Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Starting Spring 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUC aims to enable young Africans to access inclusive and relevant education, give back to their communities and transition into dignified and fulfilling work. Its goal is to ensure that academically talented young individuals with leadership potential, who face the highest economic and social barriers, are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to join the next generation of transformative leaders. The program will offer fellowships to 300 graduate students in fields that promote African economic development, specifically targeting talented young Africans who lack access to quality education.

Eligibility

• Currently residing in an African country and in possession of citizenship of at least one African country.
• Be aged 35 or younger at the time of application.
• New graduate degree-seeking students, satisfying AUC graduate admissions requirements. Transfers are not eligible for this fellowship.
• Bachelor's degree with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
• Women, forcibly displaced people and/or people living with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
• Showcase financial need.

Duration

Awarded for the total study period of the degree, based on full-time enrollment, subject to review every semester for satisfactory academic performance.

Award Coverage

• Tuition fees for nine credits per semester
• Stipend during the fall and spring semesters
• One laptop is provided 
• Student services and activities fees
• Medical service and health insurance fees
• Accommodation in University dorms/residence
• AUC bus subscription (or travel allowance)
• May cover remedial English modules or intensive English courses 
• Roundtrip airfare provided for fellows not residing in Egypt
• Some candidates may be eligible for additional funding to cover research, publication fees and conference attendance 
• Special software subscriptions or IT purchases for those with disabilities

Responsibilities of Fellows

• Must maintain full-time status
• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2
• Fellows are assigned 12 hours per week of related academic work
• A teaching assistantship mandatory training must be completed per University requirements if the fellow is involved in teaching assistantship duties. For details and more information about teaching assistantships, click here.
• Fellows must respond to any reporting requests received from AUC or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by the deadlines communicated.
• Fellows must attend all supplemental workshops designed by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, including but not limited to, customized workshops related to leadership, civic engagement and entrepreneurship

To Apply

Step 1: Check how to apply and submit the AUC online application. 
Step 2: Submit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars online application.

Check the fellowship application cycle deadlines here.

Important Note:

• You may be required to submit additional paperwork to be considered for this fellowship.

For inquiries, send an email to mastercardfdn@aucegypt.edu.