Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Pan-Atlantic University 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship for Young Africans
- Omran Aburayya
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
If you are a brilliant, purpose-driven young African with big dreams but limited financial means, here is an opportunity that could change the trajectory of your life — the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) is now open for applications for the 2026 intake. This fully funded scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a comprehensive leadership and career development journey designed to transform talented young Africans into the ethical, service-driven changemakers Africa needs. With only 70 Scholar spots available in this cycle, now is the time to act.
🎓 Scholarship at a Glance
Host Institution: Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree)
Target Group: Young Africans facing financial/socio-economic barriers; priority given to young women, refugees/displaced persons, and persons with disabilities
Fields of Study: Management & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
Value: Fully Funded (tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and more)
Award Duration: Full duration of undergraduate study
Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
Start Date: 2026/2027 Academic Year
Eligible Nationalities: African nationals (priority to Nigerian residents given UTME/WAEC requirements)
📘 Scholarship Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Pan-Atlantic University is a transformative, fully funded initiative bringing together academic excellence and holistic personal development. As the first Nigerian university to partner with the , PAU is committed to nurturing ethical, service-driven leaders who will drive meaningful change across Africa. The program has already welcomed 60 Scholars in its first cohort and now aims to admit an additional 70 Scholars in this cycle — all as part of a long-term vision to educate 650 Scholars over ten years.
📚 About Pan-Atlantic University
Pan-Atlantic University is a private, non-profit educational institution in Lekki, Lagos State, established in 2002. It evolved from the Lagos Business School, which was founded in 1991 to provide executive education and management training in Nigeria. PAU is ranked among the top 45 universities in Sub-Saharan Africa in the QS World University Rankings.
Its undergraduate programmes are delivered across three schools: the School of Media and Communication, the School of Management and Social Sciences, and the School of Science and Technology. Scholars can pursue degrees in fields spanning:
School of Management & Social Sciences: BSc. Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance
School of Media & Communication: BSc. Mass Communication, Information Science & Media Studies, Film & Multimedia Studies, Strategic Communication
School of Science & Technology: BSc. Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science; B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics
🧩 Structure & Scholar Experience
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at PAU is built around four interconnected pillars that go far beyond a classroom education:
1. Academic Excellence
Scholars pursue rigorous undergraduate degrees at one of Nigeria's most respected universities. PAU's policy of small class sizes ensures full participation in class, direct interaction with lecturers, and a personalised educational experience — with each student assigned a personal faculty adviser throughout their studies. Approximately a third of study time is dedicated to the liberal arts and humanities to cultivate critical thinking and a well-rounded character.
2. Leadership & Personal Development
Scholars participate in structured mentorship and leadership training activities designed to sharpen their ability to lead, innovate, and make a lasting social impact. This is a core commitment of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program globally — developing leaders, not just graduates.
3. Career Readiness & Internships
PAU's closeness to industry allows it to offer many internship opportunities to its students and attract reputable practitioners to offer guest lectures. Scholars benefit from dedicated career support, professional networking opportunities, and guidance to help them transition from university into meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.
4. Community Service & Social Impact
A core principle of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is giving back to communities across Africa. At PAU, this commitment is put into action through various volunteer and community service opportunities, allowing Scholars to make a tangible difference even during their studies.
🎁 Benefits & Financial Coverage
The scholarship is truly comprehensive. Selected Scholars receive:
Full tuition coverage — no fees to worry about
Accommodation on or near campus
Monthly living expenses/stipend
Mentorship from experienced professionals and academics
Leadership development training throughout the programme
Internship placements and career support
Networking opportunities with a continental community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars
No application fee is required at any stage of the process.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at PAU, you must:
Demonstrate academic excellence and strong performance
Show leadership potential and a genuine commitment to positive community impact
Demonstrate financial need — the scholarship is designed for those facing economic barriers
Have passed WAEC / NECO / GCE / NABTEB with a minimum of 5 credits, including English Language and Mathematics, plus three other relevant subjects in Arts, Sciences, or Social Sciences — obtained in not more than two sittings
Have sat for the JAMB UTME and obtained a minimum score of 220 (Required UTME subjects: English Language + any three Social Science, Arts, or Science subjects)
Be at least 16 years of age by 30th September of the 2026 admission year
Priority Groups
The programme particularly encourages applications from young women (especially those interested in STEM), internally displaced young people and refugees, and young people living with disabilities. Eligible applicants outside these priority groups are also warmly encouraged to apply.
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📝 Application Procedure
The application follows a clear six-step process:
Step 1 — Meet Academic Requirements
Confirm that you have at least five O'Level credits including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB.
Step 2 — Submit the Interest Form (if you don't yet have UTME results)
If you have not yet written your JAMB UTME, complete the Interest Form on the PAU website to indicate your intent and begin the pre-screening process. This keeps you in the pipeline while you prepare.
Step 3 — Write the JAMB UTME
Sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (JAMB UTME). A minimum score of 220 is required to proceed. Higher scores give a competitive advantage.
Note: You are not required to have chosen PAU as your first choice on JAMB. However, if admitted, you will be required to process a change of institution to PAU.
Step 4 — Complete the Online Application Form
Candidates with current-year UTME results should complete the official application on the PAU portal , providing personal, academic, and background information along with all required supporting documents.
Step 5 — Screening & Interview
Applications are reviewed for alignment with the programme's eligibility criteria and values. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, which may be conducted in-person or virtually, depending on location and circumstances.
Step 6 — Admission & Scholarship Award
Successful candidates receive a formal admission offer to Pan-Atlantic University alongside an official Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Award notification.
📞 Contact & Further Information
For inquiries or application support, reach the PAU Admissions Office through the following:
Phone: +234 708 864 1465 | +234 701 782 5427 | 08135551765
Email: admissions@pau.edu.ng | info@pau.edu.ng
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Official Page: pau.edu.ng/mastercard-foundation
Campus: Km 52, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
✍🏻 Tips for a Successful Application
Apply early. Admissions are competitive and class sizes are limited, so early application is strongly encouraged. The deadline is 22 May 2026 — don't wait until the last moment.
Tell your story authentically. The programme looks for resilience and purpose, not just grades. Even small acts of leadership — community volunteering, school projects, peer mentoring — matter and should be highlighted.
Double-check your documents. Incomplete applications may delay processing or result in disqualification.
Monitor your email and the application portal regularly for updates on your application status.
Young women in STEM, displaced youth, and persons with disabilities — this programme is actively looking for you. Don't undersell your background or your journey.
