Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at American University of Cairo (AUC) Spring 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUC offers full scholarships for master’s and PhD programs at The American University in Cairo (AUC) for outstanding students from sub-Saharan Africa demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community impact.⁠‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​⁠

What it offers

• Full scholarship coverage, including:
  • Tuition fees (flat-rate graduate tuition as per AUC’s program category).
  • Living stipend ($1,500/month for master’s; $2,000/month for PhD).
  • Travel allowance ($1,000 for international students).
  • Book and research allowance ($1,000/year).
  • Mandatory orientation and leadership development programs (including summer institutes).
  • Access to career services, mentorship, and networking opportunities with AUC’s global alumni network.
  • Priority registration in courses and access to AUC’s state-of-the-art facilities (libraries, research labs, etc.).
  • Health insurance coverage for the duration of the program.

Who can apply

• Citizens of sub-Saharan African countries (as defined by the Mastercard Foundation).
• Bachelor’s degree holders with a strong academic record (minimum upper-second-class honors or equivalent).
• Proven leadership in academic, community, or professional settings.
• Commitment to returning to sub-Saharan Africa to contribute to development after graduation.
• English language proficiency: AUC’s minimum TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 (some programs may require higher scores).
• No GMAT/GRE required for admission, but submission may enhance fellowship consideration.

What you'll do

• Enroll in AUC’s 52 master’s programs, two PhD programs, or 24 graduate diplomas across disciplines like business, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and more.
• Engage in research, critical thinking, and leadership development through AUC’s structured curriculum.
• Participate in Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program activities, including:
  • Summer institutes (e.g., leadership training, career workshops).
  • Peer mentorship with other scholars.
  • Community engagement initiatives aligned with AUC’s mission.
• Contribute to AUC’s global network of scholars, including access to alumni mentorship and professional opportunities.

How to apply

1. Register for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application on the AUC Graduate Admissions portal.
2. Complete the online application, including:
   • Statement of purpose (500+ words per program, detailing academic goals, leadership experiences, and commitment to Africa).
   • Updated resume/CV (highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular leadership).
   • Two academic/professional letters of recommendation (from individuals familiar with your academic or professional work).
   • Official bachelor’s degree transcripts (with proof of degree completion, official stamps/signatures).
   • English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS, with results valid for 2 years from the exam date).
   • Passport-sized photo and national ID/passport information (Egyptian applicants: national ID; international: passport).
   • Additional program-specific documents (e.g., writing samples for Philosophy, non-edited samples for Journalism).
3. Submit the application fee (AUC’s fee applies; payment details provided in the portal).
4. Select up to two graduate programs from AUC’s offerings for consideration