For the 2027–2028 academic year, Arizona State University’s (ASU) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is providing 30 graduate study opportunities to gifted young African professionals. The program gives qualified students the chance to continue their education while acquiring the knowledge and abilities necessary to make a meaningful impact on their communities.
Students pursuing specific master’s degree programs in subjects such as technology, innovation, engineering, data science, computer science, and sustainable development are supported by the Innovation and Technology Scholarship. The selected programs are offered full-time and on campus at Arizona State University in the United States.
The project, which is a component of ASU’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s Phase III: Innovation and Technology, aims to increase promising African professionals’ access to high-quality graduate education. Scholars gain opportunities to improve their professional, leadership, technical, and problem-solving abilities in addition to their academic studies.
The program’s goal is to train a new generation of African professionals who can use their education and experience to promote economic growth, social development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in their home countries. Scholars are encouraged to make significant and long-lasting contributions throughout Africa through graduate education and leadership development.
Scholarship Details
Scholarship: ASU Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program
Country: USA
University: Arizona State University
Degree: Master’s
Applicants: African Students
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: 27 September 2026
Degree Level
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University supports eligible students pursuing selected master’s degree programs in technology, innovation, engineering, data, computer science, and sustainable development.
Eligible master’s programs include:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MCS Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
Available Subjects
The scholarship focuses on master’s programs related to technology, innovation, engineering, data, computer science, and sustainable development.
Eligible fields include:
- Technology and Development
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Analytics and Engineering
- Robotics
- Autonomous Systems
- Clean Energy
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Sustainable Engineering
- Modern Energy Production
- Sustainable Energy Use
- Human Systems Engineering
- Intelligent Systems
Benefits
The Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program 2027–2028 provides comprehensive financial, academic, and professional support to successful scholars.
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition and fees
- On-campus accommodation
- Books
- Visa expenses
- Airfare
- Medical expenses
- Leadership development
- Academic advising and support
- Two-month internship between the first and second years
In addition to financial assistance, scholars participate in leadership development and enrichment opportunities designed to help them apply their education and skills to meaningful social and economic development.
This makes the ASU Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarship a fully funded graduate scholarship opportunity for eligible African students.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program 2027–2028 must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African nation.
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree by August 2027 from an accredited university.
- Possess a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0.
- Fulfill the English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission at Arizona State University.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 33 by the application deadline.
- Show a strong record of engagement, leadership, and community service.
- Demonstrate a commitment to bringing about positive social and economic transformation in their communities and countries.
- Have never enrolled in or completed a master’s or graduate degree program.
- Not be enrolled in or intend to start another master’s or graduate program at the time of the scholarship application.
- Be prepared to relocate to and live on the ASU Tempe campus in Arizona, USA, for the duration of the chosen program.
Applicants should carefully review the academic, language, and program-specific requirements and ensure that all submitted documentation demonstrates their eligibility.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the required academic and supporting documents before starting the application. Depending on the application requirements, these may include:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of expected graduation
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence of the required academic GPA
- English language proficiency test result, where applicable
- Updated CV or résumé
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Leadership and community-service information
- Documentation demonstrating community engagement and impact
- Relevant academic or professional supporting documents
- Other documents requested by Arizona State University or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Important: Applicants should follow the official application instructions and submit any additional documents specifically requested through the application portal.
Application Process
To apply for the Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program 2027–2028, applicants should generally follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria carefully and confirm that you meet the citizenship, age, academic, English-language, leadership, and graduate-study requirements.
Step 2: Review Eligible Master’s Programs
Choose an eligible master’s program that matches your academic background, career goals, and interests. The available programs focus on technology, innovation, engineering, data, computer science, and sustainable development.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your academic records, degree documents, English-language evidence, CV, personal statement, leadership information, and other supporting materials required for the application.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Complete the ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application online and provide accurate information throughout the form.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Submit the required supporting documents according to the instructions provided in the application system. Ensure that documents are clear, complete, and submitted before the deadline.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
The stated application deadline is 27 September 2026. Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and avoid waiting until the final day.
Step 7: Selection and Further Communication
Eligible applications will go through the scholarship’s selection process. Shortlisted or selected applicants may be contacted with further instructions regarding admission, interviews, documentation, or other required steps.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program 2027–2028 is:
27 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications well before the deadline.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ASU Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program?
The Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholars Program is a graduate scholarship initiative supporting talented young African professionals pursuing selected master’s degree programs at ASU.
2. How many scholarships are available for 2027–2028?
The program is offering 30 graduate study opportunities for the 2027–2028 academic year.
3. Is the ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition and fees, accommodation, books, visa expenses, airfare, and medical expenses, along with academic and leadership support.
4. Who can apply for this scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for citizens of African countries who meet the stated academic, age, English-language, leadership, and other eligibility requirements.
5. What degree level is supported?
The program supports selected master’s degree programs at Arizona State University.
6. What fields of study are available?
Available fields include technology, information technology, computer science, data science, robotics, engineering, clean energy, sustainable engineering, modern energy production, and intelligent systems, among others.
7. What is the minimum GPA requirement?
Applicants are required to have a strong academic record equivalent to at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
8. What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 33 years old on or before the application deadline.
9. Can someone who already has a master’s degree apply?
No. Applicants must not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree program.
10. Is the scholarship available for online study?
No. The selected programs are full-time and on campus at Arizona State University in the United States.
11. Where will scholars study?
Successful scholars will study at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, USA, and must be able to relocate and reside on campus for the duration of their program.
12. What is the application deadline?
The stated deadline is 27 September 2026.
13. How can I apply for the ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Applicants should complete the online application and submit the required information and supporting documents before the deadline through the designated application portal.
