FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP 2027 FOR YOUNG AFRICAN PROFESSIONALS

FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP 2027 FOR YOUNG AFRICAN PROFESSIONALS

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Arizona State University and Kepler College Plus Program, is inviting applications for the 2027 Innovation and Technology Scholarship.

This opportunity will support 50 young African professionals to pursue full-time online master’s degrees from Arizona State University while living in Kigali, Rwanda, with comprehensive academic, financial and in-person support.

The programme is designed to develop the next generation of African leaders and professionals equipped with the knowledge, technical skills and leadership abilities to contribute to innovation, technology and sustainable social and economic development in their communities.

Selected scholars will study through ASU Online while receiving in-person academic advising, career support, mentorship, leadership development and community engagement opportunities through Kepler College in Kigali.

AVAILABLE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Successful applicants can pursue one of the following full-time graduate programmes:

1. Master of Science in Business Analytics
2. Master of Computer Science
3. Master of Science in Engineering in Sustainable Engineering
4. Master of Science in Global Technology and Development
5. Master of Science in Information Technology
6. Master of Science in User Experience

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a citizen of an African country.
2. Be between 18 and 33 years old on or before the application deadline.
3. Have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution by July 2027.
4. Demonstrate a strong academic record equivalent to a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
5. Meet Arizona State University’s English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission.
6. Demonstrate leadership experience, community service and a commitment to creating positive change.
7. Not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree programme.
8. Be willing and able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, and reside there throughout the academic programme.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support, including:

1. Full tuition coverage.
2. Payment of required books and student fees.
3. Housing in Kigali, Rwanda.
4. Medical support and healthcare coverage.
5. Transportation to and from Kigali, Rwanda.
6. Visa application processing costs.
7. An English language proficiency test voucher, if required.
8. A waiver of the ASU graduate application fee for eligible applicants invited to apply for admission.
9. Academic resources, student services, faculty support and career guidance through ASU Online.
10. In-person academic advising, community-building activities and additional support through Kepler College.
11. Leadership development, mentorship, professional development and community engagement opportunities.

STUDY ARRANGEMENT

Although the master’s degree programmes are delivered online through Arizona State University, selected scholars are required to relocate to and live in Kigali, Rwanda, for the duration of their studies.

The programme combines online graduate education with in-person support, peer learning and leadership development.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and eligible applicants should complete the official scholarship application form using the link below.

Applicants with limited internet access may download the PDF version of the application form and submit the completed application, CV or résumé, letter of recommendation and academic transcripts in PDF format to keplerasuscholars@asu.edu.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Applicants are advised to review the eligibility criteria, application guidance and frequently asked questions before submitting their applications.

The online scholarship application must be completed first. Do not apply separately for admission to Arizona State University or a graduate programme unless instructed to do so by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team.

Applicants shortlisted to advance in the process may be invited for an interview and will receive guidance on the ASU admission process. Being admitted to an academic programme does not automatically guarantee the scholarship.

Once submitted, the application will be considered final, so ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate and complete.

APPLICATION FORM

For further enquiries, contact keplerasuscholars@asu.edu.