At the University of Gondar, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 is a fully funded scholarship opportunity that provides graduate students from economically disadvantaged households in East Africa with essential educational support.
This esteemed program enables students who show academic potential but have financial constraints to seek higher education in Ethiopia, develop essential leadership abilities, and return to their communities prepared to create impactful change.
Launched in the 2018/19 academic year, the program has committed to supporting 160 graduate students over eight years. For the 2025 intake, the University of Gondar continues to uphold its mission as a center of inclusive education and social impact, with a strong focus on transforming the region through education, innovation, and leadership.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation, a globally respected philanthropic organization, launched its Scholars Program to address inequality in education by funding capable but underprivileged students.
Students from Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and South Sudan are the primary target audience for this program at the University of Gondar. Its aim is not just to fund students’ academic journeys, but to cultivate a new generation of ethical, community-oriented leaders.
Why the University of Gondar?
The University of Gondar is one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most respected higher education institutions. Its reputation for inclusive education and academic excellence makes it a fitting host for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Scholars receive a holistic experience, not just financial support, but also access to counseling, mentorship, health care, and disability services. The goal is to ensure that every student thrives, regardless of their background or challenges.
Fields of Study
Graduate programs eligible under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 are wide-ranging and aligned with regional development needs. These include:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Economics
- Law
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Optometry
- Psychology
- Gender and Development Studies
- Management
- Marketing
- Logistics
- Development and Environmental Management Studies
- Tourism
- Accounting
The potential for each of these disciplines to support national capacity building, health, governance, education, and economic advancement has led to their deliberate selection.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 is a comprehensive assistance system that aims to remove all financial barriers, not only tuition remission. The benefits include:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- On-campus accommodation at no cost
- Access to university cafeterias for meals
- Monthly stipend to cover personal and academic needs
- Comprehensive health and medical insurance
- Academic and psychological support, including services for students with disabilities
- Leadership and career development workshops
Through these extensive provisions, the program ensures that students can focus on their education and growth without financial stress.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this opportunity, candidates need to fulfill certain requirements:
- Be a citizen of Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, or South Sudan
- Have completed an undergraduate degree and are applying for a graduate-level program
- Show strong academic performance and leadership potential
- Demonstrate significant financial need
- Be committed to giving back to their community
- Students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply
In addition to actively promoting diversity and inclusion, the program supports people with disabilities, who are frequently marginalized in regional educational settings.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit a thorough application package. This includes:
- A fully completed application form (downloadable from the official website)
- Copy of a valid passport or national ID
- Certified academic transcripts and a bachelor’s degree certificate
- A compelling personal statement or motivation letter
- At least two letters of recommendation
- Proof of residency in one of the eligible countries
- Any additional documents requested by the university
Before the deadline, these documents must be uploaded in PDF format and turned in.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is June 30, 2025. Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute because late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Application link
How to Apply
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: CLICK HERE
- Download the Application Package: This includes application forms and guidance manuals
- Complete the Application: Ensure accuracy in all information provided
- It is necessary to scan and preserve all supporting paperwork as a PDF.
- Send in your application. : You can submit applications by email or through the web site.
Double-check all information before submission, as errors or missing documents may lead to disqualification.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship isn’t just about personal gain; it’s about impact. It is anticipated that graduates would bring essential skills back to their communities. Alumni of this program are regarded as the next generation of change agents, whether their work focuses on improving public health systems, promoting gender equality, or creating sustainable corporate practices.
This aligns with the foundation’s mission to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Additionally, the University of Gondar offers an inclusive and empowering academic environment, ensuring that scholars receive not only an education but also mentorship and support for long-term success.
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