Scholars Program: Apply Now For The Carnegie Mellon University Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2024/2025

Introduction to the Carnegie Mellon University Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Applications are now open for the Carnegie Mellon University Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The program is open to African students who are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. It provides students with a full scholarship, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The program also provides students with access to a network of alumni and resources to further support their success.

About the Carnegie Mellon University Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

CMU-Africa and the Mastercard Foundation have partnered to support students whose talent and promise exceed their financial resources. The graduate students complete their Master of Science degrees in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Engineering Artificial Intelligence. Upon completion of the program, the scholars go on to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent.

CMU-Africa is part of a global network of 33 Scholars Program partners, comprised of institutions committed to developing Africa’s young leaders. The Scholars receive a comprehensive package that includes mentorship, immersive learning, and the opportunity to join a network of changemakers. The program is focused on equipping the future leaders of Africa with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to create a sustainable future.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible candidates should be scholars who have faced social and economic barriers and have demonstrated the following attributes:

Academic talent: Scholars value learning and have the drive to complete their education.
Commitment to giving back: Scholars have demonstrated a commitment to improving their communities.

Potential to lead: Scholars will become role models, mentors, and change-makers.

In order to be considered for the Scholars Program, students must first be admitted to one of CMU-Africa’s degree programs. Learn more about tuition and financial aid and how to apply to CMU-Africa.

Benefits Of the Carnegie Mellon University Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The program focuses on:

Holistic support: The scholarship covers application preparation support, orientation, tuition and fees, health insurance, travel and basic living expenses, and project and entrepreneurship support. Scholars also have access to a range of resources that support their well-being and academic success.
Career preparation: Scholars benefit from tailored activities to prepare them for the workplace. Throughout their studies, they participate in professional development activities including, but not limited to, internship and career fairs, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and one-on-one career coaching that prepare them to pursue their goals upon graduation.
Leadership development: Scholars develop leadership skills through participation in student clubs, community service, and a variety of programs that equip students to become change-makers. During their time at CMU-Africa, the Scholars take a series of leadership training sessions tailored to their needs to ensure they are equipped with cutting-edge leadership skills that will enable them to lead with distinction.

Giving back: Scholars live out the give-back ethos of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by leading and participating in community service activities, and developing, and implementing projects that make a difference in the lives of others. They collaborate with the members of the CMU-Africa community to push their give-back agenda.

How To Apply

There are two steps to apply to CMU-Africa:

Submit an online application

Complete competency tests

Important Dates

Important dates for applying to CMU-Africa and understanding the admissions decision process

October 1: All program applications are open. Begin your application to the MSIT, MSECE, and MSEAI programs

December 15: Early admissions deadline. Submit your application by the early admission deadline of December 15 for CMU-Africa to cover your competency test fees. Learn more about test fees
January 15: Final application deadline. Any application received after the early admission deadline will only be considered if submitted with a valid DET, IELTS, or TOEFL.
January–April: Applications are reviewed. After the final application deadline, all components of the applications are reviewed

April–May: Admissions decisions are shared with applicants. You will receive email communications from the admissions team on the status of your application at every stage. You can also view the status of your application through your application portal.
July–August: The New Student Foundation Program is held for admitted students. This program supports new students in a successful transition to CMU-Africa
September: The semester begins for admitted students. The Academic Calendar serves as Carnegie Mellon University’s information source and planning document for students, faculty, staff, and departments, as well as outside organizations. The calendar includes registration dates, class start dates, add/drop deadlines, exam dates, and more. View CMU-Africa’s academic calendar