Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at American University in Cairo (AUC) 2027

Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University in Cairo (AUC) for Spring 2027. The programme provides comprehensive scholarship support to talented young Africans who face financial and social barriers to higher education. It aims to equip scholars with the knowledge, skills and leadership abilities needed to contribute to Africa's development.

The scholarship is intended for young African citizens who are currently residing in an African country and seeking admission to a new graduate degree programme at AUC. Successful applicants receive financial and academic support throughout their studies, alongside opportunities to participate in leadership development, civic engagement and entrepreneurship activities.

The programme is particularly interested in academically strong candidates who demonstrate financial need, leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Women, forcibly displaced people and people living with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUC

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University in Cairo is part of the Mastercard Foundation's wider effort to expand access to inclusive and relevant education for talented young Africans.

The programme seeks to support students who have the academic ability and potential to become transformative leaders but face significant economic or social barriers to higher education.

At AUC, the scholarship supports graduate students pursuing fields that can contribute to African economic development. Through academic study, leadership training and community engagement, scholars are prepared to use their education to address challenges in their communities and across the continent.

The programme is designed to support students throughout the full period of their degree, provided they maintain the required academic standing and meet the scholarship's ongoing conditions.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars receive financial assistance and additional support intended to make graduate education more accessible.

The scholarship package includes:

• Tuition support: Coverage of tuition fees for nine credits per semester.
• Living stipend: Financial support during the fall and spring semesters.
• Laptop: One laptop provided to each scholar.
• Student fees: Coverage of student services and activities fees.
• Health coverage: Medical service and health insurance fees.
• Accommodation: University dormitory or residence accommodation for eligible scholars, including those residing outside Cairo.
• Transportation: An AUC bus subscription or travel allowance.
• English language support: Possible coverage of remedial English modules or intensive English courses where required.
• International travel: Round trip airfare for fellows who do not reside in Egypt.
• Research support: Some scholars may qualify for additional funding for research, publication fees and conference attendance.
• Disability related support: Special software subscriptions or IT purchases may be provided for scholars with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUC is intended for talented young Africans who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential and financial need.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be currently residing in an African country.
• Hold citizenship of at least one African country.
• Be aged 35 or younger at the time of application.
• Be applying as a new graduate degree seeking student at AUC.
• Meet the university's graduate admission requirements.
• Hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
• Demonstrate financial need.

Academic Responsibilities of Scholars

The scholarship comes with academic and participation requirements. Selected candidates are expected to remain actively engaged in their studies and in the wider Scholars Program.

Scholars must:

• Maintain full time student status.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2.
• Complete 12 hours per week of assigned academic related work.
• Attend required leadership, civic engagement and entrepreneurship workshops.
• Complete mandatory teaching assistantship training if assigned teaching assistantship responsibilities.
• Respond to reporting requests from AUC and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program within the stated deadlines.

These requirements help ensure that scholars make satisfactory academic progress while participating in the programme's leadership and development activities.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete both the AUC graduate admission process and the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application process. Completing only one of these steps is not sufficient.

Follow the steps below:

1. Review AUC graduate programmes: Visit the university's graduate admissions website and identify a degree programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
2. Submit the AUC admission application: Complete the online graduate admission form. When asked whether you are interested in applying for a scholarship, select Yes. This is important because applicants who do not indicate scholarship interest may not receive another opportunity to apply for scholarships for the Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 cycles.
3. Complete the AUC scholarship application: After submitting your admission application, look out for an email containing the scholarship application link. On the first page, select the option indicating that you wish to be considered for scholarships, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
4. Complete the financial assessment: Submit the Scholarship Financial Assessment Application and the required supporting financial documents. This assessment is mandatory for applicants seeking the Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
5. Select the correct aid year: Spring 2027 applicants must select Aid Year 2026–2027 on the university's Banner system when completing the financial assessment.
6. Submit all required documents: Check that your academic records, admission information and financial documents are complete and accurate.
7. Monitor your application: Check your email and AUC application account for further instructions or requests for additional documentation.

Applicants should not wait until the final deadline to begin the process, as the admission, scholarship and financial assessment applications are separate stages.