Since joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in 2012, Ashesi University, Ghana has been one of the first nine partner institutions dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of change-makers. The 2026 cohort will continue this legacy — offering an undergraduate scholarship tailored to academically talented and socially minded young Africans. In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Ashesi and Arizona State University have established a partnership that enables students to achieve both their undergraduate and master’s degrees in just five years, rather than the typical six. This accelerated master’s degree option provides a unique opportunity for students to advance their education more quickly.
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for the Ashesi Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for the 2026 intake, applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance
- Show clear financial need
- Exhibit leadership potential and a commitment to community service or civic impact
- Typically, applicants must be under 29 at the time of application, depending on regional profiles
What the Scholarship Covers
As a fully funded scholarship, the program provides comprehensive financial support:
- Full undergraduate tuition
- On-campus accommodation and meals
- Academic materials including books and a laptop
- Travel costs to and from Ghana (return flights)
- A maintenance stipend to support living expenses
- Structured academic, leadership and personal development programs, with career counseling and mentorship.
- Access to an accelerated Master’s degree pathway via Ashesi’s partnership with Arizona State University (for qualifying candidates).
Life as an Ashesi Scholar
Recipients join a dynamic pan‑African community and benefit from:
- Picto‑African alumni network spanning 40+ countries
- Soft‑skills training in leadership, ethics, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking
- Internships and career guidance to ensure successful transition into meaningful work
- A mandatory Give‑Back component: community service or volunteering in scholars’ countries of origin
Timeline & Application Steps
- Deadline for applications to the 2025/2026 program is December 8, 2025.
- Prospective scholars must first apply for admission to Ashesi University through its online admissions portal.
- The Admissions and Financial Aid Office assesses all incoming applications and selects finalists for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Those shortlisted may be invited for interviews or additional assessments.
- Refugee applicants may request waivers for application fees by contacting Ashesi’s admissions office.
Application Tips
To strengthen your chances:
- Start early and adhere strictly to deadlines
- Submit strong recommendation letters from mentors or teachers
- Write a compelling personal essay outlining your leadership experiences, community service, and ambitions
- Provide evidence of financial need (e.g. income statements, household documentation)
- Proofread everything carefully to avoid errors
Next Steps
Interested applicants should:
- Visit Ashesi University’s official website or admissions page for up‑to‑date deadlines and requirements
- Reach out via Ashesi’s Admissions Office for queries or to request fee waivers
- Prepare application materials early—especially essays, transcripts, and recommendations
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Ashesi University for the 2026 academic year offers a rare opportunity: full funding, leadership development, and membership in a pan‑African community committed to sustainable change. If you are an academically talented African youth with demonstrable leadership and financial need, this scholarship could be your doorway to transforming your life—and contributing back to society.
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