Arizona State University and Mastercard Foundation Launch 2025 Certificate Scholarships for African Professionals 2025

Omran Aburayya
Apr 29
3 min read

If you are a young African professional eager to enhance your leadership and management skills, the Arizona State University (ASU) – Mastercard Foundation Graduate Certificate Scholarships offer a transformative opportunity. Applications are now open for the 2025 intake, providing a pathway to advanced education and potential future master's degree opportunities.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

Location: Online (ASU credits applicable toward future on-campus master's degrees in the U.S.)
Host Institution: Arizona State University (ASU)
Study Level: Graduate Certificate
Target Group: Young African professionals aged 18–33, including women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities
Fields of Study: Global Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Supply Chain Management
Award Value and Coverage:
- Full tuition for ASU self-paced online certificate
- Flexible, online format
- 1:1 coaching and mentorship
- Access to ASU resources
- Earn transferable ASU credits toward a master's degree
- Select participants may receive a fully-funded master's degree scholarship
Award Duration: Certificate program duration varies; master's degree duration is typically two years
Application Deadline: Sunday, 1 June 2025, 23:59 GMT
Start Date: August 2025
Eligible To: Citizens of African countries committed to ethical leadership and community engagement

📘 Scholarship Overview

The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University, offers scholarships for professional certificates in Global Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Supply Chain Management. These flexible, self-paced online programs empower participants to build in-demand skills while earning ASU credits applicable toward a future master's degree. Upon obtaining the certificate, participants are automatically considered for a fully-funded online master's degree scholarship. The program emphasizes the application of acquired skills to foster social and economic growth in participants' home countries. Women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

🌟 Scholarship Benefits

Financial Coverage: Full tuition for the ASU self-paced online certificate program
Learning Format: Flexible, online structure allowing self-paced study
Support Services: 1:1 coaching and mentorship to guide academic and professional development
Academic Resources: Access to ASU's extensive resources to enhance learning
Credit Transfer: Opportunity to earn ASU credits applicable toward a future master's degree
Further Opportunities: Select participants may receive a fully-funded master's degree scholarship in Supply Chain Management or Leadership Management.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Age: Between 18 and 33 years on or before the application deadline
Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African country
Academic Background: Must have earned an undergraduate degree conferred by July 2025
Graduate Studies: Must not have started or completed other graduate or master's degrees before August 2025
Leadership and Service: Demonstrated track record of leadership and service in the community
Financial Need: Demonstrated academic excellence and ambitions that exceed one's financial resources
Commitment: Strong commitment to ethical leadership and community engagement

📝 Application Procedure

How to Apply:

Online Application: Applicants are encouraged to submit an online application. To proceed, click "NEXT" at the bottom of the application page to begin.
Offline Application: If you have limited internet access, download and complete the PDF version of the application form. Email the completed application along with all required attachments (CV/Resume, Letter of Recommendation, and Transcripts) to mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu.

📂 Required Documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: Highlighting academic achievements, professional experience, and community involvement.
Letter of Recommendation: From an academic or professional referee who can attest to your qualifications and character.
Academic Transcripts: Official records from all post-secondary institutions attended.
Proof of Identity: Valid government-issued identification or passport.
Personal Statement: Outlining your career goals, leadership experiences, and motivation for applying.

⚠️ Important Notes

Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by Sunday, 1 June 2025, 23:59 GMT.
Incomplete Applications: Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation reserve the right to cancel incomplete and/or late applications.
Changes to Conditions: The institutions reserve the right to effect changes to the conditions of the scholarship or to make no awards at all.
Future Opportunities: Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee being awarded the master's degree scholarship.