Are you a young African changemaker with big dreams but limited financial means? The 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at African Leadership University (ALU) could be your breakthrough opportunity. This life-changing scholarship is designed to empower Africa’s most promising students—especially women, refugees, and differently-abled youth—by fully covering tuition and providing financial support, leadership training, and career guidance.

With applications now open for the January 2026 intake, these fully funded African scholarships 2026 offer you the chance to join a thriving pan-African community and gain access to an education designed for real-world impact.

About the African Leadership University (ALU)

The African Leadership University (ALU) is one of the most innovative higher education institutions on the continent, focused on student-led learning and practical experiences. With campuses in Mauritius and Rwanda, ALU is part of the African Leadership Group, which aims to transform Africa by educating 3 million ethical and entrepreneurial leaders by 2035.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Founded on a mission to reduce poverty through education and employment, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program enables talented but economically disadvantaged young people to complete quality higher education. At ALU, the program launched in 2020 and has already supported over 768 scholars from 32 countries—with 68% of recipients being women and 19% refugees.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 at ALU Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU
Host University	African Leadership University (Mauritius/Rwanda)
Funded By	Mastercard Foundation
Degree Level	Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded
Eligibility	African nationals under 26 (age) with financial need
Application Fee	Free
Deadline	1 Nov 2025 for January 2026 intake

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of your ALU program
• Monthly financial support to cover living expenses
• Learning materials and additional academic resources
• Access to internships, mentorship, and career development programs
• Supportive community of like-minded young African leaders
• Priority for students who are female, refugees, or differently-abled
• Alumni network and job placement support post-graduation

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be aged 26 years or younger
• Be African nationals residing in any country
• Be unable to afford ALU’s tuition without aid
• Meet ALU’s academic entry requirements
• Demonstrate leadership potential and community impact
• Be first-generation university students, single parents, refugees, or persons with disabilities (preferred but not mandatory)
• Provide supporting financial documentation to prove economic need
• Show strong National Exam scores (at least a B average)

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

No separate application is needed for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Apply for admission at ALU and follow the steps below:

• Stage 1 – Introduction
  • Fill out a basic form with personal information and background.
• Stage 2 – Additional Information
  • Provide academic records and identity documents
  • Answer questions related to your background, leadership goals, and financial need
• Stage 3 – Financial Assessment
  • Learn what, if any, financial contribution you’ll need to make
  • Determine eligibility for full financial aid or scholarship support

Comparison with Similar Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Degree Level	Coverage	Women Priority	Host Location
ALU Mastercard Foundation Scholarship	UG & PG	Full tuition + living stipend	✅ Yes	Mauritius/Rwanda
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)	Postgraduate	Full tuition + airfare + stipend	✅ Yes	United Kingdom
DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)	Postgraduate	Full funding + travel	✅ Yes	Germany
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)	Postgraduate	Tuition + personal allowance	✅ Yes	South Africa
Ashinaga Africa Initiative (Global)	Undergraduate	Full tuition + support abroad	✅ Yes	Japan/US/UK/France

FAQs About Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 at ALU

1. Can I apply if I’m already in university?
   Yes, if you’re applying for a new degree program at ALU and meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Is there any application fee?
   No, applying to ALU and for the Mastercard Scholarship is completely free.
3. Are postgraduate students eligible?
   Yes, both undergraduate and postgraduate students may apply.
4. What does the scholarship cover?
   It covers tuition, living expenses, and access to leadership and career development programs.
5. Can refugees or displaced persons apply?
   Absolutely. 19% of current scholars are refugees or displaced youth.
6. Is English proficiency required?
   Yes, ALU requires students to understand and communicate in English for academic success.
7. What happens after I submit my application?
   You will receive communication regarding the status of your application and next steps for enrollment.
8. Are there any preferred countries?
   No, scholars from across the African continent are equally encouraged to apply.
9. Can I apply if I have physical or learning disabilities?
   Yes. The program strongly encourages applications from differently-abled students.
10. What is the application deadline for the January 2026 intake?
    Applications are currently open and ongoing. Apply as early as possible to be considered.

This scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s a platform for emerging African leaders. ALU’s innovative model and Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to social impact mean you’ll be gaining more than a degree—you’ll join a powerful network of change-makers across Africa. APPLY NOW. Please follow the official scholarship link for complete details.