Arizona State University (ASU), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering a fully funded opportunity for talented and community-driven African graduates through the Mastercard Foundation Graduate Certificate Scholars Program 2026–2027. This initiative is designed to strengthen professional skills, expand leadership capacity, and create pathways to advanced graduate education for young Africans committed to driving sustainable development across the continent.
The program provides access to high-quality, online graduate certificate programs delivered by ASU’s world-renowned schools. Scholars benefit from rigorous academic training, mentorship, and leadership development support while maintaining the flexibility to study remotely.
Program Overview
The ASU Mastercard Foundation Graduate Certificate Scholars Program aims to equip emerging African leaders with practical, market-relevant competencies that align with global standards. The certificates are offered in a flexible online format, allowing scholars to continue working or contributing to their communities while advancing their education.
Beyond academic instruction, the program emphasizes ethical leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Scholars join a global network of changemakers and gain exposure to multidisciplinary perspectives that prepare them to tackle complex development challenges in Africa and beyond.
Successful completion of the graduate certificate may also position scholars for consideration for fully funded master’s degree opportunities under the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University.
Available Graduate Certificate Programs
For the 2026–2027 academic cycle, scholars may enroll in one of the following programs:
1. Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Supply Chain Management
Offered by the W. P. Carey School of Business, this certificate focuses on logistics, procurement, operations management, and sustainable supply systems. Participants develop analytical and strategic decision-making skills necessary to manage modern supply chains in both public and private sectors.
2. Graduate Certificate in Global Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Delivered by the Thunderbird School of Global Management, this program emphasizes global business strategy, cross-cultural leadership, innovation management, and entrepreneurial thinking. It is designed for individuals seeking to launch ventures, scale enterprises, or lead organizations in dynamic international markets.
The duration of each certificate program ranges between four and ten months, depending on the chosen track and course load.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be between 18 and 33 years old at the time of application.
- Hold a completed bachelor’s degree by July 2026.
- Not have started or completed any graduate or master’s degree program.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership potential.
- Show a clear commitment to community engagement, social impact, and ethical leadership.
The program particularly encourages applications from individuals who have faced significant economic or social barriers to higher education.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support designed to remove financial and academic barriers. Benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage for the selected graduate certificate program.
- Access to ASU’s online learning platform, academic resources, and digital libraries.
- Personalized academic and career coaching throughout the program.
- Leadership development training integrated into the curriculum.
- Networking opportunities with global professionals, faculty, and fellow scholars.
- Potential progression pathway to fully funded master’s degree programs at ASU for high-performing participants.
The flexible online delivery model ensures scholars can balance their studies with professional responsibilities or community projects.
Learning Experience and Impact
Scholars engage in interactive coursework that combines theory with practical application. Through case studies, collaborative projects, and real-world problem-solving exercises, participants develop competencies that are directly applicable to African development contexts.
The program’s leadership framework emphasizes integrity, accountability, innovation, and inclusive growth. Graduates are expected to apply their knowledge to strengthen institutions, launch impactful ventures, improve governance systems, and contribute to economic transformation in their home countries.
By connecting scholars to a broader Mastercard Foundation network, the program fosters long-term collaboration and peer support that extends beyond the certificate period.
Application Process and Deadline
Prospective applicants must complete an online application form and submit required academic documents, including transcripts and proof of degree completion. Candidates may also need to provide a personal statement outlining their leadership journey, professional aspirations, and commitment to community development.
The application deadline for the 2026–2027 cycle is March 8, 2026 (23:59 GMT). Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure all materials are submitted successfully.
Why Apply?
The ASU Mastercard Foundation Graduate Certificate Scholars Program represents more than an academic opportunity it is a strategic investment in Africa’s future leaders. By combining world-class education, mentorship, and leadership training, the program empowers young professionals to transform their careers while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
For African graduates seeking advanced skills, global exposure, and a pathway to further postgraduate education, this fully funded program offers a competitive and impactful opportunity.
