The UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 represents one of the most significant fully funded master’s scholarship opportunities available to talented students across Africa. Through a long-term partnership between the University of California, Berkeley and the Mastercard Foundation, this program supports academically gifted young people who have faced barriers to higher education and are committed to driving positive change on the continent. With recruitment continuing through Fall 2028 and a goal of supporting more than 200 master’s students overall, the 2027 intake offers a realistic pathway for qualified applicants.
Unlike many scholarships that require a separate application from the start, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program UC Berkeley works through the university’s standard graduate admissions process. Candidates must first secure admission to an eligible master’s program before they can be considered for the award. This structure rewards strong academic preparation and strategic timing.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host University: University of California, Berkeley
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships (Master’s degree programs only)
- Eligible Countries: Citizens of African countries (including those forcibly displaced or holding refugee status within Africa). Dual citizens, asylees, refugees, or permanent residents of the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition coverage, Berkeley student fees, travel costs, visa and SEVIS fees, housing, food, living expenses, and specialized leadership and entrepreneurship programs.
- Application Deadline: Varies by master’s program (typically September to early January for Fall 2027 entry; first-round applications only if multiple rounds exist). Application fee waiver request deadline is November 15, 2026.
Overview of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley Offers
The program forms part of a global initiative that has already invested over $1.2 billion to educate and develop more than 40,000 young leaders. At Berkeley, it is administered through the Center for African Studies. Past participants have come from more than 30 African countries and graduated from over 40 different degree programs.
The current phase focuses exclusively on master’s degrees lasting two years or less. Undergraduate and doctoral programs are not eligible. Scholars receive comprehensive support designed to remove financial obstacles while building leadership skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and networks that connect Silicon Valley innovation ecosystems with African challenges. The expectation is that most scholars will return to Africa after their studies and any permitted practical training to apply their knowledge.
See Also:
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Eligibility Requirements for the 2027 Intake
To qualify for the fully funded master’s scholarship for African students at UC Berkeley, applicants must meet several clear criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country. This includes individuals who have been forcibly displaced or hold refugee status within Africa. Those with dual citizenship or asylum, refugee, or permanent resident status in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the European Union are ineligible.
- Demonstrate academic talent by gaining admission to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program. Strong academic records are essential.
- Show leadership potential through ethical engagement that generates lasting positive change.
- Have experienced significant barriers to accessing higher education, whether financial, social, personal, practical, or health-related.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to giving back to their community, country, or the African continent through activities beyond the classroom.
- Express the intention to return to Africa after completing their studies and any optional practical training.
All other factors being equal, priority is typically given to candidates who completed their undergraduate degree at an African university, do not already hold a postgraduate degree, and have not previously received support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The program particularly encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced individuals.
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Comprehensive Benefits of the Fully Funded Award
Selected Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive a package that covers nearly every major expense associated with earning a master’s degree in the United States:
- Full tuition and mandatory Berkeley student fees
- Round-trip travel
- Visa and SEVIS fees
- Housing
- Food and living expenses
- Participation in cohort programs focused on leadership development and entrepreneurship
For programs longer than two semesters, scholars are generally required to complete an approved internship in Africa. The program covers round-trip airfare for the internship and provides a living stipend. Scholars also join a broader global network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at institutions across multiple countries, creating opportunities for collaboration and lifelong connections.
Eligible Master’s Programs
Only master’s programs of two years or less qualify. Concurrent or dual-degree programs that exceed this duration are not eligible. Examples of eligible fields and schools include:
- Haas School of Business (MBA; note additional Haas scholarship requirements and Round One deadline)
- School of Education (MA)
- College of Engineering (various M.Eng, MS, M.DevEng, M.Des, and related programs)
- College of Environmental Design (Architecture, City & Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, and related degrees)
- School of Information (MIMS)
- Graduate School of Journalism (MJ; Round 1 deadline typically required)
- School of Law (LLM Traditional Program)
- School of Public Health (various MPH and MS programs)
- Goldman School of Public Policy
- School of Social Welfare (MSW)
Applicants interested in programs not explicitly listed should contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program office at UC Berkeley to confirm eligibility. Motivation for the field and alignment of career goals with the program’s objectives are also considered.
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Step-by-Step Application Process
The process is sequential and tied closely to UC Berkeley’s graduate admissions timeline:
- Identify an eligible master’s program and thoroughly review its specific admission requirements, including test scores, prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose guidelines.
- Submit a complete application to the chosen program through the regular UC Berkeley graduate admissions portal. If the program offers multiple admission rounds, apply in the first round (before January).
- By November 15, 2026, complete the basic demographic information in the application and provide the names of at least two recommenders. African applicants who do this become eligible to request an application fee waiver.
- After review, eligible admitted or nominated candidates are invited by the Scholars Program (typically in February) to complete a supplemental application.
- Selected candidates participate in an online interview (usually in March).
- Final scholarship decisions are communicated in late March or early April.
Admission decisions and scholarship decisions are separate. Strong admission applications increase the likelihood of nomination. Applicants should monitor both the individual program’s deadlines and the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program pages at UC Berkeley for any updates.
Important Dates and Deadlines for 2027
There is no single universal deadline. Key dates include:
- Graduate program application windows: generally open from September through early January, with many deadlines in December. First-round submission is mandatory where multiple rounds exist.
- Application fee waiver invitation cutoff: November 15, 2026 (decisions before December 1).
- Supplemental application invitation: February
- Interviews: March
- Final decisions: late March to early April
Prospective applicants should check the specific Fall 2027 deadline for their chosen program well in advance and begin preparing materials early.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Success depends on both academic competitiveness and a clear narrative of leadership and impact. Start by researching programs whose faculty and curriculum align with your goals for contributing to Africa. Craft a statement of purpose that demonstrates not only intellectual preparation but also specific examples of overcoming barriers and engaging communities. Secure strong recommendation letters that speak to both academic ability and leadership character.
Prepare for the supplemental stage and interview by articulating how a Berkeley education, combined with the program’s leadership training, will enable you to address concrete challenges on the continent. Review resources available through UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division and the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
Official Resources and Next Steps
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult these official sources:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley homepage: https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/
- Graduate application process and eligible programs: https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/graduate-application-process
- Eligibility details: https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/node/40
- UC Berkeley Graduate Division admissions: https://grad.berkeley.edu/
The UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 offers a rare combination of full funding, world-class academic training, and intentional leadership development for African students ready to contribute to their communities. Early preparation, careful program selection, and a compelling demonstration of both academic strength and commitment to the continent give applicants the best chance of success. Begin reviewing eligible programs and gathering materials now to position yourself for the Fall 2027 intake.