Call for Applications: Apply now for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the African Leadership University
Application Deadline: 1 November 2025
Call for Applications: Apply now for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the African Leadership University
Mission
The Mastercard Foundation’s mission is to advance learning and promote financial inclusion for people living in poverty. To achieve this mission, Mastercard Foundation is partnering with visionary organizations across the continent to execute on its Young Africa Works Strategy which will enable 30 million young people, particularly women, in Africa to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
The African Leadership University (ALU) is an undergraduate and postgraduate institution that uses a unique and innovative learning model that integrates students’ learning with the real world and empowers students to take ownership of their own learning.
The broader African Leadership Group | Mastercard Foundation partnership was initiated in 2020 with the goal of developing and placing 2 Million young women and men into dignified and fulfilling jobs by 2030.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the African Leadership University
Aimed at enabling the most promising young leaders from across Africa to access an ALU education, despite financial adversity or economic hardship. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the African Leadership University implements a full scholarship programme and places particular emphasis on young women, refugees, and differently-abled young Africans.
Since the partnership’s inception, ALU has enrolled 768 Mastercard Foundation Scholars into its programs. 68% of this figure are young women, 19% (147) account for refugees/ displaced young persons, and ~1% for young persons with disabilities.
Demographic Distribution
Since its inception, ALU has made great strides toward ensuring the development and placement of young Africans into dignified and fulfilling jobs. Today, 96% of young leaders at ALU who responded to its surveys reported their jobs as dignified and fulfilling. 80% of ALU graduates report placement within 6 months, with an average salary of $12,000 per year. Entrepreneurship continues to fuel job creation – ALU entrepreneurs continue to break records, with over 20,000 jobs created and over $3 million raised. Without a doubt, Mastercard Foundation Scholars consistently demonstrate their commitment to doing hard things and giving back.
Get the education that’s built around the impact you want to make in the world.
About ALU
African Leadership University is a university built to educate the next generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders for the continent and the world. ALU is designing the most innovative, field-based and experiential education to catalyze young, creative and agile African leaders to change the future.
At ALU, you will be prepared for success in the world after graduation. You will identify what it takes to find meaningful professional paths, and be guided in using your time at ALU to prepare for this future with the relevant skills, experiences, knowledge, and network that you need to succeed.
Application Process
Applications to ALU are now open! ALU application process is designed to help you explore and unlock your creativity and discover what makes you a leader. ALU is looking for students that are excited by the possibility of shaping their own future, not at some point, but today. ALU is looking for students who want to change the world. Are you one of them?
Here’s what ALU 3-step application process entails:
Stage 1 – Introduction: This first step is a basic form to tell us a bit about who you are.
Stage 2 – Additional Information Section: On successful completion of the Introduction, you will be asked to provide additional information and upload required documents to support your ALU application.
Stage 3 – Finances: This final stage will help you to understand the financial contribution you will need to make in order to support your ALU studies. Additionally, you will find out if you qualify to apply for ALU financial aid.
Scholarships and grants are available to those with significant financial need.
VISIT THE PAGE HERE AND APPLY
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