Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at EARTH University
Job Description
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH University is a fully funded scholarship and leadership development opportunity for talented young people from disadvantaged communities, especially those who are committed to returning to their communities and creating meaningful impact.
The program is more than a scholarship. It does not only support students financially; it also prepares them with leadership skills, mentoring, career support, internships, service learning opportunities, and practical experience needed to become agents of change.
EARTH University, located in Costa Rica, is known for its focus on Agricultural Sciences, sustainability, rural development, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Through this partnership, Mastercard Foundation Scholars study at EARTH and are prepared to transform food systems, support sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to community development in their home countries.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest scholarship and leadership initiatives of its kind. It supports talented and diverse young people who have strong academic potential, leadership ability, and a deep commitment to giving back.
The program provides support beyond classroom education. Scholars receive training and opportunities that help them grow personally, professionally, and socially.
The program supports scholars through:
- Full scholarship support
- Tuition coverage
- Basic living expenses
- Mentoring
- Leadership development
- Tutoring
- Internship opportunities
- Career services
- Community engagement
- Service learning opportunities
About the Partnership with EARTH University
EARTH University has been in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation for several years. Since 2011, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH has provided educational opportunities to young people from disadvantaged communities in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The current phase of the partnership includes four major areas:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH
- Mastercard Foundation and EARTH University Fellowship Program
- EARTH Institutional Learning Office
- Partnership Communications
Together, these initiatives support students before, during, and after their studies, helping them move from university education into employment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact.
About the Scholarship at EARTH University
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH supports qualified candidates whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from attending university.
Scholars study EARTH University’s four year program and graduate with a degree in Agricultural Sciences.
The program is designed for young people who are passionate about:
- Agriculture
- Food systems
- Rural development
- Sustainability
- Community transformation
- Environmental responsibility
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Social impact
After completing their studies, many scholars return to their countries to contribute to sustainable livelihoods, strengthen agricultural systems, support rural communities, and create change in their societies.
What Scholars Receive
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH provides a complete support system for selected students.
Scholars may receive:
- Full scholarship support
- Tuition coverage
- Basic living expenses
- Mentorship
- Career counselling
- Tutoring support
- Internship opportunities
- Service learning experience
- Leadership development
- Personal development support
- Practical agricultural training
- Support for transition into work or entrepreneurship
Who Can Apply
The scholarship is for qualified students who meet EARTH University’s admission requirements and demonstrate strong financial need.
Applicants should generally be:
- Talented young people from disadvantaged communities
- Students with strong academic potential
- Young leaders committed to giving back
- Applicants who cannot afford university education without scholarship support
- Students interested in agriculture, sustainability, leadership, and community development
- Candidates willing to use their education to improve their communities
About EARTH University’s Program
EARTH University offers a four year degree program in Agricultural Sciences. The university’s model combines classroom learning with practical training, entrepreneurship, fieldwork, leadership, and community based experience.
Students do not only learn theory. They are trained to solve real problems connected to agriculture, food systems, rural livelihoods, climate, business, and community development.
This makes the scholarship especially valuable for young people who want to build careers in:
- Agriculture
- Agribusiness
- Food production
- Sustainable development
- Rural transformation
- Environmental management
- Community leadership
- Social entrepreneurship
- Food systems innovation
Scholarship Impact at EARTH
Since 2015, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH has recorded strong impact.
According to EARTH University:
- 315 Mastercard Foundation Scholars have graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences
- 65% of Mastercard Foundation Scholars to date have been female
- 35% of Mastercard Foundation Scholars to date have been male
- Scholars have represented 42 countries across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
- 81 Mastercard Foundation Scholars are currently pursuing degrees at EARTH
These numbers show the program’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, women’s education, and youth leadership.
Mastercard Foundation and EARTH University Fellowship Program
In addition to the scholarship, the partnership also created the Mastercard Foundation and EARTH University Fellowship Program in 2019.
The Fellowship Program helps Mastercard Foundation Scholars of African descent transition into employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across Africa after graduation.
This is important because the scholarship does not end with graduation. The goal is to help scholars move into real opportunities where they can apply their knowledge, build careers, support communities, and contribute to Africa’s development.
Through the Fellowship Program, graduates may gain exposure to:
- Employment opportunities
- Entrepreneurship support
- Professional development
- Career transition support
- Work experience with organizations across Africa
- Practical leadership experience
Why This Scholarship Matters
This scholarship is a strong opportunity for young people who want to study agriculture and use that knowledge to solve real problems.
Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean need young leaders who understand food systems, climate challenges, rural development, and sustainable agriculture. EARTH University prepares students for this kind of work through practical education and leadership training.
This opportunity is not just for people who want a degree. It is for young people who want to return to their communities with skills, confidence, and practical knowledge.
How to Become a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at EARTH
The first step to becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at EARTH is to apply to EARTH University.
Applicants must meet EARTH University’s admission criteria. After applying, qualified candidates whose financial circumstances would prevent them from attending university may be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Interested applicants should:
- Apply to EARTH University
- Meet the university’s admission requirements
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show strong academic potential
- Show leadership ability
- Demonstrate commitment to community impact
- Be interested in agriculture, sustainability, and development