MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley 2026 | Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarships in USA
The MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley (University of California, Berkeley) is one of the most prestigious opportunities for African students seeking to pursue a master’s degree abroad. The program is designed to develop a network of ethical, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible leaders who will contribute to socio-economic transformation in Africa.
UC Berkeley, one of the world’s top-ranked universities, has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to create a long-term, global commitment to supporting talented African youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. This partnership ensures that bright students who may otherwise lack access to higher education can benefit from a fully funded postgraduate scholarship in the United States.
To help you understand the program clearly, here is a quick summary of the scholarship before we dive into full details.
UC Berkeley MasterCard Scholarship 2026 Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Host Institution: University of California, Berkeley
- Study Level: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Sub-Saharan African countries
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition, Accommodation, Stipend, Airfare, Visa fees, and more)
- IELTS Requirement: Not required
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
About the MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has invested over USD $1.2 billion to support more than 40,000 young people worldwide. At UC Berkeley, the program is hosted by the Center for African Studies, and it has provided life-changing opportunities for more than 120 African students between 2012 and 2020.
While the program previously included both undergraduate and master’s students, the UC Berkeley MasterCard Scholarship 2026 is exclusively for master’s degree applicants. Doctoral (PhD) students are not eligible.
Looking ahead to 2030, UC Berkeley plans to support at least 108 additional master’s students under this scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits and Rewards
- Full Tuition Fees – complete coverage of academic costs.
- Living Expenses – monthly stipend for food and personal needs.
- Accommodation – housing arrangements provided.
- Airfare Tickets – travel costs to and from the USA.
- Visa and SEVIS Fees – fully covered by the scholarship.
- Books and Study Materials – additional academic support.
- Leadership Development Programs – cohort training focusing on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Note for MBA Students: Those applying to the Haas School of Business must secure additional Haas scholarships, which requires meeting Round One or Two admission deadlines.
Eligibility Requirements for MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley 2026
- Citizenship and Residency: Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country. Applicants who are refugees, displaced persons, or stateless within Africa are also eligible. Not open to citizens of North African countries. Applicants with dual citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee/asylee status in the USA, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.
- Academic Talent: Applicants must first gain admission to a UC Berkeley master’s program. Strong academic excellence and research potential are required.
- Leadership Potential: The program seeks future leaders committed to transformative leadership that inspires social, economic, or political change.
- Socio-Economic Background: Must come from a financially disadvantaged background with limited access to quality education.
- Commitment to Community: Applicants should demonstrate community service, volunteer work, or activism in their home country.
- Return to Africa: Applicants must intend to return home after completing their studies to contribute to local development.
Duration of the Scholarship
The scholarship covers the entire duration of the master’s program at UC Berkeley. Students will also benefit from networking opportunities, professional internships, and career mentorship to prepare them for impactful roles in Africa upon graduation.
Eligible Master’s Programs
Not all UC Berkeley graduate programs participate in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Applicants should carefully check the list of eligible master’s programs before applying. Each graduate program has specific requirements, and only those who submit applications during the first admission round will be considered for the scholarship.
Related Opportunities You Shouldn’t Miss
- Clarendon Scholarship 2026 at Oxford University, UK (Fully Funded)
- Rolls Royce Scholarship at University of Nottingham UK 2026 | Fully Funded
- Utah State University Masters Scholarship in USA 2026 | Fully Funded
Step-by-Step Application Process for MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley
- Apply for Admission to UC Berkeley: Submit an application to an eligible master’s program at UC Berkeley through the official Graduate Division portal.
- Scholarship Application Invitation: Once admitted, eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Complete the Scholarship Application: Provide essays, recommendation letters, and proof of leadership/community involvement.
- Final Selection: Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview process before final confirmation.
Applications for the scholarship will remain open until fall 2028.
Your Scholarship Application Timeline for MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley
Research
Explore the UC Berkeley MasterCard Scholarship and eligible programs at least 12 months before the deadline.
Preparation
Prepare your academic documents, essays, and recommendation letters well in advance.
Application
Apply to an eligible UC Berkeley master’s program and await scholarship invitation.
Follow-up
Complete the scholarship application and attend interviews if shortlisted.
Eligibility Analyzer: Are You Ready to Apply?
Why Choose the UC Berkeley Mastercard Scholarship?
- Access to a world-class education in the USA.
- A chance to network with global leaders and changemakers.
- Comprehensive financial support, removing all study barriers.
- A platform to transform African communities upon return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. IELTS is not mandatory for this scholarship. However, applicants must meet UC Berkeley’s English language proficiency requirements through other means.
No. The scholarship is only open to master’s degree applicants.
Yes, but MBA students must also secure additional funding through Haas School of Business scholarships.
No. Only students from Sub-Saharan Africa are eligible.
Deadlines vary by program, but applicants must apply during the first admission round of their chosen master’s program.
Conclusion
The MasterCard Scholarship at UC Berkeley 2026 is a golden opportunity for talented, visionary African students to pursue their master’s degree in the USA on a fully funded basis. Beyond financial support, the program provides leadership training, career mentorship, and an international network, empowering graduates to return home and transform their communities.
If you are an academically gifted student from Sub-Saharan Africa with leadership potential and a desire to create lasting change, this scholarship could be your gateway to success.