Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University Africa 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University Africa supports talented young people who face social and economic barriers to education. It combines postgraduate funding with leadership development, career preparation and community service. Official scholarship information.

Applications are open for fall 2027 entry. The early admission deadline is 15 December 2026, and the final admission deadline is 15 January 2027. Scholarship consideration requires admission to a CMU-Africa degree programme. Application timetable, current-cycle admissions FAQ.

Study takes place in Kigali, Rwanda.

Scholarship value

The Mastercard Foundation scholarship provides:

• Full tuition coverage and university fees.
• Health insurance.
• Travel and basic living expenses.
• Application preparation and orientation support.
• Project and entrepreneurship support.

Scholars also receive career coaching, professional networking opportunities and leadership training. Community service forms part of the programme. Scholarship benefits.

Number available

CMU-Africa does not publish a specific number of Mastercard Foundation scholarships for the incoming 2027 cohort on its current programme page. Official programme information.

Eligible programmes

The scholarship supports three graduate degrees:

Review the official graduate programme descriptions before choosing your course.

All programmes are full-time and in person. You may apply to one programme only. Study requirements.

Eligibility criteria

For scholarship consideration, you must demonstrate:

• Academic potential.
• Social and economic barriers to opportunity.
• A record of contributing to your community.
• Leadership potential.

You must also secure admission to an eligible CMU-Africa degree. Scholarship selection criteria.

The current admissions FAQ limits financial-aid eligibility to admitted applicants of African nationality. Applicants should have a strong technical background in computer science or engineering. CMU-Africa does not set a fixed GPA cutoff; it considers your complete application. Academic and financial-aid requirements.

Can final-year students apply?

Yes. CMU-Africa considers graduates and students in the final year of a three- or four-year undergraduate degree.

Your transcripts must demonstrate completion of at least three-quarters of your degree. The detailed requirements include the first-term transcript from your final year. Check the rules for your programme length before submitting. Transcript requirements.

English-language and technical assessments

CMU-Africa accepts the following English tests and publishes these recommended scores:

These are recommendations, rather than absolute admission cutoffs.

Published English-test exemptions cover applicants with undergraduate degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and those who completed undergraduate degrees in residence in the US, UK or Canada, excluding Quebec.

You must also complete a technical assessment covering analytical ability, quantitative skills and programming logic. Official competency-test guidance.

Why apply by 15 December?

CMU-Africa covers DET fees for qualifying first-time applicants who apply by the early deadline and have not previously received a complimentary DET from the university. Returning applicants must meet their own English-test costs. Test-fee conditions.

For applications submitted after the early deadline, the application guide requires valid English scores where applicable. The FAQ also mentions providing a planned test date. If your results are pending, confirm the acceptable arrangement with admissions before submitting. Application guide, testing FAQ.

Documents and application materials

Prepare:

• Unofficial academic transcripts, including the grading scale.
• Certified English translations where required.
• An updated CV in PDF format, no more than two pages.
• A valid national ID or passport.
• Contact details for three recommenders.
• Your programme’s written responses.
• The required video response.

See the application checklist, transcript rules and CV requirements.

Written responses and recommendations

MSIT and MS EAI applicants answer three short essay questions, with an optional fourth. Each response has a maximum of 300 words. You provide recommender details initially; recommendation letters are not required when applying.

MS ECE applicants submit a statement of purpose. Their recommenders receive links to submit recommendations online.

Video response

You receive 30 seconds to prepare and up to 180 seconds to answer a randomly selected prompt. You cannot edit or re-record the response. Written and video application instructions.

How to apply

1. Choose your degree

Review the three eligible programmes and select the one that matches your preparation and interests.

2. Complete the online admission application

Visit the official College of Engineering application portal. Create an account or sign in, select your CMU-Africa programme, and submit the required materials.

There is no CMU-Africa application fee. Application-fee information.

3. Complete the financial-aid assessment form

After submitting your admission application, complete the separate financial-aid assessment form in your application-status checklist. Follow the deadline displayed for that form. Financial-aid application instructions.

4. Complete the required assessments

Follow the instructions for English proficiency and the technical assessment. Check your email and application portal for outstanding requirements. Competency-test instructions.

5. Review your admission and funding outcomes

Admission is required for Mastercard Foundation scholarship consideration, but it does not guarantee an award. Review your financial-aid offer carefully to understand the support provided and any personal contribution required. Scholarship criteria, financial-aid information.

Application deadlines

Early admission deadline: 15 December 2026

Final admission deadline: 15 January 2027

These are degree admission deadlines. CMU-Africa does not publish a separate Mastercard Foundation scholarship closing date on the pages reviewed. Follow the financial-aid checklist in your application account. Official admissions timetable.

Selection process and timetable

CMU-Africa assesses the full application, including academic preparation, written responses, recommendations and competency assessments.

These are admission and preparation dates; the university does not publish a separate scholarship-selection timetable on the programme page. Admissions process and timetable.

Admitted applicants must arrange for their official transcripts to reach CMU-Africa by 30 June 2027, according to its current transcript policy. Official transcript deadline.

Official information and application

• Scholarship details: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa
• Apply online: Official graduate application portal
• Application instructions: How to apply
• Programmes: Graduate degree options
• Admissions enquiries: applyafrica@andrew.cmu.edu