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About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar
Are you a bright and driven young person from East Africa with dreams of pursuing graduate studies but limited financial means? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar offers a fully funded opportunity to study in Ethiopia. This life-changing program is designed to empower academically talented yet economically disadvantaged youth, especially those with disabilities, by equipping them with the knowledge and leadership skills to influence change in their communities and beyond.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar is part of a broader initiative aimed at developing transformative leaders who will contribute to the social and economic development of their countries. Launched in the 2018/2019 academic year, the program will run for eight years and support a total of 160 graduate students from East Africa.
The University of Gondar, a renowned public institution in Ethiopia, is committed to academic excellence and inclusion. Through this program, it provides not only financial support but also leadership development, academic mentoring, and community engagement opportunities to help Scholars thrive both during and after their studies.
The program focuses particularly on marginalized youth from Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and South Sudan—nurturing their academic potential and supporting them in becoming effective advocates for inclusion, equity, and development in their respective regions.
Eligible Fields
The following graduate programs are eligible under the scholarship:
- Accounting
- Development and Environmental Management Studies
- Economics
- Gender and Development Studies
- Law
- Logistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Nursing
- Optometry
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Special Needs and Inclusive Education
- Tourism Management
All programs are delivered at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar, applicants must:
- Be a citizen and permanent resident of Somalia, Eritrea, South Sudan, or Djibouti. (Ethiopian nationals may also be eligible through other components of the program.)
- Have lived in one of the eligible countries for at least five years prior to application.
- Have earned a Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the graduate program they are applying for, from a recognized university using English as the medium of instruction.
- Have completed their undergraduate studies within the last five years and graduated with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Be academically talented but disadvantaged (based on socioeconomic conditions or disability status).
- Be unemployed or unable to afford the cost of graduate education despite some level of employment.
- Have passed the Graduate Admission Test (GAT) administered by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education.
- Female candidates and candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents along with their application:
- Completed and signed Scholarship Application Form (online or paper).
- Certified copies of elementary, high school, and university transcripts.
- Two recommendation letters from academic institutions.
- Medical certificate verifying the type and extent of disability (if applicable), issued by a recognized health institution.
- National ID card or passport copy.
- Proof of financial disadvantage (testimonial from local authorities such as Kebele/Woreda Administrator).
- Police clearance letter confirming no criminal record.
- Detailed resume listing academic, non-academic, and volunteer experiences.
- A statement or testimonial highlighting leadership and community service contributions.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence and potential
- Demonstrated financial need
- Disability status (where applicable)
- Motivation, community involvement, and leadership qualities
- Recommendations and official testimonials
Scholarship recipients will be selected after a thorough review of all application materials. Preference will be given to applicants who show a strong commitment to community development and social change, especially those who have made efforts to give back through volunteering or leadership roles.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the following countries:
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- Eritrea
- Djibouti
- South Sudan
Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar
The Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship at the University of Gondar provides a comprehensive, fully funded package including:
- Full tuition coverage
- Free accommodation and boarding
- Monthly stipend for personal and academic expenses
- Medical and health insurance
- Learning materials and supplies (books and stationery)
- Academic and psychological support
- Experiential learning activities, including summer leadership camps, community service, and career development support
Scholars will also gain access to a global network of Mastercard Foundation alumni and partners, helping them foster connections that extend beyond their studies.
How to Apply
There are two methods to apply:
- Online Application:
Visit the University of Gondar’s official application portal to complete and submit your application. - Paper Application (English):
Download the application form and send the filled form with scanned copies of all required documents via:- Email: uogmcfsp@gmail.com
- Mail:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
P.O. Box 1082
Gondar, Ethiopia
Note: The deadline for this scholarship is June 30, 2025
Make sure to submit complete and accurate information before the deadline.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
