The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at American University in Cairo (AUC) provides full scholarships and comprehensive support to talented young people from across Africa, enabling them to pursue higher education while developing their leadership potential and capacity to create positive impact.
Application Deadline:
- 1 June 2027 (For the 2027 intake cycle).
Tell Me About The Program:
The American University in Cairo (AUC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers exceptional, fully funded higher education opportunities for talented young citizens from across Africa. Designed to cultivate transformative leadership, the program enables scholars to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees while engaging in leadership development, community service, workshops, and fieldwork experiences aimed at driving positive change across the continent.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- All Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs offered across academic departments at the American University in Cairo.
Type:
Fully Funded Comprehensive Scholarship & Leadership Fellowship (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)
Who can Apply:
- Nationality & Residence: Must be a citizen of an African country and currently residing in an African country.
- For Undergraduate Applicants:
- Must be high school graduates from the 2025–2026 academic year (transfer students are ineligible).
- Must meet AUC’s undergraduate admission criteria, demonstrate high academic achievement, proven financial need, and active extracurricular involvement.
- Must meet English language proficiency thresholds (e.g., IELTS minimum band score of 5.5, TOEFL iBT total score of 62, or Duolingo minimum score of 115).
- For Postgraduate (Master’s) Applicants:
- Must be aged 35 or younger at the time of application.
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Must be new graduate degree-seeking students meeting AUC graduate admissions requirements (transfers are ineligible).
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How are Applicants Selected:
Selections are based on a rigorous evaluation of academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, leadership potential, community involvement, and adherence to strict admission and fellowship deadlines.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
All African countries (including North African nations).
Where will the Program be Taken:
The American University in Cairo (AUC), New Cairo / Tahrir Square, Egypt.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Selective continental cohort funded annually by the Mastercard Foundation.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees (up to nine credits per semester for graduate fellows).
- Living Allowance: Regular monthly stipend provided during the fall and spring semesters.
- Accommodation & Transport: University dormitory accommodation for students residing outside Cairo, alongside an AUC bus subscription or travel allowance.
- Travel Support: Roundtrip airfare tickets for fellows residing outside Egypt.
- Technology & Materials: One complimentary laptop, special software/IT support for candidates with disabilities, and book/study materials allowances.
- Health & Support: Medical services, health insurance, student services fees, and potential coverage for remedial/intensive English modules.
- Research & Development: Opportunities for additional funding covering research, publication fees, conference attendance, and specialized leadership training workshops.
How Long Will it Last:
Covered for the total nominal duration of the undergraduate or postgraduate degree program, subject to maintaining full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.2.
How to Apply:
- Submit your formal AUC Online Application for admission to your desired undergraduate or postgraduate program.
- Complete and submit the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Online Application through the official AUC portal.
- Upload all required supporting documentation (transcripts, proof of citizenship, English language test scores, and financial need verification) prior to the deadline on 1 June 2027.
- For inquiries, contact the program team at
[email protected].
