Mastercard Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026 and ASU for African Students
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), has officially launched the 2026 Innovation and Technology Scholarship, a groundbreaking opportunity for African graduates who aspire to lead change across the continent through creativity, technology, and innovation. This initiative embodies a shared vision to empower Africa’s youth with world-class education and the digital skills needed to drive sustainable growth and transformation.
Through this scholarship, talented graduates from across Africa will have the chance to earn fully funded online master’s degrees from Arizona State University, one of the world’s top universities in digital education. The program is designed to combine academic excellence with practical skill-building, ensuring that scholars are not only equipped with technical expertise but also with leadership and problem-solving capabilities essential for tackling Africa’s most pressing challenges.
In addition to academic funding, recipients will receive comprehensive academic and career support through Kepler College in Rwanda, ASU’s regional partner. This support includes mentorship, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and access to career pathways that align with Africa’s growing digital economy. Scholars will also benefit from a strong community of peers, educators, and industry leaders committed to innovation and social impact.
Between 2025 and 2030, the program aims to educate 160 young African professionals, preparing them to become catalysts for progress in sectors such as technology, entrepreneurship, education, and governance. By investing in these future leaders, the Mastercard Foundation and ASU reaffirm their dedication to transforming lives through education—empowering Africa’s brightest minds to build a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for the continent.
A Portal to International Education & Community Effects
In the 2026/2027 academic year, there are 40 scholarships offered, which cover full tuition fees, housing, and living costs for a duration of two years. In addition to financial assistance, beneficiaries will receive career guidance, leadership training, and entrepreneurship education aimed at equipping them as Africa’s upcoming wave of innovators.
Eligible Graduate Programs
Students will register in one of the following ASU Online master’s programs:
- MS Global Tech and Progress
- MSE Eco-Friendly Engineering
- MS Information Technology
- MS Business Analytics
- MEd Educational Design and Technologies.
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is available to African nationals who exhibit notable academic ability, leadership skills, and a dedication to making a positive impact in their communities. Priority will be afforded to women, refugees, displaced individuals, and those with disabilities, guaranteeing fair access to higher education.
How to Apply
Deadline for Application
The deadline for applications for the 2026 Innovation and Technology Scholarship is Sunday, 2 November 2025, at 23:59 GMT. Submitting applications early is highly recommended because of intense competition and restricted availability.
Why Is This Important
This partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and ASU signifies a significant advance in broadening inclusive access to high-quality education. It combines the adaptability of online education with the hands-on mentorship provided at Kepler College — an innovative hybrid approach that is influencing the future of higher education in Africa
RECOMMENDED
- Firstly, Study in UK | University of Cambridge Research Fellowships 2026
- Secondly, Study in Germany | Heidelberg University Scholarships 2025-2026
- Thirdly, Study in Sweden | Dalarna University Scholarships 2026
- Then, Study in Canada | Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025
- Also, Netherlands Fully Funded NL Scholarship 2026
- Moreover, France Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for October 2026
- Furthermore, Taylor University Undergraduate Scholarship 2025
- Afterwards, Study in Canada | Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025
- Additionally, Netherlands Fully Funded NL Scholarship 2026
- More so, France Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for October 2026
- Finally, Tokyo City University Fully-funded Scholarship 2026
