Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Open | 2026-2027

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is currently accepting applications through its partner institutions for the 2026 cycle, though exact windows vary by partner and are not fixed to a single date. This is a funded scholarship for young people from underrepresented backgrounds, offered at secondary, undergraduate, and master’s levels. It backs promising students who face barriers to education, with a clear focus on African leaders and Indigenous youth in Canada.

Because the program works through a network of partner schools and universities, you apply to a specific institution rather than to one central office. Each partner runs its own timeline, so the practical status depends on which partner you target.

Who Runs the Program

The Mastercard Foundation hosts and funds the program. It partners with selected institutions that deliver the scholarships on the ground. For study in Canada, these partners serve Indigenous youth, while other partners across the network support young African leaders. The Foundation sets the vision; the partner institutions handle admissions, selection, and student support.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

The program supports three levels of study: secondary, undergraduate, and master’s. PhD study is not covered. The source does not name specific fields of study, because eligible programs depend on what each partner institution offers. To confirm which subjects qualify, check the specific partner you plan to apply to.

How Many Scholarships Are Offered

The number of scholarships is not specified in a single figure. Awards are distributed across many partner institutions, and each partner sets its own intake. As a result, the total available at any one school depends on that partner’s capacity for the year.

Who Can Apply

The program targets young people from underrepresented backgrounds who face financial and social barriers to education. Two groups stand out in the network. First, young African leaders who show academic promise and a commitment to giving back. Second, Indigenous youth in Canada, who are served by Canadian partner institutions. If you belong to one of these groups and show strong potential, you fit the intended profile.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed as comprehensive support, not tuition alone. Across the network, scholars typically receive help with tuition, learning materials, accommodation, and living costs, along with mentorship and leadership development. The exact package depends on the partner institution and the level of study. For the precise inclusions at your chosen school, review that partner’s offer, since amounts and benefits are set locally rather than centrally.

Eligibility Requirements

The core eligibility points drawn from the program are:

• You must come from an underrepresented or economically disadvantaged background.
• You must be applying at secondary, undergraduate, or master’s level. PhD applicants are not eligible.
• For the Canadian route, you should be Indigenous youth served by a Canadian partner institution.
• For the wider network, young African leaders with academic promise and a service mindset are the focus.
• You must meet the academic and admission standards of the specific partner institution you apply to.

Beyond these, each partner may add its own criteria. Confirm the full list on the partner’s page before you start.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

You do not apply through one central form. Instead, you apply directly to a partner institution that hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at your chosen level. The reference cycle here is rolling by partner institution, 2026 cycle, because each partner opens and closes its own window. For that reason, check the official page below to see the current list of partners and their live application dates.

A practical route to follow:

1. Open the official “where to apply” page and find a partner that matches your study level and location.
2. Read that partner’s eligibility and deadline details for the 2026 cycle.
3. Complete the partner’s application before its stated closing date.
4. Submit any documents the partner requests.

Partners commonly ask for supporting documents. While the exact list depends on the institution, expect to prepare items such as:

• Proof of identity or nationality.
• Academic transcripts or results.
• Evidence of financial need.
• A personal statement or essay.
• Proof of admission or enrollment where required.

If you miss a partner’s deadline, you would need to wait for its next intake, since windows differ across the network. The source does not list a single query email; use the contact details published on the official page for the partner you are targeting.

Official Website

Apply and confirm current dates through the official page: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Where to Apply.