apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at ASU?

Yes. Nigerian citizens can apply because the opportunity is open to citizens of African countries, provided they meet the academic, age, leadership and other eligibility requirements.

What is the deadline for the Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2027?

The stated deadline is November 22, 2026.

Do scholarship recipients have to travel to Rwanda?

Yes. Successful applicants are required to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, and reside there for the duration of their academic programme, even though they will study through ASU Online.

What courses are available under the scholarship?

The published list includes Business Analytics, Computer Science, Sustainable Engineering, Global Technology and Development, Information Technology, and User Experience.

What is the minimum GPA required?

Applicants must have an academic record equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale.

Is IELTS compulsory for the scholarship?

The announcement does not establish a blanket IELTS exemption. Applicants must meet ASU’s English-language proficiency requirements, and an English proficiency test voucher may be available where required.

Can applicants who already have a master’s degree apply?

According to the published eligibility criteria, applicants must not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree programme. Candidates with previous graduate-level enrolment should verify their eligibility before applying.

How many scholarships are available?

The programme announcement states that 50 graduate study opportunities are being offered.