Campus Business (September 18, 2024) – The MasterCard Foundation in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, is offering fully-funded Masters Scholarships for exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa for the 2025/2026 academic year. The program provides holistic support to students, covering financial, academic, social, and career counseling needs, allowing them to focus on their studies while preparing to give back to their communities.

Key Application Deadlines

• Masters Programs: Varies by program (deadlines fall between November 2024 and January 2025).
• MBA Program: September 12, 2024

Scholarship Overview

The MasterCard University of California, Berkeley Masters Scholarships are part of a long-term partnership designed to support Sub-Saharan African students. The scholarships provide full funding for Master’s programs across a wide range of disciplines, offering recipients the opportunity to study at one of the top universities in the United States.

This program is managed through the Center for African Studies at UC Berkeley and offers not only financial support but also access to a wide network of mentors and career opportunities.

Fields of Study

Scholarships are available in various fields, including but not limited to:

• Architecture (M.Arch)
• Business Administration (MBA)
• City & Regional Planning (MCP)
• Development Practice (MDP)
• Engineering (M.Eng, MS)
• Journalism (MJ)
• Public Health (MPH)
• Public Policy (MPP)
• And many more.

For a full list of eligible programs, visit the official scholarship webpage.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must:

• Be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country. If you have refugee status, are stateless, or have citizenship-related questions, you may still be eligible. Contact the program directly for clarification.
• Excel academically: All applicants must be admitted to UC Berkeley through the regular admissions process before they can be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship.
• Come from an economically disadvantaged background.
• Have demonstrated a commitment to giving back to their community, country, or continent.
• Show an intention to return home after completing their studies to help address issues affecting their communities.

How to Apply

Prospective applicants must first apply for admission to the University of California, Berkeley through the regular process. Once admitted, eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship.

To apply, visit the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship webpage for further details on the application process and requirements.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The scholarship provides:

• Full financial support for tuition and living expenses throughout the Master’s program.
• Access to career counseling, academic support, and social services to ensure students thrive during their time at UC Berkeley.
• Mentorship and professional development through a network of experts, industry leaders, and alumni.
• Opportunities for internships and job placements to help students gain practical experience in their fields.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on:

• Academic excellence and ability to meet UC Berkeley’s rigorous admission criteria.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to community service.
• Financial need, with the aim of admitting students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship will cover the full duration of the Master’s program, which typically lasts between two to four years, depending on the field of study.

Additional Information

For students applying to the MBA program, please note that additional funding is required through the Haas Business School, and applicants must meet specific deadlines for Haas scholarships.

For more information about the MasterCard University of California, Berkeley Masters Scholarships and how to apply, visit the official program webpage.