Mastercard Foundation and ASU Open Doors to Global Careers with Scholarships for Young African Leaders

In a powerful move to bridge the education and opportunity gap for African youth, the Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), has launched a life-changing scholarship program designed to empower young Africans with globally relevant professional skills.

Through this initiative, eligible candidates can access fully-funded online Graduate Certificate programs in either Global Management or Supply Chain Management—two fields critical to driving sustainable development and economic transformation across the continent. Beyond the certificates, participants will be considered for full scholarships to pursue a Master’s degree at ASU, one of the top-ranked universities in the United States.

The two certificate options include:

• Global Management Certificate (10 months) – Offered by the Thunderbird School of Global Management, this program hones leadership, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural skills needed to navigate the complexities of global business, sustainability, and ethics.
• Supply Chain Management Certificate (4 months) – Delivered by the W.P. Carey School of Business, this program equips learners with the expertise to design efficient, resilient supply chains—skills urgently needed in both local and international markets.

Courses are delivered 100% online and asynchronously, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while managing other responsibilities. Participants also gain access to one-on-one mentorship, ASU resources, and transferable academic credits that can be applied toward future graduate studies.

“This program is not just about education,” said a representative from the Mastercard Foundation. “It’s about building a new generation of African leaders—young people who are bold, innovative, and committed to uplifting their communities.”

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:

• Be citizens of an African country
• Be aged 18–33 by the application deadline (June 1, 2025)
• Demonstrate ethical leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to service
• Hold a bachelor’s degree by July 2025
• Have not yet begun any graduate studies

This initiative is a flagship example of corporate social responsibility in action—leveraging partnerships to promote inclusive access to world-class education, foster economic mobility, and drive sustainable growth across Africa.

Deadline to Apply: June 1, 2025
To learn more or apply, visit: https://mastercardfdn.org/asu-scholarships