University of California MasterCard Scholarship 2026/2027 by Mastercard Foundation
Opportunity Overview The University of California MasterCard Scholarship for the 2026‑2027 academic year offers a fully funded pathway for exceptionally talented African students to pursue a master's degree at UC Berkeley. The program is jointly administered by UC Berkeley and the Mastercard Foundation, two institutions with a long‑standing commitment to expanding access to high‑quality education and fostering ethical, entrepreneurial leadership across the continent. UC Berkeley, a world‑renowned public research university, consistently ranks among the top institutions globally and is known for its vibrant campus life, cutting‑edge research facilities, and a culture that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. The Mastercard Foundation, headquartered in the Netherlands, has invested more than $1.2 billion to empower over 40,000 young Africans through education, mentorship, and leadership development. Scholars receive not only tuition, housing, travel, and health‑insurance coverage but also a comprehensive support network that includes academic advising, professional development workshops, and a global alumni community. Applicants are encouraged to leverage Oppora’s CV Builder Studio to craft a concise academic résumé, the AI Cover Letter Generator for a compelling personal statement, and the Recommendation Letter Studio to organize strong references—tools that can streamline the competitive application process. Benefits - Full tuition coverage for the selected master's program at UC Berkeley. - On‑campus housing allowance and a stipend for daily living expenses. - Round‑trip international travel to and from the United States. - Comprehensive health‑insurance plan for the duration of study. - Access to mentorship from senior scholars, faculty, and industry leaders within the Mastercard Foundation network. - Participation in leadership development modules, community‑service projects, and research opportunities on campus. - Ongoing career support, including internship placements and post‑graduation job placement assistance. Eligibility - Must hold citizenship of an African country (including refugees or displaced persons residing in Africa). Dual citizenship or permanent residency in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the European Union disqualifies the applicant. - Must have completed an undergraduate degree at an African university and have no prior postgraduate degree (master's or doctorate). - Must be admitted to a master's degree program at UC Berkeley for the 2026‑2027 academic year. - Must demonstrate a strong commitment to returning to the home community after graduation to contribute to social and economic development. - Must have faced significant financial, social, or personal barriers to accessing higher education. - Must not have previously received support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Required Documents - Official transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended. - A concise academic and professional history outlining education, work experience, skills, and achievements. - A personal essay describing educational and career goals, motivation for studying at UC Berkeley, and how the chosen program aligns with those goals. - A scholarship‑specific personal statement that reflects leadership potential and community impact. - Proof of significant financial need (e.g., family income statements, scholarship letters, or other supporting evidence). - Documentation confirming African citizenship (national ID, passport, or refugee status papers). - English‑language proficiency evidence (TOEFL or IELTS scores) if the applicant’s primary language of instruction has not been English. How to Apply 1. Identify an eligible master's program at UC Berkeley that matches your academic interests and career aspirations. 2. Complete the UC Berkeley online graduate application, uploading all required academic documents and paying the application fee. 3. Once admitted, you will receive an invitation from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to submit a separate scholarship application. 4. Prepare the scholarship application using the required documents listed above and submit it through the Mastercard Foundation portal. 5. Monitor both the UC Berkeley admissions portal and the Mastercard Foundation communications for any additional requests or interview invitations. Click the Apply button below to start your application.