The Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026 by the Mastercard Foundation and Arizona State University (ASU) offers a life-changing opportunity for talented young Africans to pursue fully funded master’s degrees through ASU Online programs while receiving personalized in-person support in Kigali, Rwanda. This unique partnership aims to prepare 160 graduate scholars between 2025 and 2030, providing access to world-class education, mentorship, and leadership development. The 2026 intake includes 40 scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation, travel, health, and other academic expenses.

Students will gain not only a graduate degree from a top-ranked U.S. university but also professional and leadership skills to foster sustainable change in their communities. Applications are open until Sunday, November 2, 2025 (23:59 GMT).

About Arizona State University & Mastercard Foundation

Arizona State University (ASU) is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities globally and is widely recognized for innovation and research excellence. It has been named the #1 most innovative university in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for several consecutive years. Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, ASU empowers African scholars to become ethical leaders and change-makers who contribute meaningfully to their nations’ progress.

The Mastercard Foundation, based in Canada, is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in Africa’s education sector, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development. Its collaboration with Kepler College in Rwanda ensures that students benefit from both the flexibility of ASU’s online programs and the community-based learning at Kepler’s Kigali campus.

Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026 Overview

Detail	Description
Scholarship Name	2026 Innovation and Technology Scholarship
Host Institutions	Arizona State University (ASU) & Mastercard Foundation
Partner Institution	Kepler College, Kigali (Rwanda)
Study Mode	ASU Online (with in-person support in Kigali)
Degree Level	Master’s Programs
Number of Scholarships	40 (for 2026/2027 academic year)
Eligible Regions	Citizens of African countries
Duration	2 years
Application Deadline	November 2, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
Program Start Date	July 2026

Available Graduate Programs

• MS Global Technology and Development
• MSE Sustainable Engineering
• MS Information Technology
• MS Business Analytics
• MEd Learning Design and Technologies

Scholarship Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers comprehensive support to ensure academic success and personal growth.

• Full tuition, books, and fees for the entire program
• Visa processing and application fee coverage
• Travel expenses to and from Kigali, Rwanda
• Student housing and living allowance
• Medical insurance and health coverage
• Participation in leadership, mentorship, and networking programs
• Summer intensive between first and second year aligned with field of study
• Support for English language testing and other preparatory costs

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Must be a citizen of an African country.
2. Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
3. Must show financial need and commitment to community impact.
4. Must be aged 18–33 years by the application deadline.
5. Must hold a bachelor’s degree by July 2026.
6. Must not have completed or started another master’s or graduate degree before July 2026.
7. Must qualify for admission to ASU in the desired field.
8. Must be able to live in Kigali, Rwanda for the program duration.
9. Applicants from refugee, displaced, or disabled backgrounds and women are especially encouraged to apply.
10. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed.

Application Process

Follow these steps carefully to ensure successful submission:

• Visit the official scholarship webpage.
• Click on Apply Here to start your application.
• Prepare and upload the following documents:

1. Personal Statement Essay
2. Essay on Resilience, Leadership, and Impact
3. Resume/CV
4. One Letter of Recommendation
5. Unofficial Transcript (with English translation if required)
6. Optional: Proof of English Proficiency (required later for ASU admission)

• Submit the application before November 2, 2025 (23:59 GMT).
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview (video or phone).
• Final decisions will be made by April 2026.
• Selected scholars will travel to Kigali, Rwanda in July 2026 to begin the program.

Important: Applicants must not apply directly to ASU until the Mastercard Foundation shortlists them.

Comparison with Global Fully Funded Tech & Innovation Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Host Country	Degree Level	Coverage	Focus Area	Deadline
Mastercard Foundation–ASU Innovation & Technology Scholarship 2026	USA/Rwanda	Master’s	Full funding + housing + travel	Tech, Innovation, Development	Nov 2, 2025
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme	Germany	Master’s	Full tuition + stipend + travel	Policy, Governance, Development	July 31, 2025
Chevening Scholarship	UK	Master’s	Full tuition + living allowance	All disciplines	Nov 5, 2025
MEXT Scholarship	Japan	Master’s/PhD	Full funding + airfare + stipend	Science, Tech, Engineering	May 2025
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s	Europe (Multiple)	Master’s	Full funding + travel + insurance	Various fields	Feb–March 2026

FAQs About Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026

1. Who can apply for the Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026?
   Citizens of any African country who meet academic and leadership criteria can apply.
2. Do I need to apply to ASU first?
   No. Apply for the scholarship first; shortlisted candidates will later apply to ASU.
3. What is the age limit for applicants?
   Applicants must be between 18 and 33 years old by November 2, 2025.
4. Can refugees and displaced persons apply?
   Yes, the scholarship encourages refugees, displaced individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.
5. Do I need English proficiency to apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026?
   Yes, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English as required by ASU.
6. Can I choose any master’s program at ASU?
   Only the specified programs are eligible (see list above).
7. What costs are covered by the scholarship?
   It covers tuition, travel, visa, accommodation, books, health, and leadership programs.
8. When will I know the results for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026?
   You’ll get the final scholarship results by April 2026.
9. Do I need to relocate to the U.S.?
   No. Students study online with in-person engagement in Kigali, Rwanda.
10. What happens after graduation?
    Scholars should return and contribute to community development in Africa.

If you are a passionate young African who dreams of creating solutions through innovation and technology, this scholarship is your gateway. Apply today and shape the future of your community with skills from Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation. APPLY NOW. Read about the full information on the official page.

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