Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University 2027: Undergraduate Study in Ghana

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University supports talented young Africans who face financial barriers to higher education. It combines undergraduate funding with leadership development, mentoring and preparation for employment. Scholars are also expected to contribute to their communities through service. Official programme information.

For the January 2027 intake, Ashesi’s current first-year application portal lists 16 November 2026 as the admission deadline. Studies begin on 11 January 2027. Applicants seeking scholarships should complete the financial-aid application alongside their admission application. Current undergraduate listing.

Scholarship value

Ashesi describes the Mastercard Foundation award as covering:

• All university fees.
• Accommodation and meals.
• Learning resources.

The university’s additional programme information also lists support for books and supplies, transportation and stipends. A fixed stipend amount is not published on the programme pages reviewed. Scholarship coverage, additional benefits.

Beyond funding, scholars receive mentoring, career counselling, internship opportunities and support with the transition into university and employment. The programme also develops communication, critical thinking and entrepreneurship skills. Programme support.

Number available

Ashesi’s official programme pages do not specify how many Mastercard Foundation scholarships are available for the January 2027 intake. Scholarship allocation depends on assessed financial need and available funding. Scholarship selection information.

Eligibility criteria

The programme focuses on young Africans from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate academic talent and leadership potential. You should also show a commitment to community service. Programme eligibility information.

You must meet Ashesi’s undergraduate admission requirements. These include the following qualification routes:

• WASSCE: At least C6 in each of six subjects—Integrated Science, Core Math, Core English and three electives.
• IGCSE/GCE O-Level and A-Level: Six passes, including Mathematics, English and Science, plus at least three A-Level passes with grades A–D.
• Other qualifications: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, American/Canadian High School Diploma, French Baccalaureate, or equivalent examinations approved by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.

Engineering applicants must have taken Physics and Elective/Further Mathematics. Review Ashesi’s complete admission requirements for your qualification.

International applicants must provide certified English translations of documents issued in another language. If English was not your language of instruction in high school, you must submit evidence of English proficiency. International applicant requirements.

Undergraduate programmes at Ashesi

Ashesi’s current undergraduate catalogue lists:

• Biological Engineering (BSc)
• Business Administration (BSc)
• Computer Engineering (BSc)
• Computer Science (BSc)
• Economics (BSc)
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering (BSc)
• Law with Public Policy (LLB)
• Management Information Systems (BSc)
• Mechanical Engineering (BSc)
• Mechatronic Engineering (BSc)

These are the university’s undergraduate offerings. Review the official programme catalogue and confirm your intended course in the application portal.

How to apply

1. Open the official application portal

Visit Ashesi’s application portal, register and select the undergraduate application. Confirm your citizenship so the portal displays the relevant requirements.

2. Complete your admission application

Fill in the requested information and upload your supporting documents. The current first-year listing requires high-school transcripts or report cards covering at least six terms, alongside the relevant examination results. Application document requirements.

3. Complete the financial-aid form

Indicate the financial assistance you need and provide the requested supporting information. Ashesi’s undergraduate scholarships are need-based. Financial-aid instructions.

You do not select the Mastercard Foundation award yourself. Ashesi’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office uses your general scholarship application to determine which award you may receive. How Mastercard Foundation awards are allocated.

4. Follow the application-fee instructions

The current portal lists an application fee of GHS 150 for Ghanaian applicants and $25 for international applicants. Official application fees.

If you cannot afford the fee, email admissions@ashesi.edu.gh to request a waiver. Ashesi assesses requests through a short questionnaire. Fee-waiver guidance.

5. Review and submit

Check your information and attachments, then select Submit. Saving an application does not submit it for review. Submission instructions.

Application deadline

Current first-year admission deadline: 16 November 2026, 11:59:59 PM Greenwich Mean Time.

Studies commence: 11 January 2027.

These dates appear in Ashesi’s current first-year application listing. The deadline is labelled as an admission deadline, rather than a separate Mastercard Foundation scholarship deadline.

Ashesi’s general two-intake calendar still lists October and December application rounds for January entry. However, the intake-specific portal gives 16 November 2026. Plan around this earlier date and submit your financial-aid materials with your application.

The portal also states that scholarship and international applications are not accepted during the late-admission period. Late-admission conditions.

Selection process

Ashesi reviews submitted applications and invites shortlisted candidates to an interview. Admissions review process.

Admission and scholarship decisions are separate. The initial admission assessment does not consider financial need. Applicants who qualify for admission and request funding are subsequently assessed for financial assistance.

Ashesi groups applicants by demonstrated need and ranks them within those groups using the strength of their admission applications. Awards are allocated within available funding, and some applicants may be waitlisted.

An admission offer does not guarantee a scholarship. Successful scholarship applicants receive the conditions of their award in their admission package. Official scholarship selection process.

Official information and application

• Scholarship information: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi
• Apply online: Ashesi application portal
• Current intake and deadline: First Year Student application listing
• Requirements and application guidance: How to apply to Ashesi
• Admissions enquiries: admissions@ashesi.edu.gh