2025 MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley (University of California, Berkeley, USA) | Fully Funded

2025 MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley (University of California, Berkeley, USA) | Fully Funded

The MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley is designed to cultivate a community of ethical, entrepreneurial, and dynamic young leaders committed to driving socio-economic transformation in Africa.

As a collaborative effort between the University of California, Berkeley, and The Mastercard Foundation, this program is part of a global network of education institutions and non-profits dedicated to advancing social and economic development through education.

This blog provides an in-depth overview of the scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United States of America (USA)
• Study Abroad: Study in the USA
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All Sub-Saharan African Countries
• Benefits: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Airfare Tickets
• Language Proficiency: No IELTS Required
• Application Deadline: Varies by Program

2025 MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley: Details

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program represents a significant commitment to education and leadership development, with over $1.2 billion invested to date, supporting more than 40,000 young individuals worldwide.

At UC Berkeley, the program, hosted by the Center for African Studies, has supported over 120 students pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees between 2012 and 2020. Looking forward, the program will provide financial support for over 108 master’s students through 2030.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country, including displaced Africans or refugees within the continent.

   • Ineligible: North African citizens and individuals with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU.

2. Academic Excellence:

   • Must demonstrate exceptional academic talent.
   • Admission to a UC Berkeley master’s program is required before scholarship consideration.

3. Leadership Potential:

   • Applicants must show a commitment to ethical, transformative leadership that fosters positive and lasting change.

4. Socio-Economic Disadvantage:

   • Priority is given to students from underprivileged backgrounds who lack access to quality education.

5. Community Engagement:

   • Applicants must demonstrate a dedication to contributing to their communities and addressing socio-economic challenges.

6. Commitment to Return Home:

   • Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies to apply the knowledge and skills gained at UC Berkeley to their communities.

Scholarship Benefits

The MasterCard Scholarship is a fully funded program covering:

• Tuition fees
• Travel costs
• Berkeley student fees
• Visa and SEVIS fees
• Accommodation and food
• Living expenses
• Cohort signature programs focused on leadership and entrepreneurship

Note: MBA students must secure additional funding from Haas Business School through Haas scholarships by meeting the Round One or Two application deadlines.

Application Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for the MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley 2025:

1. Apply for Admission:

   • Prospective scholars must first apply for admission to an eligible UC Berkeley graduate program.
   • Refer to the list of eligible master’s programs for more details.

2. Scholarship Application Invitation:

   • After admission, eligible students will be invited to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.

3. Admission Deadlines:

   • Some graduate programs have multiple admission rounds with staggered deadlines. Only applicants submitting in the first round are considered for the scholarship.

4. Admissions Guidance:

   • Review the Graduate Division’s detailed information on the admissions process for international students.

5. Submit Required Documents:

   • Follow the specific requirements outlined by your graduate program.

6. Application Timeline:

   • Applications will be accepted through Fall 2028.

Important: Undergraduate students are not eligible for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program but can apply for undergraduate admission to UC Berkeley.

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Prepare for an incredible academic journey with the 2025 MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley and seize the opportunity to become a leader committed to transforming Africa’s future!

Good luck!

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