News

After being voted in by their peers as the 2025/26 Scholar Representatives, Tadalisika Zulu and Elishammah Nyaba Ghany share their motivations for taking on the role - and the best piece of advice they’ve been given so far.Congratulations on being voted in as this year’s Scholar Reps. What made you put yourself forward?Elishammah: I was a Mastercar…

Jacqueline Niyodusenga and Mathias Bizimana are the first Rwandan students to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge.Established in 2022, the program provides comprehensive support to enable outstanding graduates from across Africa to pursue a one-year master’s degree and develop their leadership potential. T…

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge enables talented young Africans to pursue a master’s degree and grow their leadership potential.The programme aims to cover everything students need to thrive in Cambridge, including tuition costs and a monthly maintenance allowance.We’re pleased to announce that applications…

South Sudan, despite being richly endowed with fertile land and vast natural resources, continues to face acute food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report 2024 anticipated the situation to deteriorate further, particularly in regions affected by persistent conflicts and climate shocks.The dual threat: conflict and cli…

As the world grapples with rising temperatures and the challenges a rapidly changing climate poses for human survival, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Cambridge has devised a novel way to help keep buildings cool in the heat.Hauwa Busari, from Nigeria, has been studying for an MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies at Cambridg…

Despite facing disproportionate socioeconomic losses from climate change, Africa continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and ingenuity in responding to this challenge. Across the continent, entrepreneurs are transforming the climate crisis into a powerful engine for economic growth and job creation.This spirit of innovation is at the heart o…

Peace Chisom Aniakor is passionate about film and its power to help tackle the world’s most complex problems. After graduating from the University of Abuja, Nigeria, with a first class degree in theatre arts, she shifted her focus to film, telling stories that champion both personal and communal growth. Now a Mastercard Foundation Scholar studying …

Supporting students as they plan for life after their master’s is a fundamental part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in Cambridge. We encourage scholars to start thinking about what’s next – whether that’s a full-time role, a placement, a PhD, or even launching a start-up – from their very first day here.Mastercard Foundation Scholars…

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 – marked by new leadership in…

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 an MPhil in Development Stu…

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 requirementsEligibility criteria and the courses you can apply forHow and when to applyThe…

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, MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable DevelopmentI would like to celebrate my mentor, Eng. Winfred Mut…

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 supplies to the camp near her…

“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 of Cambridge. It’s this ques…

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, January 10, to Sunday, Janu…