FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme 2026-2027: Apply for 200 Fully Funded Bursaries in Ghana

Overview

The FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme 2026-2027 offers an excellent opportunity for young people in Ghana who face financial and other barriers to accessing tertiary education. The programme is implemented by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Ghana Chapter in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Programme.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the bursary programme is offering 200 fully funded bursaries to brilliant but marginalized young people seeking to pursue technical and STEM-related programmes at selected partner Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Ghana. According to the current call, 80% of the bursaries are reserved for female applicants and 20% for male applicants, while 5–15% of the opportunities are allocated to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The initiative forms part of FAWE and Mastercard Foundation’s wider seven-year Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men programme, which runs from 2024 to 2030 across 10 African countries.

About FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme

The FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Programme is designed to address barriers that prevent academically capable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds from progressing to higher education. FAWE describes the programme as a pathway for marginalized young women and men to gain access to tertiary education, skills development, and dignified work.

The Ghana programme has already supported students in previous cohorts. In the first recruitment exercise, 200 young people between the ages of 15 and 25 were enrolled in diploma programmes at partner technical universities. The programme is expected to support a total of 600 students through its TVET/STEM bursary component over three recruitment cohorts.

Bursary Benefits

The FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme provides comprehensive financial and educational support to successful beneficiaries.

The bursary benefits include:

• Fully funded educational support for selected beneficiaries.
• Coverage of tuition fees.
• Accommodation support.
• A laptop to support learning.
• Learning materials.
• A monthly stipend.
• Health insurance.
• Mentorship and leadership development.

The programme also seeks to prepare beneficiaries for life beyond tertiary education. FAWE Ghana has indicated that participants receive support designed to strengthen leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and start-up development.

The support is therefore intended not only to help young people gain qualifications but also to improve their ability to transition into employment, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants interested in the FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme 2026-2027 should meet the programme requirements before applying.

Eligible candidates should:

• Be between 15 and 25 years old at the time of application.
• Have completed WASSCE or Certificate II.
• Qualify for tertiary education.
• Demonstrate financial need or come from a marginalized/disadvantaged background.
• Be from an eligible area targeted by the Ghana programme.
• Have gained admission into one of the programme's partner institutions.
• Be interested in pursuing a relevant TVET or STEM-related programme.
• Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities through service and development.
• Be willing to participate in the programme's leadership, mentorship, and development activities.

Applicants should carefully confirm their individual eligibility and programme requirements before submitting an application.

Available Areas Of Study

The bursary supports students pursuing programmes connected to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Applicants should therefore confirm that their intended programme is covered before completing the bursary application.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents required for the application process and ensure that all information provided is accurate.

Depending on the application process, applicants should be prepared to provide information or documentation relating to:

• Completed application form.
• WASSCE or Certificate II results.
• Proof of admission to an eligible partner institution.
• Personal identification information.
• Evidence of financial need where requested.
• Information about the applicant's educational background.
• Information concerning disability, refugee, or IDP status where applicable.
• Details of the intended programme of study.

Applicants should carefully follow the current application instructions because FAWE Ghana may request additional information during the selection process.

Partner Institutions

• Ho Technical University
• Tamale Technical University
• Dr Hilla Limann Technical University
• Bolgatanga Technical University
• Takoradi Technical University
• Cape Coast Technical University
• Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED)

Selection Criteria

The FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme is designed to reach academically capable young people who face significant barriers to accessing tertiary education.

The selection process therefore considers factors such as:

• Academic ability.
• Financial need.
• Marginalization or vulnerability.
• Gender considerations.
• Disability, refugee, or IDP status where applicable.
• Suitability of the chosen programme.
• Admission to an eligible partner institution.
• Commitment to community service and development.

FAWE Ghana has previously emphasized the importance of a transparent selection. Stakeholders such as Girl Child Education Officers have also been involved in identifying qualified young people and helping the programme reach communities where financial barriers are particularly significant.

How To Apply

Interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the FAWE Mastercard Foundation Bursary Programme 2026-2027.
2. Confirm that you meet the age, academic, financial, and programme requirements.
3. Obtain admission to an eligible FAWE Ghana partner institution if required.
4. Prepare your academic and personal information.
5. Complete the official bursary application form.
6. Provide all requested supporting information and documentation.
7. Submit the completed application before the deadline.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to apply.