Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa)

## About the scholarship The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in Kigali, Rwanda supports highly talented, service-oriented young people who face the highest social and economic barriers to opportunity. Established in 2016, the program is part of the Mastercard Foundation's global network of partner institutions and is confirmed as 'Applications Open'. Scholars complete a Master of Science degree at CMU-Africa — in Information Technology (MSIT), Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE), or Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI) — and go on to lead change in their communities and across the continent. About 60% of CMU-Africa's Mastercard Foundation Scholars come from countries other than Rwanda, so Ugandans are among the intended recipients.

## What it covers In addition to full tuition coverage, the scholarship provides comprehensive wrap-around support: application preparation, orientation, tuition and fees, health insurance, travel and basic living expenses, and project and entrepreneurship support. Scholars also access professional-development activities — internship and career fairs, networking with industry leaders, and one-on-one career coaching — plus leadership training and community-service ('giving back') programmes. For reference, CMU-Africa's 2025-26 estimated tuition for African students is USD 16,000 per year (international USD 60,300) — the Mastercard scholarship covers these costs for awardees.

## Eligibility - Must first be admitted to a CMU-Africa master's programme (MSIT, MS ECE, or MS EAI) - Young people facing social and economic barriers with academic talent, a commitment to giving back, and leadership potential - Open to applicants across the continent, including Uganda

## How to apply Apply to a CMU-Africa master's programme via the CMU-Africa How-to-Apply page (applications open 1 October; early deadline 15 December; final deadline 15 January) and indicate interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for need-based funding.