The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the African Leadership University (ALU) provides fully funded scholarships for talented young Africans who demonstrate leadership potential but face financial hardship. The program enables high-impact students to pursue quality undergraduate and postgraduate education while developing the skills needed to drive meaningful change across Africa.

About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is committed to advancing learning and promoting financial inclusion for people living in poverty. Through its Young Africa Works Strategy, the Foundation is working to enable 30 million young Africans, especially women, to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. The partnership with ALU is part of this broader strategy to support the next generation of ethical, mission-driven African leaders.

Why ALU

The African Leadership University is a pioneering institution offering an innovative, mission-based learning model. Students at ALU declare missions rather than traditional majors, allowing them to focus on solving real-world problems while building entrepreneurial, leadership, and systems-thinking skills. ALU’s curriculum emphasizes practical application, peer learning, and responsibility for one’s own educational journey.

Partnership Highlights

The Mastercard Foundation and African Leadership University launched their partnership in 2020 with the shared goal of developing and placing two million African youth in dignified and fulfilling jobs by 2030.

Since its inception, the program at ALU has achieved the following:

• 768 Mastercard Foundation Scholars enrolled

• 68 percent are young women

• 19 percent are refugees or displaced youth

• Approximately 1 percent are young people with disabilities

• Scholars represent 32 African countries

Program Outcomes

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at ALU are achieving strong academic and career outcomes:

• 80 percent of graduates secure employment within six months

• 96 percent of scholars report that their work is dignified and fulfilling

• Graduates earn an average annual salary of 12,000 USD

• Scholar-led enterprises have created more than 20,000 jobs

• More than 3 million USD has been raised by student and alumni entrepreneurs

These outcomes reflect the program’s emphasis on leadership, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

Scholar Profiles

Isata Dem (Sierra Leone)
International Business and Trade
Isata is dedicated to advancing socio-economic development and government accountability. She has led six community projects in Rwanda through the Rotaract Club of ALU and completed an internship with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in Sierra Leone.

Erjok Samuel Mach (South Sudan)
Software Engineering
Erjok advocates for education access for refugees and displaced persons. A Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumnus, he uses technology to promote inclusive learning pathways for vulnerable communities.

Application and Admission Information

• Intake: January 2026

• Applications: Open and ongoing

• Application deadline: November 1, 2025

• Apply or get more info here https://www.alueducation.com/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-at-alu/

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financial aid and full scholarships are available for applicants with demonstrated financial need, with priority given to young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Important Notice

ALU does not charge any fees for applications and does not use agents. Applicants must submit their own applications directly through the university’s official portal. Any individual or organization requesting payment to facilitate an application should be considered fraudulent.

Accreditation

All ALU degree programs are accredited by the Higher Education Council of the Republic of Rwanda.

Campus Location

ALU Rwanda Campus
Bumbogo, Kigali Innovation City
Kigali, Rwanda