UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program – The University of California, Berkeley has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to offer a fully funded scholarship program that aims to bring about positive social and economic change. This partnership is part of a larger global network of educational institutions and non-profit organizations that believe in the power of education to improve communities and economies.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to help shape a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and energetic young leaders who will play a key role in transforming Africa’s socio-economic landscape. Through this program, scholars receive the support they need to succeed academically, while also gaining the skills and knowledge to become effective leaders and change-makers.
Hosted by the Center for African Studies at UC Berkeley, this scholarship program has already provided support to more than 120 students between 2012 and 2020, helping both undergraduate and master’s degree students. Moving forward, the program will continue to offer support to over 200 master’s degree students through 2030. However, students pursuing doctoral degrees are not eligible for this program.
UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a comprehensive scholarship that covers all the essential expenses related to earning a master’s degree at UC Berkeley. These include:
- Travel costs: Scholars receive support for travel expenses, including flights to and from Berkeley.
- Tuition fees: The scholarship covers full tuition for the duration of the master’s program.
- Student fees: All Berkeley student fees are fully paid.
- Visa and SEVIS fees: Costs related to obtaining a visa and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) are also covered.
- Housing: The program provides funding for accommodation during the student’s stay.
- Food and living expenses: Scholars receive financial support to cover daily living expenses such as meals, transportation, and personal needs.
- Cohort signature programs: Scholars participate in programs focused on leadership and entrepreneurship, which are fully funded by the scholarship.
This comprehensive package ensures that scholars can focus on their studies and leadership development without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
To be considered for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizen of a Sub-Saharan African Country: The scholarship is specifically for citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries, including refugees or individuals displaced within Africa. It is not open to citizens of North African countries. Additionally, those who hold dual citizenship, or who have asylum, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU, are not eligible.
- Academic Talent: Applicants must first gain admission into a UC Berkeley master’s degree program before being considered for the scholarship. Demonstrated academic excellence is a key requirement for both admission to the university and the scholarship itself.
- Leadership Potential: The program looks for candidates who exhibit strong leadership skills and are committed to developing the mindsets needed for transformative leadership. Scholars are expected to lead ethically, with the goal of creating positive and lasting change in their communities.
- Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Background: This scholarship is designed for talented individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may not otherwise have access to high-quality education.
- Commitment to Giving Back: Applicants should show a proven commitment to making a difference in their community, country, or continent. This can include activities related to their field of study, or other areas such as social, economic, or political work. It is important for applicants to highlight their community involvement and achievements in both their UC Berkeley and scholarship applications.
- Intention to Return Home: Scholars must demonstrate a clear intention to return to their home country after completing their studies. The program seeks students who are passionate about addressing the challenges in their communities and wish to use their education to make a meaningful impact. While work can be done abroad, the program is designed to help scholars return home, where they can apply the skills and professional connections gained through internships, academic training, and job placements.
For any questions related to eligibility, applicants can reach out to the program via email at mcfs.programinfo@berkeley.edu.
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UC Berkeley Graduate Application Requirements
To apply for a graduate program at UC Berkeley, prospective students must meet a set of minimum admissions requirements. Below are the key requirements for submitting a successful application:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must either hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree or a recognized equivalent from an accredited institution before the start of classes. For international applicants, this degree must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. UC Berkeley recognizes degrees from various international institutions, but applicants should verify their qualifications and consult with Graduate Admissions if they have any doubts about degree equivalency.
- GPA (Grade-Point Average): A satisfactory scholastic average is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to a B average). However, many programs may have higher GPA requirements based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
- Transcripts: Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts from every post-secondary institution they have attended. This includes undergraduate programs, community colleges, summer sessions, and any extension programs. For international students, if transcripts are not in English or Spanish, they must be submitted along with certified translations. Alternatively, international applicants can submit an official World Education Services (WES) evaluation, which provides a recognized equivalency report of their academic qualifications.
- English Language Proficiency: For international applicants whose native language is not English, or who studied in institutions where English was not the primary language of instruction, proof of English proficiency is mandatory. This is demonstrated by submitting scores from standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score required is 90 for the Internet-based test (iBT), while the IELTS requires an overall band score of at least 7 on a 9-point scale. The tests must have been taken within the last two years. Exemptions from this requirement are available for students who have earned a degree from an institution in an English-speaking country.
- Standardized Tests: Some graduate programs at UC Berkeley may require additional standardized test scores such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), or MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Applicants should check with their specific department to confirm whether these tests are necessary. For the GRE, test scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and UC Berkeley’s institution code is 4833. GRE scores older than five years are not accepted.
- Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require at least three letters of recommendation. These letters should be written by individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities, research potential, and professional skills. Recommenders may include professors, employers, or mentors. The letters should highlight the applicant’s intellectual capability, character, and potential for success in a rigorous graduate program.
- Statement of Purpose: This essay should clearly outline the applicant’s academic goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at UC Berkeley. It is an opportunity to demonstrate alignment with the program and to discuss how previous experiences have prepared the applicant for graduate study.
- Personal History Statement: This essay gives applicants the chance to explain how their personal background, upbringing, or life experiences have influenced their academic journey and decision to pursue graduate education. It may include challenges faced, community engagement, or other factors that shaped the applicant’s perspective and goals.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is required for all applicants. The fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and $155 for international applicants. For U.S. citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship or those who have participated in specific eligibility programs, an application fee waiver may be available. Some programs do not require the application fee payment. Applicants should See guidelines for fee exemption.
- Additional Program-Specific Requirements: Each graduate program may have additional requirements beyond the standard university admissions criteria. These could include specialized tests, portfolios, interviews, or writing samples. Applicants are encouraged to visit the website of the specific program they are applying to or contact the program’s admissions office to ensure all additional requirements are met.
Meeting these requirements is the first step in securing admission to one of UC Berkeley’s prestigious graduate programs. However, the admissions process is competitive, and applicants are encouraged to go beyond the minimum requirements by demonstrating their unique qualifications and potential contributions to their field of study.
Application Process
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley, applicants must first submit an application to an eligible master’s degree program. Once accepted into the program, they can be nominated for the Scholars Program. It’s important to note that if a graduate program offers multiple admission rounds with different deadlines, only those who apply in the first admission round will be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Each graduate program has specific requirements and deadlines, so applicants should thoroughly review the admissions guidelines for their chosen field. For further details, applicants are encouraged to visit the Graduate Division website and contact their desired program for any questions about the admissions process. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will continue to recruit students until the fall of 2028.
Deadline
The application deadlines for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program vary depending on the specific graduate program. Typically, deadlines start around December 2nd, but it’s crucial for applicants to check the exact deadlines for their chosen program. Applicants should pay close attention to the program’s schedule to ensure they submit their applications on time.
