2025 MasterCard Foundation Scholarship at UC Berkeley — Fully Funded Master’s Study in the USA

The University of California, Berkeley has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to offer a fully funded postgraduate scholarship opportunity for exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative is part of a global network focused on empowering young people through education to drive social and economic transformation across the African continent.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United States of America

• Institution: University of California, Berkeley

• Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)

• Eligible Countries: All Sub-Saharan African countries

Benefits

> Full tuition coverage

> Monthly stipends

> On-campus accommodation

> Round-trip airfare

> No IELTS required

• Application Deadline: Varies by graduate program

Eligibility Requirements

- To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship

> Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.

> Refugees and displaced individuals within Africa are eligible.

• Not eligible: Citizens of North African countries or dual citizens/permanent residents of the US, Canada, UK, or EU.

Academic Requirements

>Gain admission to an eligible UC Berkeley Master’s degree program.

> Show outstanding academic achievements.

Leadership Potential

> Demonstrate a commitment to ethical, transformative leadership and a passion for creating lasting positive change.

Socio-Economic Status

- Must be from a socio-economically disadvantaged background with limited access to quality education.

Community Impact

- Show a strong record of extracurricular involvement and a commitment to giving back to your country or continent through meaningful initiatives.

Intention to Return Home

- Must express a clear intention to return to your home country post-graduation to apply the skills and experience gained at Berkeley for local impact.

For U.S.-based Applicants

> Age requirement: 20–26 years old by July 1, 2025.

> Must meet educational and leadership standards similar to international applicants.

How to Apply

1. Apply to an eligible Master’s program at UC Berkeley through the regular admissions process.

2. If admitted and eligible, you will be invited to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

Note

- Only certain master’s programs qualify.

- You must apply during the first admission round if the program has multiple deadlines.

- Check your chosen program’s requirements carefully.

👉 Apply here: UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship Application Page