Mastercard Foundation & Arizona State University (ASU) Open Applications for 2026/2027 Innovation and Technology Graduate Scholarships (Fully Funded)
2026 Innovation and Technology Scholarship-Mastercard Foundation & Arizona State University
Application Deadline: Sunday, 14 September, 23:59 GMT
Overview
The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), invites applications for the 2026/2027 cohort of the Innovation and Technology Graduate Scholarship. This initiative will support 120 young African professionals over five years (2025–2030), providing fully funded opportunities to pursue master’s degrees focused on technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, 30 fully funded scholarships will be awarded. These scholarships cover full tuition, accommodation, visa and travel expenses, health insurance, books, and program fees for a two-year, on-campus graduate program in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to financial support, Scholars will benefit from a robust enrichment experience, including a leadership curriculum, one-on-one mentorship, and a variety of community-building events as part of the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU.
This program is designed to develop the next generation of African leaders with the technical skills, innovative mindsets, and leadership capacity needed to drive positive transformation across the continent. A key expectation of the program is that graduates will return to their home countries to contribute meaningfully to social and economic development.
Eligible Graduate Programs
Scholarships are available for the following full-time, on-campus master’s programs at ASU:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
- MS User Experience
- MS Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be a citizen of an African country.
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 33 as of the application deadline.
- Must have completed an undergraduate degree by August 2026.
- Must not have started or completed any graduate or master’s program prior to August 2026.
- Must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to ethical leadership.
- Must show a proven record of community engagement and service.
- Must meet the academic and English language requirements of their chosen graduate program.
- Must be able to live full-time in Phoenix, Arizona for the duration of the program.
Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds including women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. ASU remains committed to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students.
Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship covers the following:
- Visa application costs
- English language testing fees
- Program application fees
- Round-trip airfare to Phoenix, Arizona
- Full tuition, books, and university fees
- On-campus housing and meal plans
- Medical insurance
- Access to leadership development, mentorship, and career support programming
Additionally, Scholars will have the opportunity to gain professional experience through part-time campus employment during the academic year, and a fully supported two-month internship between the first and second year of study, aligned with their area of focus.
Application Process
All applicants must begin by applying for the scholarship. Those selected to move forward will receive guidance to complete their application to ASU—do not apply directly to ASU until instructed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a video or phone interview. Final decisions will be communicated by February 2026, and successful candidates will begin their studies in August 2026.
The final deadline for applications is Sunday, 14 September 2025, at 23:59 GMT. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Admission to an academic program at ASU does not guarantee a scholarship award.
Before submitting an application, all prospective candidates are advised to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and application guidance. Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation reserve the right to cancel incomplete or late applications, modify scholarship terms, or make no awards, depending on the circumstances.
For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit FAQ page or contact: [email protected].
