ALU Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026

• Organization: African Leadership University (ALU) / Mastercard Foundation
• Host country: Rwanda
• Degree level: Undergraduate
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Deadline: March 1, 2026
• Eligible countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Fields of study: Leadership, Business, Engineering, Technology

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership University (ALU) supports talented, driven, and socially conscious youth from across Africa. The scholarship is designed for those who demonstrate leadership potential but face significant financial barriers to higher education. It provides full financial support, leadership development, counseling, and mentorship to help scholars create a lasting impact in their communities.

Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Full accommodation and meals
• Monthly living stipend
• Laptop and study materials
• Annual return airfare (for international students)
• Leadership development and mentorship
• Medical insurance

Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of an African country
• Must be between 18 and 35 years old
• Must demonstrate financial disadvantage or economic barrier
• Must have a strong academic record (Minimum C average in principal subjects)
• Must demonstrate leadership potential and community engagement
• Must meet the admission criteria for ALU undergraduate programs

Requirements

• Apply for admission to African Leadership University (ALU)
• Complete the scholarship eligibility section within the portal
• Provide proof of financial need
• Submit academic transcripts (National Exam or A-Level equivalent)
• Demonstrate English proficiency (B2 Level)

Required Documents

• National ID or Passport Copy
• Official Academic Transcripts/Certificates
• Proof of Financial Need (e.g., Pay slips, Bank statements)
• Essays/Personal Statements
• Recommendation Letters
• English Proficiency Test Results (if applicable)

Programs of Study

• BSc (Hons) Entrepreneurial Leadership
• BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
• BSc (Hons) International Business and Trade

Application Process

• Create an account on the ALU admissions portal
• Start your application for the January or May intake
• Indicate your interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
• Complete the financial aid and personal essay sections
• Submit your application and required documents before the deadline

How to Apply

• Visit the official ALU admissions portal (admissions.alueducation.com)
• Register for an account and select your preferred intake (e.g., May 2026)
• Complete the biographical and academic profile sections
• Upload your transcripts and identification documents
• Answer the specific scholarship essay questions regarding leadership and financial need
• Submit the completed application online by March 1, 2026

Selection Process

• Initial screening of admission applications
• Review of financial need and scholarship essays
• Virtual interview for shortlisted candidates
• Final selection committee review
• Notification of scholarship award with admission offer

Apply on the official website

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