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| Mastercard Scholarship at Arizona State University |
Fully Funded MasterCard Foundation Distance Graduate Certificate Scholarship at Arizona State University (ASU).
The Arizona State University in the United States of America, popularly known as ASU, has partnered with the prestigious MasterCard Foundation to provide yet another scholarship opportunities for Africans to develop themselves through professional certificate programs at Arizona State University.
This scholarship is for flexible, self-paced online programs offered by ASU to empower scholars in building in-demand skills in the areas of global management or supply chain management while earning ASU credits that can be applied toward a future master’s degree. The good news is that, after obtaining the graduate certificate, you will automatically be considered by Mastercard and ASU for a fully-funded distance/online master's degree at ASU.
Programs Eligible for this Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation considers two (2) distance programs for this prestigious scholarship are listed below:
1. Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Supply Chain Management
2. Graduate Certificate in Global Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Eligibility Criteria for the MasterCard Foundation Distance Scholarship:
Just like many other scholarships, to be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must meet certain criteria. These are:
- Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service in their community.
- Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and ambitions that exceed their financial resources.
- Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree conferred by July 2025.
- Applicants must be a citizen of an African country committed to ethical leadership and demonstrated engagement in their community.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 33 on or before the application deadline.
- Applicants must not have started or completed other graduate or master's degrees before August 2025.
- Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Mastercard Foundation Program's major aim is that scholars, after completing their studies, should go back to their communities and put the skills and education they have acquired to solve problems in their communities by contributing to its development, fostering social and economic growth.
Benefits of the MasterCard Scholarship:
The Scholarship will cover the following for all selected scholars:
- Full Tuition for ASU Self-Study Certificate
- It is a flexible, online format, and one can take it from his/her comfort zone
- Scholars will receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship
- Scholars will have access to ASU Resources
- Scholars will earn transferable ASU credits toward a master’s Degree
- Selected participants will be awarded a scholarship for a fully funded Master's degree in Supply Chain Management or Leadership Management
How to Apply
All applicants, once registered, should have read and understood the application guidance and eligibility criteria before submitting an application to the Program to avoid any errors or incorrect information. Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation reserve the right to cancel incomplete and/or late applications, to effect changes to the conditions of the scholarship, or to make no awards at all.
There are 2 simple ways to submit your application for review:
1. The foundation encourages applicants to submit an online application. So to apply online, proceed to the online application by clicking HERE.
2. Applicants with limited internet access in their communities should also click HERE to view and download the PDF version of the form. To submit, email your completed application and all required attachments (CV/Resume, Letter of Recommendation, and Transcripts) to mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu. However, if you are able to submit online, please click NEXT to proceed to the application.
Deadline to Submit Application:
The deadline for all applications will be 23:59 GMT on Sunday, 1 June 2025.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT THIS SCHOLARSHIP
Q: Can I apply if I don’t have a bachelor’s degree?
A: No, you must have a bachelor’s degree or will be conferred on by July 2025.
Q: Is this for a Master’s degree or a graduate certificate?
A: The Certificate Pathways offer participants the opportunity to gain specialized skills in high-demand fields through short-term, intensive programs. These pathways are designed to complement existing academic or professional experiences and provide practical, real-world knowledge that can be immediately applied. Current offerings include certificates in areas such as Global Management and Supply Chain Management, with instruction provided by top faculty and industry experts. If a participant receives a B or higher, they can convert the certificate to academic credit. Participants who obtain the academic certificate will be automatically entered into the Scholarship application process for online Master's degrees supported by the Mastercard Foundation if they are interested.
Q: If I get the graduate certificate, will I automatically get the Scholarship for a master's degree?
A: No, completing a graduate certificate does not guarantee a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for a master’s degree. Admission to the master’s program and selection for the scholarship is a separate and competitive processes.
Q: Do I receive a stipend, data, or housing allowance while enrolled in the certificate program?
A: No, the certificate programs do not include a stipend, data support, or housing allowance. However, tuition is fully covered for participants selected.
Q: What are the two certificates offered?
A:
Global Management Certificate – Offered by the Thunderbird School of Global Management, this certificate equips participants with leadership and cross-cultural skills needed to manage in a globalized world, with a focus on ethical decision-making, sustainable development, and international business strategy.
Supply Chain Management Certificate – Offered by the W. P. Carey School of Business, this certificate provides participants with critical knowledge in logistics, operations, and procurement, preparing them to design and manage efficient, sustainable supply chains in both local and international contexts.
Q: How long does it take to complete a certificate?
A:
Global Management Certificate – 10-month program
Supply Chain Management Certificate – 4-month program
Q: Are the certificate courses live or asynchronous?
A: The certificate programs are primarily asynchronous, meaning you can complete the coursework on your own schedule within set deadlines. However, some courses may include occasional live sessions or group discussions to enhance your learning experience. Participation in any live components is encouraged but typically not required.
Q: What makes a good scholarship essay?
A: A successful scholarship essay provides a detailed and well-constructed answer strongly conveying how your personal and professional experiences align with the requirements and expectations of graduate studies at ASU, and as a candidate for the specific graduate program you’d like to apply for.
Review and Proofread:
Ask a friend or mentor to review your essays for errors, grammar, and spelling.
Request feedback on the flow and clarity of your writing to ensure your message is well-articulated.
Leverage AI Thoughtfully:
If you choose to use AI/Chat GPT for support, ensure your responses remain authentic.
Remember, AI generates generic outputs, so showcasing your unique voice is critical.
Take time to personalize your essay responses to reflect your individual experiences and perspective.
Make Your Essay Memorable:
Keep in mind you’re applying alongside individuals with similar experiences.
Ask yourself: What makes you unique? How have your experiences shaped your interests and passion for transforming Africa?
Ensure your essay conveys who you are and what distinguishes you from others.
Demonstrate Understanding of the Program:
Show a strong understanding of the academic program and its potential impact on Africa.
Spend time researching and learning about these topics.
Tip: Thoroughly review the academic program page for your degree of choice to highlight its relevance in your essay.
Q: Could you elaborate on the recommendation letter requirements?
A: Scholarship application requires one letter, which should speak to your leadership, academic success, etc. Most academic admission applications require more than one letter, and you might be able to re-use the letter of recommendation submitted for this scholarship. Academic or professional letters of recommendation are accepted.
General Recommendations:
We suggest letters of recommendation that are addressed to the Scholarship Committee.
We also recommend more recent letters of recommendation.
Please make sure that the letter of recommendation is a PDF file and include letterhead and a signature.
Q: Can my recommender submit a letter of recommendation directly? To whom should my letter of recommendation be addressed to?
A: Our preference would be to have your recommender send the letter directly to you, and you can upload it when you submit the rest of your application materials. They can address it to: The Graduate Certificate Application Committee.
Q: Does submitting a non-academic recommendation letter reduce your chances of being accepted?
A: A non-academic recommendation letter is fine for the scholarship application, but the academic program will require recommendation letters that speak to your academic abilities/experience.
Q: Can I complete the application in French?
A: Please submit the responses to the online scholarship application form in English.
Q: Do you have specific numbers for how many students will be accepted per country or the minimum?
A: There are no minimums or maximums for country representation in the scholarship program.
Q: Do I need to submit both an online application & a printable application?
A: No, please only submit one application. Submitting your application directly via the online application form is preferable. To access the direct link to submit your scholarship application online, click HERE. The printable or PDF version of the application is available for applicants with limited internet access who are unable to submit the application online.
Q: Can I get Edit access to the PDF version of the application?
A: No, please do not request edit access. To access the downloadable form, click HERE. This will take you to a link containing a PDF document. Download the application directly to your device. To submit the completed PDF form, email it to mastercardfndscholars@asu.edu along with all required attachments.
Q: I completed a 3-year undergraduate degree. Am I eligible for the scholarship?:
A: The eligibility criteria depend on the program of study for this particular scholarship. All applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility.
Q: I am over 33 years of age or under 18, am I eligible for the scholarship?
A: No, current age eligibility criteria limit applications to individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 33 at the time of application. This is a scholarship requirement with no exceptions.
Q: Can I select or apply for more than one academic program?
A: No, we encourage applicants to select only one program they feel a strong interest in.
Q: I received an error message, “You have either already completed the survey or your session has expired.”? Was my application submitted?
A: Your application is likely timed out. You can resubmit your application along with the required documentation for review, or kindly email us to ask if your application has been submitted at mastercardfdnscholars@asu.edu
Q: Will I get a confirmation email after submitting my application?
Ar: Yes, you will automatically receive a confirmation email. Once you submit the online application, you will receive an email saying,
“Thank you for completing the 2025 ASU Graduate Certificate Application with the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at ASU. We are pleased to confirm that your application has been successfully received.”