🌍🇺🇸 Fully Funded Scholarship in the USA – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley 2026–2027! 🎓🌟 Empowering Africa’s Next-Generation Leaders for Global Impact! 🇺🇸✨

The University of California, Berkeley and The Mastercard Foundation have joined forces to support Africa’s brightest, most driven, and socially committed young leaders — helping them access world-class graduate education and become catalysts for transformation in their communities. 🇺🇸🌍✨

With over USD $1.2 billion invested and more than 40,000 young Africans supported so far, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program continues to be one of the largest and most impactful scholarship initiatives in the world.
The future of Africa will be shaped by young leaders who combine academic excellence, ethical leadership, community commitment, and a strong desire to return home and create lasting change — and this scholarship is designed precisely for them. 🌍🔥

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🎓 What the Scholarship Covers

A comprehensive, fully funded package including:

✈️ Travel costs
🏫 Full tuition at UC Berkeley
📚 Berkeley student fees
🏡 Housing & accommodation
🍽️ Food & living expenses
📑 Visa & SEVIS fees
🚀 Leadership & entrepreneurship training
🤝 Cohort activities, mentoring & community support

Everything required for a successful master’s degree experience in one of the world’s leading universities. 🇺🇸✨

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🌍 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

🔹 Be citizens of an African country (including African refugees or those forcibly displaced within Africa; dual citizens or permanent residents of the US/Canada/EU/UK are not eligible).
🔹 Be academically talented and first gain admission to a UC Berkeley master’s programme.
🔹 Demonstrate leadership potential, ethical engagement, and the ability to inspire positive change.
🔹 Have experienced significant barriers to higher education (financial, social, personal, structural, health-related).
🔹 Show commitment to community impact through activism, volunteering, social engagement, or professional initiatives.
🔹 Intend to return to their home country after completing their degree to contribute to local or continental transformation.

Priority is given to applicants who:
– Completed their undergraduate degree in Africa
– Do not already hold a postgraduate degree
– Have not previously received a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

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🌎 Eligible Countries

Citizens of African countries 🇿🇦🇳🇬🇪🇬🇰🇪🇪🇹🇬🇭🇷🇼 (all African nations included).

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🌱 Programme Structure at UC Berkeley

Based at the Center for African Studies, the program:
📘 Has supported 120+ African students between 2012–2020
🎓 Will support 200+ master’s students through 2030
💡 Provides leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation training
🌉 Connects Scholars with Silicon Valley ecosystems
🌍 Supports research collaboration between Berkeley and African universities
🚀 Offers seed grants, mentorship, internships, and career pathways

A transformative pathway for future African changemakers.

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🗓️ Application Timeline

📌 September – Early January
Apply to UC Berkeley master’s programmes (deadlines vary).

📌 November 15
Applicants who submit early demographic info + 2 referees may be invited for application fee waiver.

📌 February
Selected candidates receive invitation for supplemental application.

📌 March
Online interviews with the Scholars Program.

📌 Late March / Early April
Final decisions communicated.

More details:
Apply page → https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/apply-be-mastercard-foundation-scholar-uc-berkeley

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🔗 Important Links

🌐 Mastercard Foundation: https://mastercardfdn.org
🌐 Scholars Program: https://mastercardfdnscholars.org
🌐 Young Africa Works Strategy: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-strategy/
🌐 UC Berkeley Center for African Studies: https://africa.berkeley.edu
🌐 Programme Info: https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-uc-berkeley

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⚠️ Important Notice

1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.

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