University of California Berkeley MasterCard Scholarships aims to develop a cohort of ethical, entrepreneurial, and energetic young leaders who will drive and lead socio-economic transformation in Africa.
The Scholars Program is a growing commitment, and, to date, the Program has committed over USD $1.2 billion to supporting the education and leadership development of more than 40,000 young people.
The University of California, Berkeley has partnered with The Mastercard Foundation(link is external) in a collaborative, global network of education institutions and non-profit organizations that believe education is a catalyst for social and economic advancement.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Countries | Sub-Saharan African countries |
| Eligible Programs | Master’s degree programs (excluding doctoral degrees) |
| Eligibility Requirements | 1. Citizenship of Sub-Saharan Africa, 2. Academic talent, 3. Leadership potential, 4. Socio-economically disadvantaged background, 5. Commitment to give back to community/country/continent, 6. Intention to return home after studies |
| Scholarship Value | Fully-funded (covers travel, tuition, fees, housing, food, living expenses, and cohort programs) |
| Application Process | 1. Apply to UC Berkeley master’s program, 2. Invitation to apply for scholarship if eligible |
| Application Deadline | Varies By The Program |
| Number of Scholars | Over 108 master’s degree students (2025-2030) |
| Duration | 2 years (master’s program) |
| Exclusions | Citizens of North African countries, dual citizenship holders, asylees, refugees, or permanent residents in the US, Canada, UK, or EU |
Fact About The University of California, Berkeley
- Nobel Dynasty: UC Berkeley is affiliated with 107 Nobel laureates, more than any other public university in the world! That’s roughly 1 in 5 Nobel Prize winners.
- Startup Superstar: Berkeley produces the most startup founders globally, with alumni founding over 1,000 companies, including Apple, Intel, and Facebook.
- Birthplace of the Web: Marc Andreessen, Class of 1993, invented the first web browser (Mosaic) while at UC Berkeley.
- Olympic Glory: UC Berkeley has won 107 Olympic medals, more than any other US university.
- CRISPR Pioneers: UC Berkeley researchers developed CRISPR gene editing technology, revolutionizing genetics and medicine.
- Space Exploration: Berkeley scientists have sent over 70 experiments to space, including the first American satellite (Explorer 1).
- Artificial Intelligence Hub: UC Berkeley established the world’s first AI department in 1988.
- Polio Vaccine Pioneer: Jonas Salk developed the first successful polio vaccine while working at UC Berkeley.
- Diverse and Global: Students from over 100 countries attend UC Berkeley, making it one of the most diverse universities in the US.
- $1 Billion Research Powerhouse: UC Berkeley conducts over $1 billion in research annually, driving innovation and discovery.
Details For 2025 University of California Berkeley MasterCard Scholarships
Based in the Center for African Studies(link is external) at UC Berkeley, the Program has provided support to over 120 students from 2012 to 2020, both undergraduate and master’s degree students. Students seeking doctoral degrees are not eligible for this Program.
Going forward through 2030, the Program at UC Berkeley will provide support to over 108 master’s degree students.
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, master’s degree seekers must first apply to the university through the regular admissions process. After students apply for admission to a degree program, the Program will invite them to apply for the Scholarship, if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Requirements For 2025 University of California Berkeley MasterCard Scholarships
To be considered for the Scholarship, you must:
- Being a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country: This includes Africans who are refugees or displaced within the African continent. This scholarship is not intended for citizens of North African countries. Those with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK or EU are not eligible.
- Having academic talent: All prospective Scholars must first be admitted to a UC Berkeley master’s degree program to be considered for the Scholarship. An important criteria for admission to the University is demonstrated academic excellence.
- Demonstrating leadership potential: The Program seeks those committed to developing the skills and mindsets associated with transformative leadership, i.e, that which engages others in an ethical manner to generate positive and lasting change.
- Coming from a socio-economically disadvantaged background: This Scholarship is designed for those extremely talented individuals who might not otherwise have access to quality further education.
- Having demonstrated the commitment to give back to your community, country, or continent: We are looking for well-rounded students who are engaged in activities beyond the classroom. Some may be directly related to your field of study, but this may also include other issues (social, economic, political) that you are working on and passionate about. Applicants should elaborate on their achievements both in their application to UC Berkeley, and then later in the Scholarship application.
- Having expressed the desire and intention to return to your home country after completing your studies: We are looking for students who are engaged with and passionate about issues affecting their communities, and who will take advantage of their education at UC Berkeley to better equip themselves with the knowledge and training to address these issues upon return. While important work can be done from abroad, the intention of the Program is to enable Scholars to return home, after forming valuable professional connections through internships, academic training and job placements.
Reward For 2025 University of California Berkeley MasterCard Scholarships
- The Scholarship is fully-funded
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive a comprehensive scholarship equivalent to the costs associated with earning a master’s degree, which includes travel, tuition, Berkeley student fees, visa and SEVIS fees, housing, food, living expenses, and cohort signature programs which will focus on leadership and entrepreneurship.
- MBA students need to secure additional funding from Haas Business School through obtaining Haas scholarships, which requires meeting the Round One or Two application deadline.
- We encourage you to contact us if you are interested to learn more details about this unique process.
How to Apply For 2025 University of California Berkeley MasterCard Scholarships
- Master’s degree applicants must first apply to a graduate progam before they will be considered for the Mastercard Foundations Scholars Program. Not all degree programs are eligible. Here is a list of Master’s Degree programs.
- Each eligible graduate degree program(link is external) has specific requirements and applicants should carefully review those. The Graduate Division(link is external) also provides detailed information on the admissions process for international students. Direct questions regarding admission requirements should be made to the specific graduate program. We outline more details of the Scholars Program application process for master’s program here. We will accept applications through the fall of 2028.
- While the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is not open to undergraduates, students at this level are welcome to apply to the University of California, Berkeley. More information on the undergraduate process is available on the Undergraduate Admissions site(link is external)