The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), introduces the 2025 Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship—a transformative opportunity for aspiring African professionals to pursue a graduate degree. This initiative will train 160 young leaders over a five‐year period (2025–2030) through an innovative blend of ASU Online learning and on‐campus support at Kepler College in Rwanda.
By integrating flexible online education with personalized, in‐person guidance, the program offers comprehensive wrap-around services that foster both academic excellence and community impact. Scholars will not only benefit from full financial support but will also gain access to leadership development and mentorship activities designed to empower them to drive positive change in their home countries.
With a strong commitment to diversity, the programme strongly encourages applications from women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities. Successful candidates will be guided through the ASU admission process after receiving the scholarship award.
Program Details
- Host Institutions: Arizona State University (ASU – United States of America) in partnership with Kepler College in Rwanda.
- Study Field: Graduate programmes in Innovation and Technology.
- Duration: 2-year full-time graduate programme.
- Number of Scholarships: 40 scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Target Group: Young African professionals committed to ethical leadership and community engagement.
Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive extensive financial support and enriching opportunities throughout the duration of their studies:
- Coverage of visa application fees, English language test costs, and program application expenses.
- Round-trip airfare to and from Kigali, Rwanda.
- Full payment of tuition, including books and fees.
- A comprehensive food and living stipend.
- Housing support and medical expense coverage.
- Access to a 2-month summer intensive at Arizona State University (in the United States of America) between the first and second year, aligned with the scholar’s programme of study.
- Participation in individual mentorship, leadership development, and a range of scholarship programming activities.
Awarded funds are allocated for the entire duration of the graduate program.
Eligible Programs
The scholarship is available for full-time, on-campus graduate studies at ASU in the following programmes:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MSE Sustainable Engineering
- MS Information Technology
- MS Business Analytics
- MEd Learning Design and Technologies
Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Be a citizen of an African country and demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership and community service.
- Exhibit academic excellence and meet English proficiency requirements for the chosen program
- Be between the ages of 18 and 33 on or before the application deadline.
- Have earned an undergraduate degree by July 2025.
- Not having initiated or completed another graduate or master’s degree prior to August 2025.
- Be prepared to reside in Kigali, Rwanda, for the entire duration of the program.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship
Applications are accepted online via an electronic application system. Follow these steps to complete your submission:
- Online form: Click on the apply button and click on the “Next” button at the bottom of the opened page. Enter your email and hit submit. Follow the received instructions.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online form accurately according to the stated criteria. Incomplete or erroneous applications will not be considered.
- Attach Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents (such as your CV/Resume, Letter(s) of Recommendation, and academic transcripts) in English. If you have limited internet access, download the PDF version of the form (Please click here to download), complete it, and email your application along with the attachments to [email protected].
- Submit Your Application: Ensure your completed application is submitted by 23:59 GMT on the deadline. Only online applications are preferred if possible.
- Notification: Successful applicants will receive an official decision via email in June, and further guidance will be provided through the online system.
Please ensure you have read and understood the application guidelines and eligibility requirements before submitting. For additional questions, visit our FAQ page or email [email protected].
All awarded scholars will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, in August 2025 to commence the programme. Please note that obtaining admission to the academic program does not automatically secure a scholarship award, as these processes occur independently.
ASU and the Mastercard Foundation reserve the right to cancel incomplete or late applications, modify scholarship conditions, or make no awards at all. Ensure that you have carefully reviewed all details before applying.
The application deadline is . For more details on the Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship, please visit the official website. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.