AUC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

The American University in Cairo (AUC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers a fully funded opportunity for talented young Africans to pursue undergraduate or master’s studies at AUC starting in Spring 2027. This program provides comprehensive support, including financial aid and leadership development, to empower scholars to drive positive change in Africa.⁠‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​⁠

What it offers

This scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, a laptop, transport, books, study materials, English proficiency fees, and living stipends for the entire duration of the program. Additional benefits may include medical services, health insurance, student services, and travel allowances for fellows not residing in Egypt. Some candidates may also receive funding for research, publication fees, or conference attendance. Leadership development activities, workshops, and fieldwork experiences are integral to the program.

Who can apply

Applicants must be African citizens (including North Africa) currently residing in an African country. Eligibility varies by program:

• Undergraduate: Must be a high school graduate in the 2025–2026 academic year, meet AUC admission requirements, demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and extracurricular involvement. Must pass IELTS (min. 5.5 overall, 5.5 writing) or TOEFL (min. 62 total, 17 writing) or Duolingo (min. 115).
• Master’s: Must be a new graduate (no transfer students), aged 35 or younger, hold a Bachelor’s degree with a GPA ≥ 3.2, demonstrate financial need, and meet AUC graduate admissions requirements.

What you'll do

Scholars engage in leadership development activities, workshops, and fieldwork experiences. Master’s fellows must maintain full-time status, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.2, complete mandatory training for teaching assistantships (if applicable), and respond to reporting requests from AUC or the Mastercard Foundation.

How to apply

1. Apply for an undergraduate or master’s program at AUC.
2. Undergraduates: Check the box indicating interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
3. Master’s applicants: Submit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars online application by the deadline (June 1, 2027). Additional documentation may be required.

Good to know

• Deadline: June 1, 2027.
• Language: No explicit language requirement, but English proficiency is mandatory for admission.
• Eligible programs: All AUC undergraduate and master’s programs (e.g., Accountancy, Arabic Studies, Agricultural Engineering, etc.).
• Residency: Must be an African citizen currently residing in Africa.
• Financial need: Demonstrated through application criteria.
• No application fee: The process is free.

Scholars are expected to contribute to community impact and leadership through their studies and post-graduation activities.