Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa 2027 for African Master's Students in Kigali, Rwanda

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Carnegie Mellon University Africa offers Mastercard Foundation scholarships for African citizens admitted to its master's programs in Kigali, Rwanda. Final deadline 15 Jan 2027.

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Overview

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in Kigali, Rwanda, offers Mastercard Foundation scholarships to talented African students who face social and economic barriers.

Scholars study for a master's degree in Information Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Engineering Artificial Intelligence.

To be considered, you must first apply to and be admitted to one of these CMU-Africa programs.

Deadline: Early admission deadline 15 December 2026. Final application deadline 15 January 2027. CMU-Africa does not state a closing time.

Requirements

Who Can Apply

CMU-Africa says only admitted applicants of African nationality can get financial aid. Its scholarship guide says Mastercard Foundation Scholars must be citizens of an African country.

Education

You must be admitted to the MSIT, MS ECE or MS EAI program at CMU-Africa.
Final-year students can apply if their transcripts show at least three-quarters of their undergraduate program is complete.

Experience

Not specified.

Skills

Academic talent and a drive to finish your education.
A proven commitment to improving your community.
Potential to lead, mentor and create change.

Language

You need a valid IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo English Test score, unless you qualify for an exemption.
CMU-Africa recommends at least 81 on TOEFL, 6.5 on IELTS or 120 on the Duolingo test.

Other Requirements

You face social and economic barriers to opportunity, or come from a disadvantaged background.
You complete CMU-Africa's financial aid assessment form after you submit your application.

What the Scholarship Covers

Funding

Tuition and fees.
Health insurance.
Travel and basic living expenses.
Application preparation support and orientation.
Project and entrepreneurship support.

Other Support

Career preparation, including internship and career fairs, networking and one-on-one coaching.
Leadership training sessions, student clubs and community service.
Support for scholars' well-being and academic success.

What Scholars Do

Scholars complete their master's degree and take part in leadership, career and give-back activities in their communities.

How to Apply

Read about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on CMU-Africa's official page.
Open the CMU graduate application portal and start an application for MSIT, MS ECE or MS EAI.
Answer the written essay questions and record one video essay.
Upload a CV of no more than two pages as a PDF.
Enter the names, titles and emails of three recommenders.
Upload unofficial transcripts with a grading scale, and send an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score if you have one.
Submit by 15 December 2026 if you want CMU-Africa to cover your Duolingo test fee (first-time applicants). The final deadline is 15 January 2027.
After you submit, complete the financial aid assessment form in your application checklist.

CMU-Africa says there is no application fee.

Apply Now: Apply on the Official Website

Official Notice: View the Official Opportunity Notice

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Application Close in

66 Days

January 15, 2027

Opportunities at a Glance

Organisation

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), with the Mastercard Foundation

Location

Kigali

Type

Full-time study

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CMU-Africa 2027 for African Master's Students in Kigali, Rwanda

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Overview

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​

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