Apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Université Gaston Berger (UGB), Senegal
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Université Gaston Berger (UGB), Senegal
Transforming the Next Generation of African Leaders
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the Université Gaston Berger (UGB) of Saint-Louis, Senegal, is proud to announce the expansion of the Scholars Program. This prestigious initiative is designed to identify and support academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people, providing them with the tools, education, and leadership skills necessary to drive social and economic transformation across Africa.
The program at UGB is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment, specifically targeting individuals from hard-to-reach communities within Senegal and across Francophone Africa.
Program Objectives and Scope
The scholarship aims to recruit and educate 1,000 young scholars over the program’s duration. The selection process is deeply rooted in equity and inclusion, with a specific focus on:
• Young Women: 70% of all scholarships are reserved for female applicants to bridge the gender gap in higher education.
• Refugees and Displaced Youth: 10% of the cohort will be comprised of young people who have been forcibly displaced.
• Young People with Disabilities: 9% of the recruitment is dedicated to ensuring students with disabilities have access to world-class education and specialized support.
Strategic Academic Focus Areas
To align with the “Young Africa Works” strategy in Senegal, the curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and practical skills in sectors that are vital to the continent’s future economy:
• Digital Technologies & ICT: Equipping students for the global digital economy.
• Health Sciences: Training the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers.
• Agriculture & Agribusiness: Promoting food security and modernizing the agricultural value chain.
• Engineering & Infrastructure: Building the technical expertise required for sustainable development.
Comprehensive Scholar Support
Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at UGB goes beyond tuition. The program provides a “full-ride” holistic support package, including:
• Financial Support: Full tuition fees, specialized learning materials, and a monthly living stipend.
• Housing & Logistics: Comprehensive coverage of on-campus accommodation and travel allowances.
• Leadership Development: Access to exclusive seminars, ethics training, and community service opportunities to foster a “give-back” ethos.
• Mentorship & Counseling: Dedicated academic advising and psychosocial support to ensure student well-being.
• Career Readiness: Internships, job placement assistance, and entrepreneurship training to ensure a smooth transition into the professional world.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Academic Excellence: Must demonstrate a strong academic record and the potential to succeed in rigorous university programs.
2. Socio-Economic Status: Must prove financial need or come from a marginalized/hard-to-reach community.
3. Leadership Potential: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and a desire to lead change in their home countries.
4. Nationality: Must be a citizen of Senegal or a Francophone African country.
How to Apply
Prospective students are encouraged to review the specific departmental requirements and application timelines on the official UGB Scholars portal.
Official Program Website: https://mastercardfdn.ugb.sn/
Mastercard Foundation Partner Page: View Details Here
Empowering youth today for a resilient Africa tomorrow. Join a network of thousands of scholars making a difference across the continent.
