Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH University

Located in Costa Rica, EARTH University partners with the Mastercard Foundation to provide transformative education for young leaders from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Since 2011, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH has offered undergraduate scholarships to students from underserved communities, helping those who have completed high school to pursue higher education. The Program not only provides full financial support but also integrates mentoring, career guidance, service-learning, and internships, equipping Scholars to return to their communities as agents of change.

Through EARTH’s comprehensive four-year undergraduate program, many Scholars become advocates for sustainable food systems and improved livelihoods in their home countries. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the largest of its kind in Africa, covers tuition and living expenses and supports Scholars through tutoring, leadership development, and career services.

Empowering Africa’s Future: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley

With a global network of more than 50 universities and NGOs, the Program drives inclusion and innovation in higher education, from research to teaching. The Mastercard Foundation, founded in 2006, is one of the world’s largest charitable foundations, advancing education access and financial inclusion for young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada.

Mastercard Foundation – EARTH University Fellowship Program

In 2019, the partnership expanded to include the Mastercard Foundation – EARTH University Fellowship Program, supporting African Scholars as they transition to employment and entrepreneurship across Africa. Recent Fellows share how the experience has shaped their careers:

• Yamikani Funsani (EARTH Class of 2019, Malawi): “Working at GIZ Malawi allowed me to build professional connections, work independently, and gain the trust of my supervisors.”
• Nancy Musa (EARTH Class of 2021, Zimbabwe): “ILRI has provided me with challenging tasks and a supportive team. This experience has also pushed me to grow and stay grounded.”

How to Apply

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH, candidates must meet EARTH’s admission requirements for undergraduate studies. Scholarships are available for qualified students whose financial situations would otherwise prevent them from attending. The application deadline is 31st January 2025.

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APPLY HERE

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For more information, you can also visit EARTH University’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page here.