Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley supports African students pursuing eligible master’s degrees. Learn about the application timeline, requirements, and qualifying programmes.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley is a prestigious initiative designed to support academically talented and socially committed students from Africa who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to giving back to their communities. At UC Berkeley, the program focuses exclusively on eligible master’s degree programmes, offering scholars access to world-class education alongside holistic academic, professional, and leadership development support.

This article provides a detailed overview of the graduate application process, key deadlines, and the range of UC Berkeley master’s programmes that qualify for consideration under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Overview of the Graduate Application Process

The application and selection process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley follows a structured, multi-stage sequence. Prospective scholars must first apply for admission to UC Berkeley through the university’s standard graduate admissions process before being considered for the scholarship.

From September through early January, applicants are required to submit their master’s degree applications directly to UC Berkeley. Admission deadlines vary by programme, with most falling in December. It is important to note that if a graduate programme offers multiple admission rounds with staggered deadlines, only applicants who apply in the first round, before January, are eligible for consideration for the Scholars Program.

Application Fee Waivers

To reduce barriers to access, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in collaboration with selected graduate programmes, offers a limited number of graduate application fee waivers. Applicants from African countries who complete the basic demographic section and provide the names of at least two recommenders in the UC Berkeley graduate application system by 15 November may be invited by email to apply for a fee waiver. Decisions on fee waivers are communicated before 1 December, allowing candidates adequate time to complete their applications.

Nomination and Supplemental Application

In February, UC Berkeley graduate programmes nominate eligible candidates to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Nominated candidates are then invited to complete a supplemental application, which focuses on leadership experience, community engagement, and alignment with the program’s mission.

During March, shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in an online interview, which forms a critical part of the selection process. Final scholarship decisions are communicated in late March or early April.

Important Eligibility Notes

Only master’s degree programmes qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley. Bachelor’s degrees, doctoral programmes, and dual or concurrent degrees are not eligible. In addition, the program only funds master’s degrees that can be completed in two years or less.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider how their chosen field of study aligns with their long-term career goals and commitment to social impact. Motivation, leadership potential, and a demonstrated desire to contribute to Africa’s development are key selection criteria.

Eligible Master’s Degree Programmes

UC Berkeley offers a wide range of master’s programmes eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, spanning multiple schools and disciplines.

At the Haas School of Business, the eligible programme is the Master of Business Administration (MBA). MBA applicants must meet the Round One application deadline and secure additional funding through Haas scholarships.

The School of Education offers the Master of Arts in Education (MA) as an eligible programme.

Within the College of Engineering, eligible programmes include Engineering (M.Eng), Civil and Environmental Engineering (MS), Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (MS), Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS), Mechanical Engineering (MS), Development Engineering (M.DevEng), Design (M.Des), and Translational Medicine (MTM).

The College of Environmental Design offers Architecture (MArch – two-year programme only), City and Regional Planning (MCP), Design (M.Des – joint with Engineering), Environmental Planning (MLA EP), and Landscape Architecture (MLA 2D).

Additional eligible programmes include Information Management and Systems (MIMS) from the School of Information, Journalism (MJ) from the Graduate School of Journalism, and the Traditional LLM from the School of Law.

The College of Letters and Science includes programmes such as Art (MFA), Computational Social Science (MaCSS), Folklore (MA), and Global Studies (MA).

From the College of Natural Resources, eligible degrees include Energy and Resources (ERG), Climate Solutions (MCS), Forestry (MF), and Rangeland and Wildlife Management (MS).

The School of Public Health offers multiple qualifying programmes, including Community Health Sciences, Health Policy and Management, Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, at MPH or MS level.

Finally, eligible programmes also include Development Practice (MDP) and Public Policy (MPP) from the Goldman School of Public Policy, as well as Social Welfare (MSW) from the School of Social Welfare.

Application Guidance and Support

Prospective applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the extensive guidance resources available. These include informational webinars, the Mastercard Foundation application tip series, and graduate admissions resources provided by UC Berkeley. Participation in graduate diversity admissions fairs can also offer valuable insights into programme expectations and application strategies.

Conclusion

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley represents a transformative opportunity for African students seeking advanced education in fields aligned with leadership, innovation, and social impact. By combining academic excellence with a strong commitment to community development, the program aims to equip the next generation of African leaders with the skills, networks, and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change. Prospective applicants are encouraged to plan early, apply in the first admission round, and ensure their academic and career goals align with the mission of the Scholars Program.