UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship 2026 | How to Apply

The UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship 2026, gives bright young Africans the chance to study for a fully funded master’s degree at one of the best universities in the world. The goal is simple. To support talented African students who have leadership potential but face financial or social barriers to higher education. The program helps these scholars build skills that can drive change and development back home in Africa.

In this post, you will learn what the scholarship is about, who can apply, the benefits, the required documents, and how to submit your application step by step.

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UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship 2026 Summary

• Host Country: United States
• Study Abroad: Study in USA
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: African countries
• Reward: Full financial support
• Deadline: Not specified. Check the individual masters program for their deadline.

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UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship 2026 Details

UC Berkeley and the Mastercard Foundation created this program to support young Africans who want to gain world-class education and use their knowledge to help grow their communities and countries. The program focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and problem solving.

The scholarship is only for master’s degree studies. It does not cover undergraduate or PhD programs. To be considered, you must first apply and be admitted to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program. Only then will you be invited to apply for the scholarship.

From 2012 to 2020, the program supported over 120 students. From now through 2030, it will support more than 200 new master’s students. Scholars will also receive training, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with innovation and tech hubs in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

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Watch this full video on how to apply for the Mastercard Foundation – University of Edinburgh Scholarship on our YouTube Channel:

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UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Be a citizen of an African country. Refugees and displaced Africans within Africa are also eligible.
• Not have citizenship or permanent residence in the United States, Canada, the UK, or the EU.
• Apply and be admitted to a UC Berkeley master’s degree program.
• Show strong academic performance.
• Show leadership potential and a desire to create positive change.
• Have faced real barriers to higher education such as financial, social, or personal challenges.
• Be committed to giving back to your community or country.
• Plan to return to your home country after your studies.

Priority may be given to applicants who studied their undergraduate degree in Africa, do not already have a postgraduate degree, and have not benefited from this program before.

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Don’t meet the requirements? No worries! Here are other USA-based scholarships you might be eligible for:

• Masters Scholarship 2026 at Texas Tech University in USA | Fully Funded
• Qatar Airways University Scholarship Programme 2026 | How to Apply
• Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship 2026 in USA | Fully Funded
• The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2025/2026 in USA | Fully Funded
• Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026 in USA (Fully Funded)
• Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships 2025/2026 in USA | How to Apply

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2026 UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive:

• Full tuition and fees
• Living and housing support
• Books and learning materials
• Travel support
• Leadership and entrepreneurship training
• Career guidance and internship opportunities
• Access to networks and mentors

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Discover this fully funded BS.c scholarship with no application fee. Watch and apply on our YouTube Channel:

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Required Documents for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship 2026

While each master’s program has its own requirements, you will generally need:

• A completed UC Berkeley master’s program application
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate
• Recommendation letters
• Personal statement or essays
• Proof of citizenship
• English language test scores if required by your program

Additional documents may be requested during the scholarship stage.

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Confused About Where and How to Start Securing Scholarships Abroad:

• Top 10 LinkedIn Accounts to Follow for Scholarship Opportunities
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Here is an easy-to-follow guide for starting your scholarship application and crafting a compelling personal statement:

• How to Prepare A Scholarship Application – 5 Tips to Succeed
• How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template
• Tips on How to Win a Scholarship

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How to Apply for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)

1. Research Programs
   Check the list of eligible UC Berkeley master’s programs and choose the one that matches your goals.
2. Check Requirements
   Visit the program’s admission page to review the specific entry requirements and deadlines.
3. Apply to UC Berkeley
   Submit your application to the master’s program through the normal admission system. You must apply in the first round to be considered for the scholarship.
4. Fee Waiver Option (If Needed)
   If you complete your basic information and provide two recommender names in the UC Berkeley application by November 15, you may be invited to apply for an application fee waiver.
5. Wait for Nomination
   If you meet the admission requirements, the Scholars Program may nominate you.
6. Complete Scholarship Application
   In February, selected applicants will be invited to fill out a supplemental scholarship application.
7. Attend Interview
   In March, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.
8. Receive Final Decision
   Final results are communicated in late March or early April.

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Deadline

Deadlines depend on the specific master’s program. Check their individual deadline to know the specific date.

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