Mastercard Foundation and ASU Online Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2027 for African graduates in Kigali, Rwanda (Kepler college) - Mastercard Foundation ASU Online Scholarship 2027

2027 Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarship at ASU Online (Kigali, Rwanda)

Dear Prospective Applicants,

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Innovation and Technology Scholarship. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), is offering 50 fully funded graduate study opportunities for young African professionals. Selected Scholars will pursue an ASU Online master’s degree while living in Kigali, Rwanda, with comprehensive in-person support from the Kepler College Plus Program.

About the Scholarship

This program combines the strengths of two institutions. Scholars have access to ASU Online’s academic resources, faculty, student services and career support. In Kigali, Kepler College provides in-person advising, community building and additional programming, so every Scholar has a strong network of support throughout the degree.

Beyond academics, Scholars take part in leadership development, mentorship, community engagement and professional development. The program is designed to prepare graduates to apply their knowledge, skills and leadership to meaningful social and economic progress in their communities and beyond.

Please note that Scholars are required to relocate to Kigali and reside there for the full duration of their program.

Programs Available

Scholarships are offered for the following full-time ASU Online graduate programs, to be completed while living in Kigali:

• MS Business Analytics
• MCS Computer Science
• MS Engineering in Sustainable Engineering
• MS Global Technology and Development
• MS Information Technology (IT)
• MS User Experience

Benefits of the Scholarship

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition, required books and student fees
• Housing in Kigali
• Medical support and healthcare coverage
• Transportation to and from Kigali
• Visa application processing costs
• English language proficiency test voucher, if required
• ASU graduate application fee waiver
• Leadership and signature programming
• Individual mentorship and enrichment activities
• An experiential learning opportunity of up to three months between the first and second year, aligned with the Scholar’s field of study

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution by July 2027
• Demonstrate a strong academic record, equivalent to a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Meet ASU’s English language proficiency requirements for graduate admission
• Be a citizen of an African country
• Be between 18 and 33 years of age on or before the application deadline
• Demonstrate a record of leadership, service and a commitment to creating positive change in their community
• Not have previously enrolled in or completed a graduate or master’s degree program
• Be able to relocate to and reside in Kigali, Rwanda, for the duration of the program

Required Documents

A complete application includes the following:

1. The completed application form with all essays
2. Resume or CV (PDF, with your name in the file name) 
3. One letter of recommendation (PDF, signed by the recommender and dated within the past three years)
4. Academic transcripts (PDF, with an English translation if required)
5. Proof of English language proficiency (optional at this stage, but required later for ASU admission)

Incomplete applications will not be considered, and Word documents may not be reviewed. All attachments should be submitted in PDF format.

Here we assist you with the entire process: +250784868557

Essay Requirements

The application includes an entrepreneurship experience question and three essays:

• Essay 1 (450 to 500 words): Describe how your chosen field of study aligns with your long-term career aspirations and the impact you hope to have in your community.
• Essay 2 (250 to 300 words): Describe a time when you made a mistake, faced an ethical dilemma or had to make a difficult decision. Explain how you handled it, what you learned and how it has influenced your actions since.
• Essay 3 (250 to 300 words): Describe the activities, work, travel, family responsibilities or lived experiences that have shaped who you are, and what they reveal about you beyond your recommendation letter, resume and transcripts.

We recommend preparing your responses in a word processor first, so that your work is saved and can be carefully reviewed before submission.

Application Deadline: Sunday, 22 November 2026, 23:59 GMT.

Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Once submitted, an application is final, so applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information is complete and accurate.

Important Information

Applicants should not apply for admission to ASU or to a graduate degree program unless instructed to do so by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team. Candidates who advance in the process will be invited to interview and will receive guidance on ASU admission, including an application fee waiver. Admission to an academic program does not guarantee the award of the scholarship.

How to Apply

Online application (recommended): https://lnkd.in/e6-3uDG4

Limited internet access: Download the PDF version of the form (do not request edit access) and email your completed application with the required attachments to keplerasuscholars@asu.edu.

Program inquiries: keplerasuscholars@asu.edu or +250 790 051 015. We also encourage you to review the program’s Frequently Asked Questions before reaching out.

Application Support

A competitive application requires a clear, consistent and well-presented profile. Your essays, CV and supporting documents should together present an honest account of your achievements, leadership and goals.

If you would like professional guidance with your essays, CV, or complete application, please contact us on +250784868557. We will be glad to support you in preparing a strong submission before the deadline.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with anyone who may qualify. With the deadline approaching, we advise applicants to begin preparing their documents without delay.