Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Ashesi University 2027 | Fully Funded
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Ashesi University is one of the most complete scholarships the university offers. It covers all fees, the cost of room and board, and learning resources, and scholars also get extra socio-economic support to settle into Ashesi and move into a good career. Ashesi, in Berekuso, Ghana, has been a partner of the programme since it started in 2012 and was one of its nine pioneering partners. Hundreds of Mastercard Foundation Scholars have enrolled there since.
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You do not apply for this scholarship by itself. You apply to Ashesi and complete the financial aid form, and the Admissions and Financial Aid Office uses your general scholarship application to decide which award you get, including the Mastercard Foundation award. The next undergraduate rounds are Round 3 (October) and Round 4 (December) for the January start, so read the sections below to see how it works and what to prepare.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Ashesi University Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University |
| Host Country ⇒ | Ghana (Ashesi University, Berekuso) |
| Study Level ⇒ | Undergraduate (Ashesi also runs graduate programmes) |
| Benefits ⇒ | All fees, room and board, learning resources and socio-economic support |
| Funded by ⇒ | Mastercard Foundation |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | International students are accepted at Ashesi |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | Round 3: October. Round 4: December (January 2027 start). Exact days not stated |
What It Means to Be a Mastercard Foundation Scholar
Scholars are expected to be role models for their communities across Africa, both as students and later as alumni. Giving back is a core part of the programme. At Ashesi, you do this through volunteer and community service opportunities.
What the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Ashesi University Covers
- All fees
- Costs for room and board
- Learning resources
- Additional socio-economic support to help you transition into Ashesi and then into a successful career
For reference, these are the yearly costs at Ashesi, which the scholarship removes for its scholars. International students pay in US dollars per term:
| Fees for International Students | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (per term) | US$4,553 | US$4,553 |
| Housing (per term) | US$803 | None listed |
| Student Council dues | US$20 | US$20 |
| Health insurance | US$160 | US$160 |
Ghanaian students pay tuition of GH¢53,498 per term for both levels, housing of GH¢9,435 per term for undergraduates, Student Council dues of GH¢235 and health insurance of GH¢1,880.
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How the Scholarship Is Awarded
- You do not choose which scholarship you get.
- The Admissions and Financial Aid Office decides which award you receive, based on the information in your general scholarship application.
- Ashesi does not give merit-based scholarships for undergraduate programmes. All undergraduate scholarships are need-based.
- To be considered for any financial aid, complete the financial aid form and say how much assistance you need.
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Complete the application form and send it with high school transcripts and one of these results:
- WASSCE: six subjects count (Integrated Science, Core Mathematics, Core English and three electives), with at least a C6 in each
- Engineering: you must have taken Physics and Elective or Further Mathematics
- IGCSE (GCE O-Level): six passes including Mathematics, English and Science, plus at least three A-Level passes at grades A to D
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- American or Canadian High School Diploma
- French Baccalaureate: a certified copy of the original score and a certified English translation
- Other equivalent exam results approved by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission
You can apply before your exam results come out. Apply early so the office can review your essay, extracurriculars and transcripts and arrange an interview, then reopen your application, add your results and resubmit.
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Extra requirements for international students
- Certified translation of any transcripts or documents not in English
- Proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, if English was not your language of instruction in high school
Transfer students
Ashesi accepts transfers into its undergraduate programmes and may waive up to one year of study. Choose “Transfer” in the portal and send your official high school certificate or university entrance exam results and official transcripts from every institution you attended.
Graduate Programmes
The page lists three graduate programmes, but it does not say whether the Mastercard Foundation award is open to them:
- Master’s in Mechatronic Engineering: a bachelor’s or master’s in mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, computer or allied engineering. Degrees older than five years are accepted with evidence of ongoing professional development
- Ashesi MBA: a good first degree in any field, at least 3 years of relevant work experience, an entrance exam and an interview
- Intelligent Computing Systems Master’s: a good bachelor’s in Computer Science or a related field, or another technical degree with computing and maths, plus strong programming proficiency
Graduate applications are online only.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Ashesi University Application Process
- Check the entry requirements. Confirm your exam results and subject grades.
- Pick a round. Choose the round and the September or January start.
- Open the online application. Use the Ashesi application portal for undergraduate or graduate programmes.
- Complete the financial aid form. Say how much assistance you need. This is how Ashesi decides on a Mastercard Foundation award.
- Upload your documents. Add transcripts, exam results and the certified translation or English test where needed.
- Pay the application fee. Details are on the portal. Ashesi can only finish processing after proof of payment.
- Add new achievements later if needed. Log in, upload the new documents and click “re-submit”, or email [email protected].
Application fee waiver: if you cannot pay the application fee, email [email protected]. Eligibility is decided after you answer a short questionnaire.
Paper applications: undergraduate applicants can submit a paper application by email (preferred) to [email protected], or in person at Ashesi University, 1 University Avenue, Berekuso, Ghana. Scan the form and the scholarship application form and send them.
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Application Rounds
Ashesi runs a two-entry admissions cycle, so you can start in September or January. Round 3 closes this month, so if you want the January start, contact Ashesi admissions now for the exact date, and treat Round 4 in December as your next option.
| Application | Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | June | September or January |
| Round 2 | August | September or January |
| Round 3 | October | January |
| Round 4 | December | January |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi?
Ashesi accepts international students, and Nigerian students can apply for admission. The page does not list the countries eligible for the Mastercard Foundation award, so confirm this with Ashesi admissions.
Can I apply directly for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship?
No. You apply to Ashesi and complete the financial aid form, and the Admissions and Financial Aid Office decides which award you get.
What does the program cover?
All fees, the cost of room and board, learning resources and extra socio-economic support.
Is it based on merit?
No. Ashesi gives only need-based scholarships for undergraduate programmes.
What if my exam results are not out yet?
You can still apply. Submit your application early, then reopen it and add your results when you get them.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of October 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official Ashesi University website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Ashesi University or the Mastercard Foundation.
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