The Carnegie Mellon University-Africa (CMU-Africa) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship designed for talented young Africans whose promise exceeds their financial resources. Scholars pursue a Master of Science degree in Information Technology (MSIT), Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE), or Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI) at CMU-Africa. The program covers full tuition and fees, health insurance, travel costs, accommodation, and basic living expenses (stipends), alongside support for application preparation, orientation, project work, and entrepreneurship. Applicants must first gain admission to one of CMU-Africa’s eligible degree programs and demonstrate academic talent, commitment to giving back to their communities, and potential to lead. The final application deadline is January 15, 2026.
Carnegie Mellon University Africa Mastercard Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host | Carnegie Mellon University Africa |
| Study Abroad | Study in Africa |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | African Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Key Criteria | Admission to CMU-Africa MS Program, Demonstrated Financial Need, Commitment to African Development, Leadership Potential |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 (Final) |
The Carnegie Mellon University-Africa (CMU-Africa) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a strategic partnership designed to empower the next generation of African leaders in technology, engineering, and artificial intelligence. The highly generous scheme provides full financial, social, and academic support to young Africans whose talent and promise demonstrate potential for significant impact but whose financial resources are limited. Scholars complete their Master of Science degrees at CMU-Africa, preparing them to drive meaningful transformation across the continent upon graduation.
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Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the CMU Africa Mastercard Scholarship
The scholarship is a full funding opportunity, ensuring that accepted Scholars can focus entirely on their studies and community contribution without financial worry.
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (Tuition, Fees, and Stipends)
This tier details the direct financial support covering all major academic and living expenses for the duration of the Master’s program.
- Full Tuition and Fees: The scholarship covers full tuition and mandatory fees for the Master of Science degree program (MSIT, MS ECE, or MS EAI).
- Living Stipends: Covers basic living expenses through a monthly stipend to ensure a comfortable life while studying.
- Accommodation: Full coverage for accommodation (or a generous housing subsidy) is provided.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is covered for the duration of the scholar’s stay.
Tier 2: Academic, Travel, and Support Allowances
The program extends its support beyond core finances to ensure academic success and career preparation.
- Travel Costs: Covers travel costs to and from the Scholar’s home country to CMU-Africa.
- Study Materials: Provides for a laptop and study materials.
- Support: Includes support for application preparation, orientation, and assistance with project and entrepreneurship support upon completion of the program.
Tier 3: Program Focus and Leadership Development
The scholarship is intrinsically linked to development outcomes and leadership training.
- Program Focus: Supports degrees in Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE), or Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI).
- Post-Graduation Commitment: Scholars are expected to use their education to lead changes in their communities and contribute to transformation across Africa.
Eligibility Requirements for CMU Africa Mastercard Scholarship
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must first meet the rigorous admission standards of CMU-Africa and demonstrate specific leadership and community attributes.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must demonstrate Academic talent and the drive to complete the education.
- Must show Commitment to giving back and improving their communities.
- Must have Potential to lead and become role models, mentors, and change-makers.
- Study Status: Students must first be admitted to one of CMU-Africa’s degree programs (MSIT, MS ECE, or MS EAI).
- Visa Status: Open exclusively to citizens of African Countries.
- Program Admission: Must meet all standard CMU-Africa graduate admission criteria.
How To Apply for CMU Africa Mastercard Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
Application for the CMU Mastercard Scholarship is a two-step process that begins with applying for admission to the university itself.
- Submit Program Application: Complete and submit an online application for one of the three eligible Master of Science degree programs (MSIT, MS ECE, or MS EAI). The scholarship is integrated into the admissions process.
- Complete Competency Tests: Successful applicants who proceed in the admission process will be required to complete competency tests as part of the evaluation.
- Admissions Deadline: The final deadline for all applications is January 15, 2026.
- Fee Waiver Opportunity: Applicants who submit their application by December 15 (an early deadline) will have the cost of their test fees covered.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (Final)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the CMU Africa Mastercard Scholarship fully cover?
The scholarship is a full funding opportunity that covers tuition and fees, health insurance, travel costs, accommodation, basic living expenses (stipends), a laptop, study materials, and support for projects and entrepreneurship.
2. Which degree programs are eligible for the scholarship?
The scholarship supports Master of Science degrees in three specific programs at CMU-Africa: Information Technology (MSIT), Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE), and Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI).
3. Do I need to apply for the scholarship and admission separately?
No. To be considered for the Scholars Program, students must first be admitted to one of CMU-Africa’s degree programs. The scholarship consideration is integrated into the admissions process.
4. What is the application deadline for the 2026 intake?
The final deadline for submitting the application for the Master of Science programs is January 15, 2026.
5. Is there any benefit to applying early?
Yes, if you submit your application by December 15 (an early deadline), the cost of your required competency test fees will be covered by the program.
6. What core attributes does the scholarship look for in applicants?
The program seeks applicants who demonstrate academic talent, a commitment to giving back to their communities, and the potential to lead change.
7. What countries are eligible for this scholarship?
The program is open exclusively to citizens of African Countries.
8. Is the scholarship renewable, or does it cover the entire program duration?
The scholarship is designed to cover the full duration of the Master of Science degree program (typically two years) at CMU-Africa.
9. Are there any requirements after completing the degree?
Upon completion, Scholars are expected to use their expertise to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the African continent.
10. Does the scholarship cover project or entrepreneurship support?
Yes, the scholarship package includes access to a range of resources that specifically support Scholars with their project and entrepreneurship efforts.
