Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 At Pan-Atlantic University For Nigerian Students -

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that provides access to quality education for young people who are academically gifted but financially disadvantaged. At Pan-Atlantic University, the program is focused on transforming lives by empowering Nigerian youth—particularly those from underserved communities—to pursue degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Through this partnership, PAU becomes the first Nigerian university to collaborate with the Mastercard Foundation to deliver this impactful program. Over the next ten years, the initiative will support and graduate over 650 Scholars, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.

Are you a brilliant Nigerian student facing financial barriers to higher education? Do you have a passion for STEM and a strong desire to make a difference in your community? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) offers a fully funded scholarship opportunity tailored just for you.

Through this program, the Mastercard Foundation and PAU aim to remove the financial burden of higher education and nurture a new generation of transformative leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. This is not just a scholarship—it’s a holistic journey of academic growth, leadership development, and lifelong impact.

Eligible Fields

This scholarship program is exclusively open to students pursuing degrees in the STEM disciplines, including but not limited to:

Computer Science
Information Science and Media Studies
Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
Data Science
Mathematics

Physics
Environmental Sciences

If your ambition lies in science and technology and you’re ready to tackle pressing challenges through innovation, this program was designed with you in mind.

Eligibility Criteria

Only Nigerian citizens are eligible for this edition of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at PAU. However, applicants must reside within Nigeria at the time of applying and show proof of commitment to remain engaged with their community.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is specifically for Nigerian students who meet the following criteria:

Demonstrated Academic Excellence: You must have a strong academic record and a passion for learning.

Financial Need: This scholarship is for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
UTME Performance: A minimum score of 220 in the JAMB UTME is required.
O’Level Qualifications: You must have passed WAEC/NECO/GCE/NABTEB with a minimum of 5 credits, including English Language and Mathematics, plus three other subjects relevant to your field, in no more than two sittings.

Leadership Potential: The program is looking for young people who exhibit strong leadership potential and a commitment to social change.
Community Service Orientation: You must be passionate about giving back and creating positive change in your community.
Belong to Priority Groups: The program places a strong emphasis on supporting:
- Young women interested in pursuing STEM degrees
- Internally displaced individuals
- Young people living with disabilities

Selection Criteria

The selection process is rigorous and transparent. It involves multiple stages designed to assess the applicant’s academic readiness, leadership qualities, and alignment with the program’s core values. The stages include:

Initial Application Review – Academic and background information is evaluated.
Shortlisting – Based on qualifications and eligibility.

Interview Stage – Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview (either physical or virtual).
Final Selection – Based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the interview performance.

Key selection criteria include:

Strong academic foundation
Vision for leadership and service
Commitment to long-term positive impact

Passion for STEM and solving real-world challenges
Clarity of purpose and future aspirations

Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Pan-Atlantic University offers comprehensive support to ensure you are not only able to study but thrive. Successful applicants will receive:

Academic & Financial Support:

Full Tuition Coverage for the entire duration of your program
On-Campus Accommodation and living stipends

Textbooks and Learning Materials

Leadership Development:

Access to structured mentorship programs with faculty and professionals

Participation in leadership seminars, workshops, and community-building activities
Tailored entrepreneurship and career readiness training

Personal & Career Growth:

Internship placements with industry-leading organizations
Career coaching, job search support, and alumni guidance
Networking with a diverse community of like-minded scholars and professionals

Post-Graduation Support:

Continued engagement through the PAU and Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network
Opportunities for graduate studies and advanced leadership training

This scholarship doesn’t just cover your university education—it supports your entire journey, from academic development to career readiness and community impact.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Pan-Atlantic University:

Step 1: Confirm Academic Eligibility

Ensure you meet the academic requirements:

A minimum of five relevant O’Level credits (including English and Mathematics) in no more than two sittings.
A UTME score of at least 220 in relevant subjects.

Step 2: If You Don’t Have UTME Results Yet

Fill out the Interest Form to begin the screening process. This allows early access to updates and consideration once your UTME results are available.

Step 3: Complete UTME

Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Once you have your UTME results, proceed to the official online application portal and submit your complete application.

Step 5: Interview Stage

If shortlisted, you’ll be contacted for an interview (virtual or in-person), where you’ll be evaluated on your leadership, academic aspirations, and community engagement.

Step 6: Admission & Scholarship Offer

Successful candidates will receive a formal admission offer into Pan-Atlantic University and a full scholarship through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Note: There is no application fee required at any stage of the application.

For detailed information, application forms, and eligibility verification, visit the official program page:

Note: Currently, the deadline for the application of the scholarship is unspecified, but interested candidates are strongly encouraged to begin the process and apply as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission increases your chances of being considered.

Don’t miss this chance to become part of a global movement of young leaders committed to transforming Africa through innovation, science, and service. Begin your journey toward a brighter future today.