The EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 offers talented students from disadvantaged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in Costa Rica. Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, EARTH University supports students whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from accessing higher education.

The scholarship program provides financial assistance alongside leadership development, mentoring, career counselling, service-learning opportunities, and internships. Successful applicants can study Agricultural Sciences through EARTH University’s four-year undergraduate program while developing the skills needed to contribute to sustainable agriculture, food systems, and socioeconomic development in their home communities.

Applications for the 2027 admission cycle are listed as open from October 15, 2026, to January 31, 2027. Applicants should complete the university’s admission process and undergo its financial-needs assessment to be considered for financial support.

EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 – Overview

• Scholarship Name: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH University
• Host Institution: EARTH University
• Scholarship Sponsor: Mastercard Foundation
• Study Destination: Costa Rica
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Degree Program: Agricultural Sciences
• Program Duration: Four years
• Eligible Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
• Scholarship Type: Full scholarships for selected eligible students
• Financial Support: Tuition and basic living expenses, subject to the scholarship award
• Additional Opportunities: Mentoring, leadership development, career counselling, and internships
• Application Period: October 15, 2026 – January 31, 2027
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
• IELTS Requirement: English requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Confirm the current language requirements directly with EARTH University.

About the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

EARTH University, located in Costa Rica, partners with the Mastercard Foundation to provide higher education opportunities to talented young people from disadvantaged communities. The partnership has been supporting students from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean since 2011.

The program aims to prepare future leaders who can contribute to sustainable development, agricultural innovation, and improved livelihoods in their communities. Students receive more than financial assistance: they also benefit from mentoring, leadership development, career guidance, practical learning, and internship opportunities.

EARTH University’s undergraduate program focuses on Agricultural Sciences and follows a four-year academic structure. After graduation, many Mastercard Foundation Scholars return to their home countries to contribute to agricultural development and more sustainable food systems.

The first step toward becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at EARTH University is to apply for admission to the university. Financial support is assessed through the university’s admissions and socioeconomic evaluation process.

Eligibility Criteria for the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

Applicants should review the university’s admission requirements and the scholarship’s regional eligibility conditions before applying. The stated criteria include:

• Be a resident of and graduating high school student from an eligible country in Sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America.
• Demonstrate significant financial need, corresponding to the lowest two income quintiles in the applicant’s country.
• Have an excellent academic record within the national education system.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and participation in extracurricular activities.
• Show a strong commitment to contributing to socioeconomic development in the applicant’s home country or region after graduation.
• Be graduating from a recognized secondary school or have completed the required academic qualifications.
• Meet EARTH University’s English language requirements, which may vary depending on the applicant’s country and circumstances.

Important: The Mastercard Foundation program at EARTH also serves students from the Caribbean. Applicants should confirm the eligibility of their country and the applicable regional criteria with the university before applying.

Benefits of the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides financial and developmental support to selected students who demonstrate academic potential and financial need.

The university confirms that its full scholarships can cover tuition and basic living expenses. Its published university cost information includes tuition, student services, housing, meals, and medical insurance. The precise funding package should be confirmed with EARTH University.

Potential scholarship support and program opportunities include:

• Tuition fees and academic expenses.
• Accommodation and meals.
• Medical insurance, according to the applicable award.
• Basic living expenses.
• Access to mentoring and academic guidance.
• Leadership development and training opportunities.
• Career counselling and professional development.
• Service-learning opportunities and internships.
• Support in developing skills for agricultural and community development.

Some scholarship summaries also mention laptops, books, stationery, travel expenses, and additional stipends. These items are not all individually confirmed in the university’s published scholarship information, so applicants should verify the exact benefits included in their award.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for the EARTH University admission process:

1. Online Application Form: Complete the university’s online admission application.
2. Three Recommendation Letters: Submit three recommendation letters from individuals who are not family members, using the university’s required format.
3. High School Academic Transcripts: Provide transcripts covering the last three completed years of high school.
4. High School Diploma: Submit a secondary school diploma or an official certificate confirming completion of studies.
5. Supporting Documents: Include relevant certificates, language qualifications, awards, achievements, and records of completed courses or training.
6. Additional Financial Documents: Be prepared to provide information and supporting documents for the university’s socioeconomic assessment if requested.

Applicants should check the official application platform for the latest document instructions and any additional requirements.

How to Apply for the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

The scholarship consideration process begins with an application for admission to EARTH University. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official EARTH University Website

Open the university’s official admissions page and review the admission requirements, application instructions, and available financial aid options.

Step 2: Create an Applicant Account

Complete the initial online form with your personal details, contact information, country of origin, and high school information. EARTH University will send you account access instructions.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Use the login details provided by the university to access the application platform. Complete the required sections and upload your academic records and supporting documents.

Step 4: Submit Three Recommendation Letters

Arrange three recommendation letters from non-family members and upload them using the university’s required format.

Step 5: Complete the Admission Assessments

If your application is shortlisted, you may be invited to take an aptitude test and a psychometric assessment. Selected applicants will also proceed to group and individual interviews.

Step 6: Complete the Socioeconomic Assessment

Applicants considered for financial assistance may be asked to complete a socioeconomic form and participate in a family assessment. The university uses this information to evaluate financial need and determine eligibility for financial support.

Step 7: Wait for the Admission and Financial Aid Decision

The university’s admissions and financial support committees review applicants’ results and circumstances. Successful applicants receive further instructions regarding admission, financial assistance, and immigration procedures.

Application Timeline and Deadline

The published EARTH University admissions schedule for the relevant application cycle includes the following stages:

Application Stage	Timeline
Receipt of admission forms	October 15, 2026 – January 31, 2027
Review of selected profiles and socioeconomic forms	February 1 – March 15, 2027
Admission tests and interviews	April 2027
Admission and immigration process	June 2027

Application Deadline: January 31, 2027

Applicants are encouraged to submit their admission forms before the closing date and monitor their email for updates from the university.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

The program provides full scholarships to selected students who demonstrate financial need and successfully complete the university’s admission process. EARTH confirms that full scholarships can cover tuition and basic living expenses. Applicants should confirm the exact financial coverage in their individual award offer.

2. Which country hosts the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The scholarship is offered at EARTH University in Costa Rica, Central America. It is not a scholarship for studying in the United States.

3. Who can apply for the EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027?

The program supports talented young people from disadvantaged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Applicants must also meet the university’s academic admission requirements and demonstrate financial need.

4. What degree can students pursue through this scholarship?

The program supports undergraduate study in Agricultural Sciences at EARTH University. The university’s undergraduate program has a duration of four years.

5. What is the application deadline for the 2027 scholarship?

The published admission schedule lists January 31, 2027, as the deadline for receiving admission forms.

6. Do applicants need IELTS for the EARTH University Scholarship?

English language requirements may depend on the applicant’s country and circumstances. Applicants should contact EARTH University to confirm which language qualifications or evidence are required. Do not assume that IELTS is universally waived.

7. Does the scholarship cover accommodation and meals?

EARTH University’s published annual cost information includes housing and food, and its full scholarship information confirms support for basic living expenses. Applicants should verify the exact coverage of their individual scholarship.

8. Are recommendation letters required?

Yes. EARTH University’s admissions requirements list three recommendation letters from non-family members. Applicants should use the university’s provided format.

9. What academic documents are required?

Applicants must submit high school transcripts from their last three completed years and a high school diploma or certificate confirming completion of studies. Additional supporting documents may also be requested.

10. How do I apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at EARTH University?

Applicants must first apply for admission through the official EARTH University application portal. Candidates who progress through the admissions process may undergo tests, interviews, and a socioeconomic assessment to determine eligibility for financial support.

11. Is there an application fee?

EARTH University states that its admissions process is completely free. Applicants should use the official university website and avoid individuals or social media accounts requesting payment in exchange for a guaranteed scholarship.

12. Does submitting an application guarantee a full scholarship?

No. Applicants must successfully complete the admission process and demonstrate financial need. The university’s financial support committee evaluates eligible candidates and determines the type of assistance awarded.

Final Words

The EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 is an opportunity for talented students from disadvantaged communities in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to pursue undergraduate studies in Agricultural Sciences in Costa Rica. Along with financial assistance, the program offers leadership development, mentoring, career guidance, and practical learning opportunities. Eligible students should review the official requirements, prepare their documents, and submit their admission applications before January 31, 2027.