Applications are expected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley for students who want to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. This is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for talented students from African countries who have strong academic records, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley Details
- About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Financial Benefits
- Eligible Degree Programs
- Eligibility Criteria
- Important Application Process
- Required Documents
- Selection Criteria
- How to Apply
- Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Program
- Step 2: Apply to UC Berkeley
- Step 3: Check Scholarship Eligibility
- Step 4: Prepare Scholarship Materials
- Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
- Why Apply for This Scholarship?
- Official Website
- more best opportunities
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the top public universities in the USA. Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, UC Berkeley supports academically talented students who face financial barriers and want to use their education for the development of Africa.
This scholarship is mainly available for master’s degree students. Doctoral programs are not eligible for this program. Students must first apply to an eligible master’s degree program at UC Berkeley through the regular admissions process. After applying for admission, eligible students may be invited to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley |
| Host University | University of California, Berkeley |
| Host Country | United States |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Students from African countries |
| Doctoral Programs | Not Eligible |
| Program Focus | Leadership, education, and social impact |
| Official Website | mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu |
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that supports talented young people, especially from Africa, to access quality education and leadership development. The program aims to develop ethical, entrepreneurial, and skilled leaders who can contribute to social and economic transformation.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program At UC Berkeley, the program is based in the Center for African Studies. The university and the Mastercard Foundation are working together to support master’s students from African countries. The program is designed for students who are academically strong but may not have the financial resources to study at a top international university.
This scholarship is not only about tuition support. Scholars also receive academic, social, career, and leadership support during their studies.
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Financial Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley provides comprehensive financial support for selected students. The scholarship helps students cover the major costs related to studying for a master’s degree in the USA.
The benefits may include:
- Full tuition support
- Berkeley student fees
- Travel support
- Visa and SEVIS fee support
- Housing support
- Food and living expenses
- Academic support
- Career counseling
- Leadership and entrepreneurship training
- Community and networking opportunities
This makes the program a strong opportunity for students who want to study in the USA but cannot afford the high cost of international education.
Eligible Degree Programs
The scholarship is mainly for students applying to eligible master’s degree programs at UC Berkeley. Students seeking doctoral degrees are not eligible for this program.
Eligible fields may include different master’s programs offered at UC Berkeley, such as:
- Engineering
- Public Health
- Education
- Development Practice
- Journalism
- Information Management
- City and Regional Planning
- Energy and Resources
- Public Policy
- Business-related programs
- Other eligible master’s programs
Applicants should carefully check whether their selected UC Berkeley master’s program is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements before applying for this scholarship. The program is highly competitive and focuses on students who have academic talent and a strong desire to contribute to Africa’s development.
Applicants should generally meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Apply to an eligible master’s degree program at UC Berkeley
- Have strong academic performance
- Come from an economically disadvantaged background
- Show leadership potential
- Demonstrate commitment to giving back to their community, country, or continent
- Have a clear plan to use their education for positive change
- Intend to return and contribute to Africa after completing their studies
The program especially encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons.
Important Application Process
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is different from many scholarships. Students do not usually apply directly for the scholarship first.
Applicants must first apply for admission to an eligible master’s degree program at UC Berkeley. After applying to UC Berkeley, eligible applicants may be invited to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
This means students should prepare their graduate admission application carefully and submit it before the program deadline of their chosen department.
Required Documents
Required documents may vary depending on the master’s program. However, applicants should prepare the main documents needed for graduate admission at UC Berkeley.
Common documents may include:
- Online graduate application form
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Personal history statement
- Resume or CV
- Recommendation letters
- English language test score if required
- Passport or identity documents
- Additional documents required by the selected program
Applicants should check the official UC Berkeley graduate program page for exact document requirements.
Selection Criteria
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program looks for students who are not only academically strong but also committed to leadership and service. The selection process may consider the applicant’s academic background, financial need, leadership qualities, personal story, and future goals.
Strong applicants should clearly explain:
- Why they want to study at UC Berkeley
- How their chosen master’s program connects with their future goals
- How they have shown leadership in their community
- How they plan to contribute to Africa after graduation
- Why they need financial support
A clear and honest application can make a strong difference.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow the official application process carefully.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Program
Visit the UC Berkeley graduate programs page and choose a master’s degree program that matches your background and future goals.
Step 2: Apply to UC Berkeley
Submit your application to the selected UC Berkeley master’s program through the official graduate admissions system.
Step 3: Check Scholarship Eligibility
After applying for admission, eligible applicants may be considered or invited for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program process.
Step 4: Prepare Scholarship Materials
If invited, prepare the required scholarship documents and answer all questions carefully.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Make sure to submit all university and scholarship documents before the required deadlines.
Why Apply for This Scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is a valuable opportunity for African students who want to study in the USA with full financial support. UC Berkeley offers excellent academic programs, research opportunities, leadership development, and access to a strong global network.
This program is especially useful for students who want to become leaders in areas such as education, health, engineering, business, technology, public policy, journalism, development, and social impact.
Selected scholars can gain world-class education and return with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to support positive change in Africa.
Official Website
Interested applicants should read all details and apply through the official UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
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