The 2026 Innovation and Technology Scholarship, a collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and Arizona State University (ASU), offers an incredible opportunity for 30 talented African students to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in fields shaping the future of innovation and technology.
Over the next five years (2025–2030), the program will train 120 young African professionals through immersive, on-campus, two-year graduate programs. This initiative aims to equip the next generation of African leaders with the skills, experience, and global exposure needed to drive sustainable innovation and technological advancement in their home countries.
Application Deadline: Sunday, 14 September 2026, 23:59 GMT
Why Apply?
Selected scholars will receive full tuition, on-campus housing, living expenses, health insurance, and coverage for visa, travel, and program-related costs. Beyond financial support, participants will benefit from:
- Leadership development and mentorship
- Part-time campus work opportunities during studies
- Two-month internships aligned with their program of study
- A global learning environment at ASU’s Phoenix campus
Also Read: Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program Fully Funded Master’s for African Students
The program strongly encourages women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities to apply.
Eligible Programs
Applicants can choose from the following master’s degrees:
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
- MS User Experience
- MSc Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics & Engineering
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country committed to ethical leadership and community service
- Be aged 18–33 by the application deadline
- Have earned an undergraduate degree by August 2026
- Demonstrate academic excellence and financial need
- Not have started or completed any other master’s degree
- Meet English proficiency requirements for the program
- Be able to live in Phoenix, Arizona, for the program’s duration
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers:
- Visa processing and English test costs
- Program application fees
- Round-trip airfare to Phoenix, Arizona
- Full tuition, books, and fees
- Medical insurance
- On-campus accommodation
- Access to leadership and career development programs
Application Process
- Apply for the scholarship first, and shortlisted applicants will then be guided through ASU’s admission process.
- Submit online via the official portal or download the PDF form and email it with your CV, letter of recommendation, and transcripts to mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu.
Final decisions will be announced in February 2026, and successful candidates will begin their studies in August 2026.
