The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University 2027 is offering a major fully supported graduate study opportunity for young African professionals interested in technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
For the 2027–2028 application cycle, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), is offering 30 graduate study opportunities for eligible candidates to pursue selected master’s degree programs in the United States.
The scholarships are part of Phase III of the partnership between Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation, which focuses on Innovation and Technology and aims to equip young African leaders with advanced academic, professional, and leadership skills.
Successful Scholars receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including full tuition and fees, on-campus housing, books, visa expenses, airfare, and medical expenses. Scholars also receive leadership development, academic advising and support, as well as a two-month internship between the first and second years of study.
Applications for the 2027–2028 scholarship cycle are scheduled to close on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to expand access to higher education for talented, service-oriented young people, primarily from Africa, while developing the next generation of transformative leaders.
At Arizona State University, the partnership provides educational opportunities to high-achieving African students whose ambitions exceed their financial resources.
The partnership has progressed through several phases. Its current third phase focuses strongly on technology and innovation, expanding access to graduate education and professional learning opportunities.
Phase III is expected to engage hundreds of young African adults between 2024 and 2030 through different educational pathways.
For the current Innovation and Technology Scholarship, 30 graduate study opportunities are available for the 2027–2028 cycle.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027: Key Details
Host University: Arizona State University (ASU)
Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Academic Year: 2027–2028
Country: United States
Location: Arizona
Study Level: Master’s degree
Number of Opportunities: 30
Study Format: Full-time and on campus
Primary Focus: Technology, innovation and sustainable development
Target Group: Young African professionals
Funding: Comprehensive scholarship support
Application Deadline: September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT
Internship: Two-month internship between the first and second years
The scholarship particularly encourages applications from women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities.
What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
One of the strongest features of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is its comprehensive approach to supporting Scholars.
This is not simply a tuition scholarship.
Full Tuition and Fees
Successful Scholars receive coverage for full tuition and applicable fees associated with their eligible graduate program.
This significantly reduces the financial barrier involved in completing a master’s degree in the United States.
On-Campus Housing
The scholarship includes on-campus housing, providing selected Scholars with accommodation while studying at Arizona State University.
Books
Academic books are included as part of the scholarship support.
Visa Expenses
The scholarship provides support for visa expenses, an important consideration for African students relocating to the United States.
Airfare
Airfare is included within the scholarship package, further reducing the costs associated with international graduate study.
Medical Expenses
The scholarship also provides support for medical expenses.
Leadership Development
Mastercard Foundation Scholars participate in leadership-development activities intended to prepare them to create positive social and economic impact.
Academic Advising and Support
Scholars receive academic advising and other support to help them navigate their graduate studies successfully.
Internship Opportunity
The scholarship includes a two-month internship between the first and second years.
This professional-development component allows Scholars to complement academic learning with practical experience.
The combination of tuition, living-related support, travel assistance, academic development and professional experience makes this a particularly comprehensive graduate scholarship opportunity.
Eligible Master’s Degree Programs
The 2027–2028 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University supports specific full-time, on-campus master’s programs.
MS Global Technology and Development
This program connects technology with broader questions surrounding development and societal transformation.
It may be particularly relevant to applicants interested in how technological solutions can contribute to sustainable and inclusive development.
MS Information Technology
The Master of Science in Information Technology provides an option for applicants seeking advanced skills related to modern information technologies.
MCS Computer Science
The Master of Computer Science provides advanced graduate-level education in computer science and is particularly relevant to applicants seeking technology-focused careers.
MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering
Data has become central to decision-making across technology, business, government and development.
The MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering is among the eligible programs available through the scholarship.
MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Students interested in robotics, automation and intelligent systems can consider the MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems.
This field has applications across manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, healthcare and other technology-intensive sectors.
MS Clean Energy Systems
The MS Clean Energy Systems connects graduate education with the growing global need for sustainable and lower-carbon energy solutions.
MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
Applicants interested in infrastructure, environmental challenges and sustainable engineering can consider the MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering program.
MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
The scholarship also supports the MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use, another graduate program connecting engineering and technology with sustainable energy challenges.
These eight programs are specifically identified by Arizona State University as eligible full-time, on-campus programs for the 2027–2028 Innovation and Technology Scholarship.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The program is designed for young African professionals seeking graduate education focused on technology and innovation.
Academic excellence is important, but the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has a broader mission than simply rewarding strong grades.
The program seeks individuals with the potential to use their education and professional development to contribute to their communities and support social and economic transformation.
A strong expectation of the program is that Scholars will apply the skills and knowledge gained through their education to contribute to their communities.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to demonstrate both academic capability and a commitment to creating meaningful impact.
Women and Underrepresented Applicants Are Encouraged
Arizona State University’s current scholarship announcement specifically states that women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
This emphasis reflects the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program commitment to expanding access to education for talented young people who may face significant barriers.
Applicants should nevertheless carefully review the complete eligibility criteria and application instructions before submitting an application.
Leadership and Community Impact
Leadership development is an important component of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
At ASU, Scholars receive opportunities to develop leadership abilities through student organizations, community service, professional-development activities and other programming.
The program also emphasizes a culture of giving back.
Scholars are encouraged to participate in community service, develop social ventures, build professional connections and prepare for careers that can create positive impact.
This means applicants should think carefully about their previous leadership and community experiences when preparing their scholarship applications.
Strong applications should demonstrate not simply what the applicant wants to gain from studying in the United States, but also how that education could eventually benefit communities and contribute to wider development.
Technology and Innovation Focus
The current Phase III partnership places technology and innovation at the center of its graduate opportunities.
This is reflected in the available master’s programs, which span areas such as:
Artificial intelligence-related disciplines, computer science, data science, robotics, information technology, sustainable engineering and clean energy.
ASU says the third phase expands access to graduate education and professional learning opportunities focused on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The broader Phase III initiative uses in-person and online degree programs, professional certificates and English-language learning opportunities to create multiple educational pathways.
Professional Development and Internship Experience
The two-month internship included between the first and second years is particularly significant.
Graduate education can provide strong theoretical and technical knowledge, while professional experience helps students understand how those skills are applied outside the classroom.
The internship component therefore strengthens the program’s emphasis on preparing Scholars for professional transitions and future impact.
ASU also states that Scholars participate in professional-development activities intended to help them pursue their goals after graduation.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants should begin by identifying which of the eight eligible master’s programs best matches their previous education, professional experience and long-term career plans.
A strong application should clearly communicate three things: academic preparation, leadership potential and intended impact.
Candidates should explain why their chosen graduate program is relevant to the challenges they hope to address.
For example, an applicant interested in clean energy should be able to explain how advanced training could contribute to energy challenges in their community or country.
Similarly, applicants interested in computer science, data science or robotics should demonstrate how advanced technological knowledge connects with their longer-term professional and social-impact objectives.
Leadership examples should be specific.
Applicants can draw from university leadership, employment, entrepreneurship, volunteering, community organizations, research projects or other genuine experiences that demonstrate initiative and responsibility.
Important Difference Between ASU and the University of Arizona
Applicants should be careful not to confuse Arizona State University (ASU) with the University of Arizona.
They are separate universities.
The Mastercard Foundation opportunity discussed in this article is offered through Arizona State University.
Applicants searching online should therefore ensure they are using the official ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application information rather than unrelated University of Arizona scholarship or degree pages.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027–2028 Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarship at Arizona State University must be submitted by:
Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Applicants should aim to complete their applications before the final deadline rather than waiting until the last few hours.
Candidates should also carefully review the scholarship’s official FAQs and application guidance before submitting.
How to Apply
Applications should be completed through the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University application process.
Official ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027–2028 Application Information
Applicants should review the current eligibility requirements, FAQs and instructions directly through ASU before completing their applications.
The Mastercard Foundation explains that its Scholars Program is implemented through individual partner institutions, and each partner manages its own application process and selection decisions. Candidates should therefore follow ASU’s specific application procedures for this scholarship.
Applicants should also be cautious of scholarship scams. The Mastercard Foundation states that it does not solicit payments from individuals and warns about fraudulent recruitment advertisements.
Why the ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Stands Out
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University 2027 stands out because it combines graduate education with comprehensive financial support, professional development and leadership training.
Successful applicants do not receive tuition funding alone.
The scholarship includes full tuition and fees, on-campus housing, books, visa and airfare expenses, medical support, academic advising, leadership development and a two-month internship.
The selection of technology-focused master’s degrees also makes the program especially relevant to young African professionals interested in rapidly developing fields such as computer science, data science, robotics, sustainable engineering and clean energy.
Beyond earning a graduate qualification, Scholars join a broader community built around leadership, service and social impact.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University 2027 represents a significant opportunity for talented young African professionals seeking a fully supported master’s education in the United States.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, 30 graduate study opportunities are available across eight full-time, on-campus programs focused on technology, innovation, engineering and sustainable development.
Successful Scholars receive comprehensive support covering full tuition and fees, housing, books, visa costs, airfare and medical expenses, alongside academic advising, leadership development and an internship.
Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to consider the opportunity.
Applications must be submitted by September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Prospective applicants should use Arizona State University’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website to verify all requirements and submit their applications.
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