Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University offers fully funded undergraduate study at one of Africa’s most respected universities, in Ghana. The award covers tuition and fees, room and board, learning resources including a laptop, stipends and travel, wrapped in mentoring and leadership development throughout the degree.

Ashesi was one of the Foundation’s nine pioneering partners in 2012, and scholars can even join the accelerated pathway that adds an Arizona State University master’s within about five years. Selection targets academically excellent young Africans with financial need and leadership spirit. Apply for admission and financial aid together; the main 2027-intake deadline is reported for November 16, 2026.

• Academically talented young people from African countries who face financial barriers to university; Ashesi was one of the nine pioneering Mastercard Foundation partners in 2012.
• Applying for admission to an undergraduate programme at Ashesi University in Ghana (business administration, computer science, engineering, and related fields).
• Strong secondary school results and evidence of leadership and community involvement.
• Demonstrated financial need through Ashesi's general financial aid application.
• Commitment to giving back: scholars are expected to serve as role models and engage in community service during and after their studies.
• Refugee and displaced students can request an application fee waiver by contacting the admissions office.
• You do not choose this scholarship directly; the Admissions and Financial Aid Office assigns the most suitable award, including the Mastercard Foundation award, based on your file.

• One of Ashesi's most comprehensive packages: tuition and all fees, accommodation and meals, plus learning resources including a laptop.
• Stipends and travel support so that finances never interrupt the degree.
• Socio-economic transition support, mentoring and leadership development woven through the scholar experience.
• Access to the Ashesi-Arizona State University accelerated pathway, letting scholars finish a bachelor's plus a master's in about five years.
• Membership of the continent-wide Mastercard Foundation Scholars network and Ashesi's alumni community across 40+ countries.
• Study at one of Africa's most respected liberal-arts and engineering universities, known for its honour code and ethics-centred education.

• Ashesi University admission application submitted online for the intended intake.
• Secondary school transcripts and national examination results (for example WASSCE).
• Ashesi financial aid and scholarship application with honest details of family finances.
• Essays and recommendation letters as required by the admission form.
• Evidence of leadership and community activities.
• Refugee applicants: an email to the admissions office requesting the fee waiver questionnaire.

• Apply for admission to Ashesi University through its online portal for the 2027 intake, choosing your programme.
• Complete the scholarship and financial aid section of the application fully; this single application is how Mastercard Foundation Scholars are identified.
• Watch Ashesi's admission rounds: the main 2027-intake deadline has been reported for mid-November 2026, and earlier submission always helps.
• Strong candidates may be interviewed as part of Ashesi's holistic selection.
• If awarded, accept the offer and complete enrollment; the award covers you through graduation subject to good standing.
• Keep engaging in community service, since giving back is an explicit expectation of the Scholars Program.