Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at African Leadership University (ALU) 2026
Job Description
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership University (ALU) 2026
Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership University (ALU), a fully funded scholarship opportunity designed for outstanding young Africans facing financial hardship.
The scholarship is aimed at developing the next generation of African leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers through world class undergraduate and postgraduate education.
The program is implemented through a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the African Leadership Group under the Young Africa Works Strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans, especially women, to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
ALU uses a unique learning system that combines academic learning with practical real world experience, leadership development, entrepreneurship, internships, and mission driven education.
About the Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU provides full scholarships to talented African students who demonstrate:
- Strong leadership potential
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- Commitment to creating positive impact in their communities
The scholarship places strong emphasis on supporting:
- Young women
- Refugees and displaced persons
- Young Africans living with disabilities
- Students from underserved communities across Africa
Since the partnership began, ALU has enrolled over 768 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from 32 African countries.
According to ALU:
- 68% of the scholars are women
- 19% are refugees or displaced young persons
- Nearly 1% are persons with disabilities
What the Scholarship Covers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship which may include:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation support
- Learning materials
- Mentorship and leadership development
- Career development support
- Entrepreneurship support
- Internship opportunities
- Networking opportunities
- Access to ALU’s leadership and innovation ecosystem
Why Study at ALU?
African Leadership University is one of Africa’s most innovative higher education institutions.
Instead of traditional majors only, ALU focuses heavily on:
- Leadership development
- Real world problem solving
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology and innovation
- Mission driven education
- Hands on learning
- Career readiness
Students are trained to solve Africa’s biggest challenges while building careers, startups, and social impact projects.
According to ALU:
- 80% of graduates secure placement within 6 months
- Average graduate salary is around $12,000 annually
- ALU entrepreneurs have collectively created over 20,000 jobs
- ALU linked ventures have raised more than $3 million
Available Degree Areas
Scholars at ALU study across multiple fields including:
- Software Engineering
- International Business and Trade
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership Studies
- Technology related disciplines
- Business and innovation programs
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- African students with strong leadership potential
- Students facing financial hardship
- Young innovators and entrepreneurs
- Refugees and displaced young Africans
- Students passionate about solving community problems
- Students seeking fully funded undergraduate or postgraduate education in Africa
Qualities ALU Looks For
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- Leadership ability
- Academic potential
- Community impact
- Passion for Africa’s development
- Problem solving mindset
- Commitment to creating change
Scholar Impact Stories
Many Mastercard Foundation Scholars at ALU are already leading impactful initiatives across Africa.
Examples include students working on:
- Refugee education access
- Government accountability platforms
- Community development projects
- Youth empowerment initiatives
- Technology driven social impact solutions
Study Location
ALU Rwanda Campus
Kigali Innovation City, Kigali, Rwanda