Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) has announced the opening of applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2023/2024. The program aims to support talented and promising African students who face social and economic barriers to pursue their master’s degrees in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Engineering Artificial Intelligence.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that provides access to quality education for young people who have the potential to drive positive change in their communities. The program partners with 33 institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America to offer scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and career guidance to scholars.
The program was established at CMU-Africa in 2016 and has since supported over 200 scholars from 18 African countries. The program provides generous financial, social, and academic support for scholars, including:
- Application preparation support
- Orientation
- Tuition and fees
- Health insurance
- Travel and basic living expenses
- Project and entrepreneurship support
- Access to a range of resources that support their well-being and academic success
How to Apply for the CMU-Africa Scholarships?
To apply for the CMU-Africa scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be African citizens
- Have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study
- Have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership potential
- Have a commitment to giving back to their communities
- Have demonstrated financial need
The application process consists of two steps:
- Submit an online application through the CMU-Africa website by January 15, 2024. The application requires personal information, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and a resume.
- Complete competency tests in mathematics, logic, and English. The tests are administered online and can be taken at any time before the application deadline.
What are the Benefits of Studying at CMU-Africa?
CMU-Africa is the only U.S.-based research university with a campus in Africa. Located in Kigali, Rwanda, the campus offers world-class education and research opportunities for students who want to pursue careers in technology and innovation. CMU-Africa graduates have gone on to work for leading companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Google, Facebook, Andela, Flutterwave, and more.
Studying at CMU-Africa also offers scholars the opportunity to:
- Learn from renowned faculty and experts in their fields
- Engage in cutting-edge research projects that address real-world challenges
- Network with industry leaders and alumni from across the continent and beyond
- Develop leadership skills through student clubs, community service, and give-back projects
- Join a diverse and vibrant community of students from different backgrounds and cultures
Why is the Mastercard Foundation Partnering with CMU-Africa?
The Mastercard Foundation believes that education is a catalyst for social and economic change in Africa. By partnering with CMU-Africa, the foundation aims to support the development of young leaders who are transformative, innovative, and inclusive. The foundation also hopes to drive youth-led digital transformation in Africa by investing in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
According to Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, “Carnegie Mellon University Africa is educating Africa’s future leaders — individuals who will not only contribute to Africa’s growth but shape its future. We are proud to partner with them as they continue this important work.”
Similarly, Vijayakumar Bhagavatula, Director of CMU-Africa, said “We are grateful for the continued support from the Mastercard Foundation. This partnership enables us to provide access to quality education for talented young Africans who will become the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers for the continent.”
