The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa supports highly talented, service-oriented young people who face the highest social and economic barriers to opportunity. The graduate students complete their Master of Science degrees in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Engineering Artificial Intelligence. Upon completion of the program, Mastercard Foundation Scholars go on to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent.
Benefits
From the point of selection through to employment or further education, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive, wrap-around support that addresses their academic, personal, and professional development needs. In addition to full tuition coverage, CMU-Africa provides a range of tailored resources to ensure Mastercard Foundation Scholars thrive during their studies and transition successfully into meaningful careers or advanced academic opportunities.
- Holistic support: The scholarship covers application preparation support, orientation, tuition and fees, health insurance, travel and basic living expenses, project, and entrepreneurship support. Mastercard Foundation Scholars also have access to a range of resources that support their well-being and academic success.
- Career preparation: Mastercard Foundation Scholars benefit from tailored activities to prepare them for the workplace. Throughout their studies, they participate in professional development activities.
- Leadership development: Mastercard Foundation Scholars develop leadership skills through participation in student clubs, community service, and a variety of programs that equip students to become change-makers.
- Giving back: Mastercard Foundation Scholars live out the give-back ethos of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by leading and participating in community service activities, developing, and implementing projects that make a difference in the lives of others.
Courses
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering Artificial Intelligence
- Information Technology
Requirements
In order to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, students must first be admitted to one of CMU-Africa’s degree programs.
Selection Process
Mastercard Foundation Scholars face social and economic barriers and have demonstrated the following attributes:
- Academic talent: Mastercard Foundation Scholars value learning and have the drive to complete their education.
- Commitment to giving back: Mastercard Foundation Scholars have demonstrated a commitment to improving their communities.
- Potential to lead: Mastercard Foundation Scholars will become role models, mentors, and change-makers.
Dates to remember
Important dates for applying to CMU-Africa and understanding the admissions decision process
October 1: All program applications open. Begin your application to the Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE), or the Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI) program. Learn more about our programs.
December 15: Early admission deadline. Submit your application by the early admission deadline of December 15 for CMU-Africa to cover your competency test fees. Learn more about test fees
January 15: Final application deadline. Any application received after the early admission deadline will only be considered if submitted with valid DET/IELTS/TOEFL.
January-April: Applications are reviewed. After the final application deadline, all components of the applications are reviewed.
April-May: Admissions decisions are shared with applicants. You will receive email communications from the admissions team on the status of your application at every stage. You can also view the status of your application through your application portal.
May-August: The Student Induction Program is held for admitted students. The program ensures a successful transition to CMU-Africa through a mix of online and in-person learning, including Tartan Tuesdays webinars, self-paced online learning, the English Enhancement Program, and on-campus orientation activities.
September: The semester begins for admitted students. The academic calendar serves as Carnegie Mellon University’s information source and planning document for students, faculty, staff, departments, and outside organizations. The calendar includes registration, class start dates, add/drop deadlines, and exam dates. View CMU-Africa’s academic calendar
Method of Application
Two steps to apply to CMU-Africa
Submit your application by the early admission deadline of December 15 so that the school (CMU-Africa) will cover your competency test fees
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.
