Applications Now Open for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2024
The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship program provides access to education for bright young students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, especially from Africa. Applications are now open for the 2024 scholarship program.
The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship program is widely considered one of the most comprehensive and generous scholarship programs for African students. Each year, the program provides 15,000 scholarships and allows scholars to study at over 40 universities across Africa. The 2024 scholarship offers an exciting opportunity for eligible students to access quality education and develop skills to lead change in their communities.
Background on the scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation launched this scholarship program in 2012 with a mission to develop socially conscious leaders. So far, over 40,000 students have benefited from the program. The scholarship covers the full cost of education including tuition, accommodation, books, and personal expenses. Scholars also receive mentorship, leadership development training, and opportunities for internships and global connections.
See Also Paid Internship: World Bank Internship Program 2024
Eligibility Criteria
The main eligibility criteria are citizenship, academics, leadership, economic status, community engagement, and commitment to returning home to Africa after completing studies.
I. Citizenship Requirement
II. Academic Requirement
- Demonstrate academic talent and excellence
III. Leadership Potential
- Leadership that brings positive change ethically
IV. Socioeconomic Status
- Come from a disadvantaged economic background
V. Community Engagement
- Achievements in areas related or beyond academic field
VI. Return to Home Country
- Take advantage of learning to address local issues
- Scholarship meant to enable returning home despite connections abroad
See Also: 7 Fully Funded Scholarship Programs in the Netherlands 2024
Application Process
I. Prerequisite Admission
- Must first gain admission into an eligible UC Berkeley graduate program
- Not all graduate programs qualify for the scholarship
- See list of eligible master's degree programs
II. Program-Specific Requirements
- Each graduate program has its own admissions requirements
- Applicants must carefully review requirements for their program of interest
- Graduate Division provides details on process for international students
- Direct questions about admissions to the specific graduate program
III. Scholarship Program Application
- Additional application process for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Application timeline open through Fall 2028
IV. Undergraduate Students
- Scholarship not open to UC Berkeley undergraduates
- Undergrads may apply regularly to UC Berkeley
- Other Mastercard Foundation partners accept undergrads
In summary, graduate admission precedes scholarship application, with each graduate program having distinct requirements. The scholarship application timeline is open through Fall 2028. The scholarship is only for graduate students, though undergraduates may apply regularly to UC Berkeley or partner institutions.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholar program at UC Berkeley is a truly life-changing opportunity for talented young leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds in Africa. This prestigious scholarship provides full support – covering tuition, accommodation, books, and personal expenses – allowing scholars to focus fully on their graduate studies.
However, being selected as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar involves far more than financial support. Scholars gain access to invaluable mentoring, networking opportunities across UC Berkeley, skill-building workshops, and pathways to internships and global connections. They join a tight-knit community of like-minded young changemakers, receiving guidance and inspiration to develop their full leadership potential.
The application process requires dedication and self-reflection to articulate one’s suitability for this competitive scholarship. Applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa who meet key criteria of academic excellence, demonstrated leadership talents, and socio-economic disadvantage are encouraged to apply.
See Also Top USA Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries
Ultimately, Mastercard Foundation Scholars have an immense responsibility to positively impact their home countries and communities in Africa. The scholarship enables scholars to fully develop their capabilities and passions, under the guidance of UC Berkeley’s world-class faculty and resources. They have a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and connections that will empower them to enact meaningful change when they return home after completing their program of study.
إرسال تعليق