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Introduction to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa
The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has joined hands with the Mastercard Foundation for its global Scholars Program. This collaborative initiative is designed to provide academically talented youth from Africa, who face financial, gender, displacement, or disability constraints, with a unique opportunity to access a world-class university education.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa aims to offer full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate degree-seeking applicants. Upon completing their studies, these scholars will be expected to lead transformative change in their communities, contributing to meaningful progress across the continent. They will be equipped with internationally recognized and locally applicable qualifications.
This scholarship targets African youth who exhibit the following qualities:
- Academic Talent
- Commitment to Giving Back to Their Communities
- Leadership Potential
Priority will be given to registered Refugees/Displaced youth and Persons with Disability.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must:
- Be 29 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Meet the minimum university entry grade of a C+ and above or its equivalent, as set by the Kenya Commission for University Education. Note that applicants interested in courses in the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences must have a mean grade of B- or its equivalent and at least a C+ or B- in the cluster subjects of English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. International applicants must meet equivalent requirements.
- Express interest in one of the approved 13 undergraduate degree programs for the Scholars Program at USIU-Africa. These programs include various fields of study:
- School of Science and Technology (SST) – Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics.
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS) – Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
- School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts (SCCCA) – Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Directing.
- Chandaria School of Business (CSB) – Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) – Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
- Possess a proven record of leadership involvement and community engagement.
- Demonstrate socio-economic disadvantage.
You can find more information about the above-highlighted degree programs on the university’s website, specifically on the undergraduate programs page.
Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Scholars selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Tuition and functional fees.
- Laptops, books, and other learning materials.
- Reasonable accommodation and meals.
- Medical insurance.
- Stipend.
- Transport to and from home.
- Access to leadership training.
- Access to entrepreneurial training.
- Psycho-social support, career counselling, and mentorship.
- Disability needs will be reasonably catered for.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can follow these steps to apply:
- Download the application form from the USIU-Africa website or obtain it free of charge from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Office at the School of Graduate Studies, Research, and Extension, 2nd floor.
- Before filling out the application form, carefully read through all the instructions and required information.
- Submit a complete application along with all the necessary supporting documents by email. Ensure that you scan the scholarship application form and all required documents in PDF format. Clearly name your email subject with your name and nationality, and send it to: mcfsp-applications@usiu.ac.ke.
Alternatively, you can drop off your application at the Scholars Program Office, located in the School of Graduate Studies, Research, and Extension building at USIU-Africa, or send your application by post.
Please note that the deadline for applications is Friday, November 24, 2023. If you do not receive a response from us by Tuesday, April 30, 2024, please consider your application unsuccessful due to the high volume of applications received. Unfortunately, personalized feedback cannot be provided to all applicants.
Additional Information
- The Scholars program will communicate with applicants through email and phone contact. Ensure that the provided phone numbers and email addresses are accurate and active to receive important information and feedback.
- After the selection process, successful applicants will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview conducted by independent panels.
- Any applicants found to have provided false information during any stage of the application and selection process will be disqualified. Attempts to influence the selection process will also result in automatic disqualification.
- The Scholars program at USIU-Africa does not collaborate with any agents or intermediaries during the application and selection process. There are absolutely no charges, fees, or “facilitation” required at any stage of the application and selection process.
Ready to apply? Click HERE to download the application form and begin your application process.
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