Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership University (ALU) 2026

If you're an ambitious young African leader eager to overcome financial barriers and accelerate your professional journey, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership University (ALU) is your gateway! This full-ride scholarship empowers talented undergraduates—especially women, refugees, and differently-abled youth—to earn a degree at ALU while receiving mentorship, leadership training, and real-world impact opportunities.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Kigali, Rwanda & Pamplemousses, Mauritius (ALU campuses)

• Host institution: African Leadership University in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation

• Study level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and selected postgraduate programs, fully funded

• Target group: African youth (≤ 29 years), with financial need; emphasis on young women, refugees, displaced persons, and students with disabilities

• Fields of study: Leadership, entrepreneurial studies, software engineering, international business & trade, etc.

• Funding: Full tuition waiver, living stipend, laptop, leadership development opportunities; additional academic and psychosocial support

• Award duration: Full program duration (typically 3–4 years for undergraduate; variable for postgraduate)

• Application deadline: Varies by intake; check ALU intake cycles (e.g. September 2025 / January 2026)

• Program start date: September 2025 or January 2026 intakes expected for upcoming cycles

• Eligible to: Citizens of African countries; displaced persons and candidates with diverse backgrounds

✨ Scholarship Overview

Launched in 2020 as part of the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works initiative, the ALU‑Mastercard partnership aims to deliver dignified employment to 2 million young Africans by 2030. At ALU, the Scholars Program integrates immersive learning, internships, real‑world assignments, and leadership development to nurture purpose‑driven graduates with the skills to build change‑driven ventures and ethical careers.

🎁 Benefits

• Full coverage: Tuition, living costs, laptop, mentorship, psychosocial support, annual flight home, and internship placements

• Outcomes: 96% of scholars report dignified and fulfilling work post‑graduation; 80% employed within 6 months earning ≈ $12,000/year; 20k+ jobs created by alumni; over $3M raised in social ventures

• Community impact: Scholars drive community projects and startups, supported through the Foundation’s Social Venture Challenge and Baobab Summit events

Eligibility Criteria

1. Resident of an African country (or displaced/refugee status)

2. Age ≤ 29 years at time of application

3. Demonstrated financial need and socio-economic disadvantage

4. Strong leadership potential and commitment to community impact

5. Academically qualified for ALU admission (e.g. national exams ≥ B average or equivalent)

6. Female applicants, refugees/displaced youth, or differently abled individuals are encouraged to apply due to program focus on inclusion

📝 Application Procedure

1. Apply for admission to ALU via specified intake cycle (e.g. Sept 2025 / Jan 2026). Apply here

2. Financial aid application: Submit evidence of need, personal background, leadership examples

3. Assessment: Fit challenge and interviews to evaluate mission alignment and potential

4. Selection: Offers made to a limited number of scholarship recipients per cohort

🔎 Selection Criteria

• Genuine financial need and socio‑economic disadvantage

• Academic readiness and fit for ALU’s innovative learning model

• Leadership mindset and track record of community involvement

• Alignment with Mastercard Foundation’s mission of dignified work and inclusion

✨ Final Tips & Additional Info

• Apply early for your preferred intake; scholarship slots are limited

• Prepare your narrative: Highlight leadership, community service, and resilience

• Keep engaged: Leverage interviews and fit‑challenge to express motivation

• Network: Research ALU faculty, internship partners, and alumni stories

• Follow official sources: ALU website, Mastercard Foundation updates for latest guidance

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership University (ALU) 2026

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