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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

 
Read more at: A humbling and empowering experience: Winning first place at the Sustainable Development in Africa Conference
Mastercard Foundation Scholar Favour Peters with conference team on stage

A humbling and empowering experience: Winning first place at the Sustainable Development in Africa Conference

9 May 2025

Hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, the annual Sustainable Development in Africa Conference explores the multifaceted challenges facing the African continent and proposes contextual solutions for sustainable development. Against the backdrop of a changing global order –...


Read more at: Largest cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars yet to start in October

Largest cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars yet to start in October

1 May 2025

We’re delighted to announce that 86 outstanding African students have been selected to become Mastercard Foundation Scholars and begin their master’s programmes in Cambridge this October. The fourth cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars in Cambridge will be the biggest yet. Selected applicants come from 24 different...


Read more at: Simiso Shabangu: My journey from Eswatini to Kenya, via Cambridge
Mastercard Foundation Alumna Simiso Shabangu

Simiso Shabangu: My journey from Eswatini to Kenya, via Cambridge

7 April 2025

Even though I did not know the academic term, I was always convinced that human prosperity was not just about the individual, but largely about the system within which they operate. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to help create systems that allow people to thrive. After graduating from Cambridge last year with...


Read more at: Interested in applying for entry in September 2026?

Interested in applying for entry in September 2026?

28 March 2025

Join one of our regional webinars to find out more about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge and how to apply for entry in September 2026. The online sessions will cover: The Cambridge Master's application process and entry requirements Eligibility criteria and the courses you can...


Read more at: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

7 March 2025

Ahead of International Women’s Day (Saturday 8 March), our scholars celebrate the women in their lives who inspire them, guide them and have helped them get to where they are today. Who are you celebrating this International Women's Day? laura_wathe.png Laura Wathe, MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development I would...


Read more at: Kehinde Abereoje: Tackling the little things with the biggest consequences
Mastercard Foundation Scholar Kehinde Aberoje graduating from the University of Cambridge

Kehinde Abereoje: Tackling the little things with the biggest consequences

3 February 2025

Kehinde Abereoje found her sense of purpose at the age of 14. Growing up in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, she saw an endless stream of people entering the city’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, forced to leave their homes and flee from terrorism and violence. One day, keen to help, Kehinde took books and essential...


Read more at: Learn from others, have uncomfortable conversations and start now! Lessons from the Social Venture Residential
Mastercard Foundation Scholar Peace Chisom Aniakor outside King's College Chapel

Learn from others, have uncomfortable conversations and start now! Lessons from the Social Venture Residential

27 January 2025

“How would you like to solve a problem that affects society, while earning an honest living?”. This question plagued attendees of the Social Venture Residential hosted by King’s Entrepreneurship Lab in partnership with Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University...


Read more at: Fun, Beach Vibes and Big Ideas: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Retreat in Sheringham
Mastercard Foundation Scholars on Sheringham Beach

Fun, Beach Vibes and Big Ideas: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Retreat in Sheringham

21 January 2025

What’s your favourite way to de-stress? Curling up with a good book? A Netflix binge? Or perhaps escaping to a beautiful seaside town with friends for an unforgettable weekend? Well, for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Cambridge, we decided to turn the dial up a notch – retreat style! From Friday...


Read more at: Mastercard Foundation Scholars shine at the international Geneva Challenge
Geneva Challenge team

Mastercard Foundation Scholars shine at the international Geneva Challenge

12 December 2024

From L-R: Simiso Shabangu, Cynthia Ugwu, Chibuzor Ndubisi, Titilola Hassan. Credits: Geneva Challenge | Geneva Graduate Institute I’m extremely glad to have been part of a team from the University of Cambridge that secured the Second Place Prize at the Geneva Challenge 2024. This year’s competition, themed ‘The challenges...


Read more at: ‘An opportunity to return to Africa and contribute, to change narratives’
Muhammad Balarabe

‘An opportunity to return to Africa and contribute, to change narratives’

5 December 2024

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus Muhammad Balarabe explains how his experiences in Cambridge are helping him contribute to a sustainable future for Africa. Muhammad Balarabe graduated from the American University of Nigeria in 2021 with a passion for public health and a clear plan; to learn from leading...