2027/2028 Arizona State University Mastercard Scholarship in USA | How to Apply
Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation are offering 30 fully funded graduate scholarships for African students starting a Master’s degree in technology or innovation for the 2027-2028 academic year. The scholarship covers full tuition, on-campus housing, healthcare, and airfare to Phoenix, and the deadline is Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT. You apply for the scholarship first, before you touch ASU’s admission process — applying directly to ASU without being instructed to can actually work against you.
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About the Program
This programme funds nine specific graduate degrees at ASU’s Tempe campus, all built around technology, engineering, and sustainable innovation — from robotics and data science to clean energy systems. Beyond covering the cost of the degree itself, Mastercard Foundation Scholars go through structured leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement alongside their coursework, with the explicit goal of sending graduates back into meaningful social and economic work in their home communities, not just handing out a funded degree.
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Arizona State University Mastercard Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — ASU Innovation and Technology Scholarship |
| Host Country ⇒ | United States of America (USA) |
| Study Level ⇒ | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships |
| Benefits ⇒ | Fully Funded — full tuition, books, fees, on-campus housing, medical support, airfare, and visa costs |
| Funded By ⇒ | Mastercard Foundation and Arizona State University |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All African Countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | Sunday, September 27, 2026, 23:59 GMT |
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Available Graduate Programs
- MS Global Technology and Development
- MS Information Technology
- MS Human Systems Engineering — Intelligent Systems
- MCS Computer Science
- MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering (Computing and Decision Analytics)
- MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- MS Civil, Environmental & Sustainable Engineering
- MS Clean Energy Systems
- MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
Scholars will benefit from:
- A traditional, immersive, on-campus learning experience for two years
- Opportunities to work part-time on campus
- A 2-month internship between the first and second year
- Participation in leadership programs, mentorship, and networking events
Eligibility Requirements for the Arizona State University Mastercard Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have earned a Bachelor’s degree by August 2027 from a recognised institution — higher education diplomas, certificates, and other non-degree credentials don’t count as equivalent
- Show a strong academic record, equivalent to a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Meet ASU’s English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be between 18 and 33 years old on or before the application deadline
- Have a genuine record of leadership, service, and commitment to positive change in your community
- Never have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or Master’s degree program
- Not be enrolled in, or starting, another graduate or Master’s program while your application is under review
- Be able to relocate to and live on ASU’s Tempe, Arizona campus for the full duration of the program
Note: Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.
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Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers all major expenses, including:
- Visa application processing costs
- An English language proficiency test voucher, if you need one
- ASU’s graduate application fee, waived
- Airfare to and from Phoenix, Arizona
- Full tuition, required books, and student fees
- Medical support
- On-campus housing
- Leadership and signature programming throughout the degree
Required Documents for the Arizona State University Mastercard Scholarship
To apply for the 2026 Arizona State University Mastercard Scholarship, prepare the following:
- Completed Application Form (online or PDF)
- CV/Resume
- Letter of Recommendation
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required)
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How to Apply for the Arizona State University Mastercard Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
- Read the Guidelines: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and scholarship guidance.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your CV, transcripts, and letter of recommendation.
- Choose Your Application Method:
- Online Application: Click “NEXT” on the official page to start your online application.
- PDF Application: Download the PDF form if you have limited internet access, fill it out, and email it (with all attachments) to [email protected].
- Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure your application is sent before 23:59 GMT on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
- Wait for Shortlisting: Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview via video or phone call.
If you advance in the process, you’ll be invited to interview and given specific guidance on the ASU admission process at that point — including an ASU application fee waiver, so you should never pay an application fee yourself. Being admitted to the academic program doesn’t automatically mean you’ve been awarded the scholarship — these are treated as two related but separate outcomes.
Review your application carefully before submitting. Once submitted, it’s considered final, and you’re responsible for the accuracy and completeness of everything in it at that point — there’s no post-submission correction window.
Application Deadline
Applications are due by 23:59 GMT on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Applications submitted after this cutoff won’t be considered, regardless of the reason. Given that submission is final the moment you send it, build in time to review your application against the eligibility criteria and guidance one more time before you submit, rather than treating the deadline itself as your working deadline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply directly to ASU’s graduate program while I wait to hear back about the scholarship?
No. Applying to ASU admission independently, before being instructed to by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team, goes against how this process is designed. Complete the scholarship application first, and follow their specific guidance on ASU admission if you’re invited to move forward.
Am I eligible if I already completed a different Master’s degree?
No. Having previously enrolled in or completed any graduate or Master’s degree programme disqualifies you from this scholarship, regardless of your other qualifications.
Does getting into the ASU program guarantee I’ll receive the scholarship?
No. These are treated as separate outcomes. Being admitted to your academic program of choice doesn’t automatically mean you’ve been awarded the Mastercard Foundation scholarship funding.
What if I have limited or unreliable internet access?
You can download the PDF version of the application and email your completed form, along with your CV, a letter of recommendation, and transcripts, to [email protected] — though the online route is preferred if you’re able to use it.
Can I correct a mistake in my application after I’ve submitted it?
No. Once submitted, your application is considered final. Review your entries and all required guidance carefully before you submit, since there’s no opportunity to revise it afterward.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of September 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official Arizona State University website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Arizona State University or the Mastercard Foundation.
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