University of California Berkeley MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2019/2020 (Fully funded)The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

The University of California, Berkeley has partnered with The MasterCard Foundation in a collaborative, global network of education institutions and non-profit organizations that believe education is a catalyst for social and economic advancement. The Program aims to benefit 15,000 young people over 10 years, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The future of Africa will be shaped by its young people, including those talented, yet economically disadvantaged students who face significant barriers to accessing quality education. To harness the potential impact of this generation, The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides next-generation leaders who are committed to the social and economic transformation of their continent with access to quality education by delivering comprehensive financial, social, and academic support throughout their secondary and university education and supports their transition to further study or to the workforce.

The Program at UC Berkeley

At UC Berkeley, the Program will provide support to at least 113 students from 2012 to 2020, and is open to both undergraduate and professional Master’s students. Students seeking doctoral degrees are not eligible for this Program. To be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, both undergraduate and graduate degree seekers must first be admitted to the university through the regular admissions process. Once students apply for University admission, the Program will invite them to apply for the Scholarship if they meet eligibility requirements.

Please note: Undergraduate (Not accepting application for the MCF Scholars Program as of Fall 2016.)

Eligibility

  • Being a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country – If you have refugee status, are
    stateless, or have other questions regarding your citizenship, you may still be eligible.
    Please contact us directly to clarify. This scholarship is not intended for citizens of North
    African countries.
  • Excelling academically – All prospective Scholars must first be admitted to UC Berkeley to be considered for the Scholarship. An important criteria for admission to the University is demonstrated academic excellence.
  • Coming from an economically disadvantaged background – We aim to admit those from the bottom two income quintiles per country. This Scholarship is designed for those extremely talented individuals who have no other means of acquiring the further education required to help realize their dreams and ambitions.
  • Having demonstrated the will to give back to your community, country, or continent –
  • We are looking for well-rounded students who are engaged in activities beyond the classroom. Some may be directly related to your field of study, but this may also include other issues (social, economic, political) that you are working on and passionate about.
  • Applicants should elaborate on their achievements both in their application to UC Berkeley, and then later on the Scholarship application.
  • Having expressed the desire and intention to return to your home country after completing your studies – We are looking for students who are engaged with and passionate about issues affecting their communities, and who will take advantage of their education at UC Berkeley to better equip themselves with the knowledge and training to address these issues upon return. While important work can be done from abroad, the intention of this Program is to enable Scholars to return home, after forming valuable professional connections through internship and job placements.

Apply to be a UC Berkeley MasterCard Foundation Scholar

Master’s degree prospective applicants must first apply to the University through the regular admissions process before they will be considered for the MasterCard Foundations Program Scholarship. After the graduate degree program admissions process is underway, the UCB MCF Scholars Program will invite prospective candidates to apply for the Scholarship.

Deadlines and Requirements

Graduate application deadlines vary by program. Please visit the Graduate Division Admissions Website for up to date information on:

Which Master’s Degree program?

**Please note that PhD and doctoral programs do not qualify for the Scholarship.

UC Berkeley offers the following Master’s programs

*MBA students need to secure additional funding from Haas Business School through obtaining Haas scholarships, which requires meeting the Round One or Two application deadline.

When considering any program, please keep in mind that it is your motivation for choosing your field, as well as your career goals that will determine if you are eligible for the Scholarship. Please revisit Eligibility Requirements to see if your goals are in line with those of The MasterCard Foundation Scholar Program.

For more information,please visit https://mcfscholarsprogram.berkeley.edu/apply-be-uc-berkeley-mastercard-foundation-scholar

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