Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Innovation and Technology at Arizona State University

Applicants interested in computer science can consider the Master of Computer Science programme, while those with backgrounds in information technology can consider the MS in Information Technology. Applicants interested in data-driven research and analytics can consider the MS in Data Science, Analytics and Engineering.

The programme also provides opportunities for applicants interested in robotics and autonomous systems. This area can be relevant to candidates interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, intelligent systems and related technologies.

For candidates interested in climate change and environmental sustainability, the available programmes in clean energy systems, civil and environmental engineering, sustainable engineering and modern energy production provide opportunities to develop advanced knowledge relevant to Africa's energy and infrastructure challenges.

The Global Technology and Development programme provides another pathway for candidates whose interests sit at the intersection of technology, development and social or economic transformation.

The scholarship is designed around more than academic study. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at ASU receive leadership development and academic support intended to help them succeed academically and professionally. Scholars are also expected to develop a strong commitment to using their education and skills to contribute to their communities.

The programme therefore places considerable emphasis on leadership, service and impact. Applicants should not approach the scholarship simply as an opportunity to obtain a master's degree abroad. A strong applicant should be able to demonstrate how their education and professional development could contribute to positive change.

The programme is particularly interested in young African professionals who have the potential to become leaders in their fields and contribute to social and economic development. Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The scholarship provides an opportunity to study at Arizona State University, a major U.S. university with extensive academic resources and a large international student community. Scholars can therefore gain exposure to a different academic environment while developing professional networks.

The two-month internship between the first and second years is another important component of the scholarship. This provides an opportunity for Scholars to gain practical professional experience in addition to their academic studies.

The internship can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional application. It can also provide Scholars with exposure to workplaces, organizations and professional networks relevant to their long-term career interests.

Academic advising and support are also included in the programme. This is particularly useful for international students adjusting to a new university and academic environment.

The scholarship also covers visa expenses and airfare, reducing some of the major financial barriers that can prevent African students from pursuing graduate education in the United States.

On-campus housing and books are included, providing additional financial support during the period of study. Medical expenses are also included in the stated scholarship package.

The programme is therefore considerably broader than a tuition-only scholarship.

Applicants should carefully review the official ASU programme information and application instructions before applying. The specific admission and programme requirements may differ depending on the master's degree selected.

Candidates should also ensure that their previous academic qualifications are appropriate for their preferred degree programme and that they meet any programme-specific admission requirements.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has a strong emphasis on giving back. Scholars are expected to use their education and leadership development to contribute to their communities and countries.

For an applicant from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, or another African country, this scholarship can provide an opportunity to obtain advanced professional training in the United States while developing skills that can later be applied to technology, engineering, energy, data, computing and other sectors across Africa.

The scholarship can be particularly attractive to applicants who want to work in areas connected to Africa's digital transformation, energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, technology development or innovation.

The programme also creates opportunities for Scholars to become part of a wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars community. This can allow participants to develop relationships with other young African leaders who are pursuing education and professional development in different fields.

The application deadline for the 2027–2028 Innovation and Technology scholarship is September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applicants should therefore complete the application and submit all required information before the deadline.

Because the scholarship is highly competitive and only 30 graduate study opportunities are being offered for this application cycle, applicants should pay careful attention to the application requirements and present their academic, professional, leadership and community-impact experience clearly.

Eligibility:

1. Applicants must be young African professionals eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University.

2. Applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for their selected master's programme at Arizona State University.

3. Applicants must be applying for one of the master's programmes included in the 2027–2028 Innovation and Technology scholarship.

4. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic potential.

5. Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to positive social or economic change.

6. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in contributing to their communities and countries after completing their studies.

7. Applicants should be prepared to undertake full-time, on-campus graduate study at Arizona State University.

8. Applicants must satisfy any additional academic or programme-specific requirements for their chosen master's degree.

9. Applicants should be able to demonstrate why their chosen programme is relevant to their educational and professional goals.

10. Applicants should demonstrate potential to use their education and professional skills to contribute to development in Africa.

11. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

12. Refugees and displaced persons are strongly encouraged to apply.

13. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

14. Applicants should carefully review the official scholarship instructions before submitting their application.

15. Applicants must submit the required application materials through the official ASU scholarship application process.

16. Applicants must submit their application by September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.

Benefits:

1. Full tuition and fees are covered by the scholarship.

2. On-campus housing is included.

3. Books are included in the scholarship support.

4. Visa expenses are covered.

5. Airfare is included.

6. Medical expenses are included.

7. Scholars receive academic advising and support.

8. Scholars participate in leadership development activities.

9. Scholars receive professional development opportunities.

10. Scholars receive a two-month internship between the first and second years of study.

11. Scholars can pursue master's-level education at Arizona State University.

12. Scholars can specialize in technology, computing, data science, robotics, engineering, energy or sustainable development depending on their selected programme.

13. Scholars gain experience within a U.S. university environment.

14. Scholars can develop international academic and professional networks.

15. Scholars can connect with other Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni.

16. The programme provides opportunities to develop leadership skills.

17. Scholars receive support designed to help them transition successfully into their graduate studies.

18. The programme provides opportunities for professional growth alongside academic study.

19. The internship provides practical work experience before completion of the master's programme.

20. The scholarship reduces major financial barriers associated with studying in the United States.

21. Scholars can gain advanced technical knowledge relevant to emerging sectors.

22. Applicants interested in artificial intelligence, computing and data can pursue relevant technology-focused master's programmes.

23. Applicants interested in clean energy and sustainable development can pursue relevant energy and engineering programmes.

24. Applicants interested in robotics and autonomous systems can develop advanced knowledge in robotics-related technologies.

25. Applicants interested in environmental and sustainable engineering can gain advanced training relevant to infrastructure and environmental challenges.

26. The programme can strengthen Scholars' international career prospects.

27. Scholars can develop skills that may be applied to technology and innovation challenges in Africa.

28. The programme encourages Scholars to contribute to their communities after their studies.

29. Scholars become part of a wider international network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars.

30. The opportunity provides a pathway for talented African professionals to obtain advanced graduate education in the United States with comprehensive financial support.

Available Master's Programmes:

1. MS Global Technology and Development
2. MS Information Technology
3. Master of Computer Science
4. MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering
5. MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
6. MS Clean Energy Systems
7. MS Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
8. MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use

Application Information: Applicants should begin by reviewing the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page at Arizona State University and identifying the master's programme that best matches their academic background and professional goals.

Candidates should carefully review the requirements for their selected programme because admission requirements may vary between degree programmes.

Applicants should prepare their academic information, supporting documents and other information requested in the official application.

A strong application should clearly explain the applicant's academic and professional background, leadership potential and commitment to contributing to positive change.

Applicants should also demonstrate how their selected master's programme connects with their future career plans and how the knowledge and skills gained through the programme could contribute to their communities and wider development in Africa.

The scholarship deadline is September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit because incomplete applications may not be considered.