For many young African professionals, earning a master’s degree in technology or innovation can open doors to careers that create meaningful change. The challenge, however, is often the cost of studying abroad.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) is designed to address that barrier by providing 30 graduate study opportunities for young African professionals seeking full-time, on-campus master’s degrees focused on technology and innovation.
The current scholarship cycle is for 2027–2028, and selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial and academic support while studying at Arizona State University in the United States.
Application Deadline: September 27, 2026, at 23:59 GMT
If you are an African professional interested in technology, data, engineering, sustainable innovation, or related fields, this could be an opportunity worth exploring.
Scholarship Summary
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU |
| Current Cycle | 2027–2028 |
| Host University | Arizona State University |
| Programme Type | Fully Funded Graduate Scholarship |
| Number of Opportunities | 30 |
| Target Group | Young African professionals |
| Study Level | Master’s degree |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-campus |
| Study Location | United States |
| Focus Areas | Technology and Innovation |
| Application Deadline | September 27, 2026, 23:59 GMT |
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University is part of the broader Mastercard Foundation initiative to support talented young people, particularly from Africa, with access to quality higher education and leadership development.
The current third phase of the programme focuses specifically on innovation and technology, providing pathways for young African professionals to develop advanced skills that can contribute to economic and social development across the continent.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, ASU is offering 30 graduate study opportunities for young African professionals pursuing selected technology- and innovation-focused master’s programmes.
A key expectation is that scholars use the knowledge and skills gained through their education to contribute to their communities and support social and economic growth in their home countries.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
One of the strongest features of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU is its comprehensive financial support.
According to the official ASU programme information, selected scholars receive support that includes:
- Full tuition and fees.
- On-campus housing.
- Books.
- Visa expenses.
- Airfare.
- Medical expenses.
- Leadership development.
- Academic advising and support.
- A two-month internship between the first and second years of study.
The programme is therefore designed to provide more than access to university education. Scholars also receive academic, professional and leadership support throughout their graduate experience.
Master’s Programmes Available
The 2027–2028 scholarship cycle covers selected full-time, on-campus master’s programmes at Arizona State University.
Available programmes include:
1. MS Global Technology and Development
This programme combines technology, development and innovation, making it relevant to professionals interested in using technology to address development challenges.
2. MS Information Technology
This pathway is suitable for applicants seeking advanced knowledge and skills in information technology.
3. MCS Computer Science
The Master of Computer Science provides graduate-level training in computer science and related technological fields.
4. MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering
This programme is relevant to applicants interested in data, analytics, engineering and data-driven decision-making.
5. MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
This programme focuses on advanced technologies related to robotics and autonomous systems.
6. MS Clean Energy Systems
Applicants interested in sustainable energy and technological approaches to energy challenges can consider this pathway.
7. MS Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
This programme combines engineering with environmental and sustainability considerations.
8. MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
The programme focuses on modern approaches to energy production and sustainable energy use.
9. MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
This programme explores intelligent systems and the interaction between technology and human needs.
The official ASU programme page lists these as the graduate programmes covered by the current scholarship opportunity.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The scholarship is intended for young African professionals interested in advancing their education in technology and innovation.
It may be particularly relevant to applicants who want to:
- Pursue a technology-focused master’s degree.
- Develop advanced technical expertise.
- Build careers in technology and innovation.
- Explore data science and artificial intelligence-related fields.
- Develop expertise in engineering and sustainable technologies.
- Gain international graduate study experience.
- Build professional relationships with other African leaders.
- Use technology to address challenges affecting their communities.
- Develop leadership skills alongside their academic training.
Applicants should, however, carefully review the official eligibility requirements for the current cycle and their chosen ASU graduate programme before applying.
A Scholarship Built Around More Than Academics
Getting a master’s degree is only one part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars experience.
The programme also places emphasis on leadership development, professional preparation and community impact.
ASU describes its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as providing holistic support, including academic advising, professional development, internships, leadership activities and opportunities for scholars to engage in community service and social ventures.
This makes the programme particularly relevant for applicants who see graduate education as a pathway to creating impact beyond the classroom.
Technology and Innovation for Africa’s Future
Africa’s economies are experiencing rapid changes driven by technology, digital transformation, data, engineering and sustainable innovation.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU seeks to prepare young African professionals with advanced knowledge that can contribute to these developments.
The programme’s current focus includes areas such as:
- Information technology.
- Computer science.
- Data science.
- Robotics.
- Engineering.
- Clean energy.
- Sustainable development.
- Intelligent systems.
- Technology and development.
For professionals planning careers in technology, research, entrepreneurship, engineering, development or related fields, graduate-level training in these areas can provide a strong foundation for future work.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
There are several reasons the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU deserves attention.
1. It is designed specifically for African professionals
The current scholarship opportunity is focused on young African professionals rather than being a general international scholarship competition.
2. It provides comprehensive financial support
The official programme information lists tuition, fees, housing, books, visa, airfare and medical expenses among the scholarship benefits.
3. It focuses on future-oriented fields
Technology, data, robotics, engineering and sustainable energy are among the available areas of study.
4. It combines education with leadership development
Scholars receive opportunities for leadership development, academic support and professional preparation alongside their degree programme.
5. It includes practical experience
The current programme includes a two-month internship between the first and second years, giving scholars an opportunity to gain practical experience alongside their graduate education.
How to Prepare Your Application
A competitive graduate scholarship application requires more than simply meeting the minimum requirements.
Before applying, prospective candidates should:
Review the scholarship requirements
Read the official ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information carefully and confirm that you meet the requirements.
Check your chosen master’s programme
Each graduate programme may have its own academic and application requirements. Make sure your academic background aligns with your selected programme.
Prepare your academic documents
Gather the relevant academic records and supporting documents early rather than waiting until the application deadline.
Think carefully about your leadership story
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places considerable emphasis on leadership and community impact.
Your application should clearly communicate how your experiences, skills and aspirations connect with the programme’s objectives.
Demonstrate your commitment to impact
Think beyond what the degree can do for your career.
Consider how the knowledge you gain could contribute to your community, country or wider African society.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University 2027–2028 is:
September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications.
Academic documents, programme requirements and supporting information should be reviewed well ahead of the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should begin by reviewing the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU information and the programme’s application requirements.
Applicants should:
- Review the current scholarship eligibility requirements.
- Examine the available master’s programmes.
- Identify the programme that best matches their academic and professional background.
- Review the relevant ASU graduate programme requirements.
- Prepare the required academic and supporting documents.
- Complete the official application carefully.
- Review all information before submission.
- Submit the application before September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
For the latest application instructions and the official application portal, use the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU official website.
Applicants with programme-specific questions can also contact the ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team through the contact information provided on the official programme website.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU 2027–2028 presents a significant opportunity for young African professionals seeking fully funded master’s study in technology and innovation.
With 30 graduate opportunities, comprehensive financial support, leadership development, academic advising and practical internship experience, the programme goes beyond simply funding a university degree.
For African professionals interested in computer science, information technology, data science, robotics, engineering, clean energy and other technology-focused fields, the opportunity is particularly worth exploring.
If you have the academic preparation, leadership potential and commitment to using your skills to contribute to your community, start preparing your application now.
Application Deadline: September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
