Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates from Sub-Saharan African countries for the Berkeley’s Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program 2024 aimed at supporting postgraduate studies of African students at UC Berkeley, USA.

Berkeley’s Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program for Africans 2023/24

Supporting education at the master’s level not only enhances the skills and knowledge of individual students but also fosters a network of future leaders who can collaborate and contribute to sustainable development across various sectors in Africa. It’s initiatives like these that have the potential to make a meaningful impact and empower individuals to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

See Also: Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2024 | Application Guide

Berkeley’s Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program 2023/24 | Eligibility Criteria

The Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program sets out specific criteria for applicants to meet in order to be considered for the scholarship. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:

1. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country. This includes individuals who are refugees or displaced within the African continent. However, citizens of North African countries are not eligible for this scholarship. Additionally, individuals with dual citizenship, asylee, refugee, or permanent resident status in the US, Canada, UK, or EU are not eligible.
2. Academic Talent: Prospective Scholars must first be admitted to a UC Berkeley master’s degree program to be considered for the Scholarship. Demonstrated academic excellence is an important criterion for admission to the University.
3. Leadership Potential: The Program seeks individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to developing skills associated with transformative leadership. This involves engaging others in an ethical manner to generate positive and lasting change.
4. Socio-Economic Background: The Scholarship is intended for individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It aims to support extremely talented individuals who may not otherwise have access to quality further education.
5. Commitment to Community: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their community, country, or continent. This can include involvement in activities beyond the classroom, including issues related to their field of study as well as broader social, economic, or political issues.
6. Intention to Return Home: Applicants must express a desire and intention to return to their home country after completing their studies. They should be engaged with and passionate about issues affecting their communities and demonstrate how they will use their education at UC Berkeley to address these issues upon their return.

Equally, Check: Mastercard Foundation-UGB Scholarship Program for African Students (Fully-funded)

Application Deadline: Varies according to Program

Application Procedures

To apply for the Berkeley’s Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program 2024, interested applicants must follow a two-step process:

1. Apply to a Graduate Program at UC Berkeley:
   • Visit the UC Berkeley website and explore the graduate programs available.
   • Choose a program that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.
   • Review the admission requirements and deadlines for the chosen program.
   • Prepare and submit all required application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and any other documents specified by the program.
   • Pay close attention to the application deadlines and ensure that your application is submitted on time.
   • Await notification of admission decision from UC Berkeley.
2. Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program:
   • Once admitted to an eligible graduate program at UC Berkeley, applicants can then proceed to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program.
   • Check the official website of the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program at UC Berkeley for application instructions and deadlines.
   • Prepare and submit all required documents for the scholarship application. This may include essays, letters of recommendation, financial documentation, and any other materials specified by the scholarship program.
   • Ensure that you address all the eligibility criteria and requirements outlined by the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program.
   • Submit your scholarship application before the specified deadline.
   • Await notification of scholarship decision from the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program.

Visit the Official Website for Further Details