MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Michigan State University USA
Scholarship Overview
- MasterCard Foundation has collaborated with Michigan State University to provide full tuition scholarships to graduate students.
- Scholarship recipients are picked from a pool of students who are economically disadvantaged but demonstrate academic talent and a personal commitment to serving their home countries.
- MCFSP at Michigan State University ensures that all scholars are equipped with the academic and professional skills needed to make a significant contribution to social development and economic growth in their countries of origin. Leadership and career training, as well as academic, social, financial and post-graduation support, are provided to MCFSP scholars.
Host School(s)
- Michigan State University USA
Study Fields
- All Masters courses offered at MSU
What the scholarship covers
MasterCard Foundation Scholars receive a full scholarship that caters for the costs associated with earning a Master’s degree, which includes:
- Travel costs
- Visa and SEVIS fees
- Tuition and other MSU fees
- Housing, food and living expenses
- Health insurance
How many scholarships are given?
- Not stated
Which countries are targeted?
- Students living in any Sub-Saharan African country can apply for this scholarship; as long as they are economically disadvantaged, i.e. their family income and economic background fall in the lower 40% in their country of origin.
- All applicants must live on the African continent.
- Applicants studying outside Africa on a full scholarship may also qualify based on economic hardship.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
Residents/citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries who demonstrate the following qualities may apply for this scholarship.
- Leadership potential
- The ability to cope with change, and develop an interest in other countries and their cultures (necessary to succeed as an international student overseas and while representing one’s home country)
- Capacity and interest in serving others through volunteer activities in the community
- Significant financial need (in the lowest income bracket in the home country)
- Should not have started a Master’s degree program, i.e., be a fresh masters scholar
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree at an African university with academic achievements that suggest continued academic success as graduate student
- Be committed to returning to one’s home country to serve in ways that will enhance both economic growth and social development.
- Have a strong commitment to a professional path in line with the area of study that can positively impact Africa.
Note:
- Doctoral students, transfer students and students with dual citizenship (a Sub-Saharan African country and the US) are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants who are pursuing online degree programs are also not eligible for the scholarship
How to Apply
- Apply to Desired Master’s Program
- To apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Michigan State University, you MUST first apply to the desired masters program through the department that hosts your program and after that be NOMINATED for a MasterCard Foundation Scholarship by a faculty member.
- Only students who have been admitted to an on-campus Master’s program are eligible for this scholarship.
- Be sure to save your Applicant ID and password during the MSU application process. You will need your Applicant ID to complete the MCF Scholarship Application.
- Do the English Proficiency Exam
- Make arrangements to take an English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS), and any other required exams (GRE, GMAT, depending on departmental requirements).
- Students are strongly encouraged to take these exams no later than early December, for MSU to receive the scores on time.
- Submit all the required supporting documents
- Ensure that the department receives all required supporting documents and official test scores by January 4. Each department sets its own criteria for admission. Read the department’s website carefully and then follow the instructions for graduate admission.
- Make arrangements to send all required official academic documents, letters of support, official test scores, etc. as indicated by the department and on the Application for Graduate Admission.
- Communicate directly with the appropriate graduate department at MSU regarding the status of your application.
- Complete the MCFSP application
- Complete the graduate student scholarship application and send it to your graduate department to arrive no later than February 1.
- Handwritten scholarship application forms should be clearly legible after scanning.
- Submit the Recommendation Form
- You need to submit at least one recommendation form from an individual who can give accurate information concerning your family’s economic circumstances. This person should not be a family member, but someone who knows you well enough to answer the questions on the form truthfully.
- Do not hand in more than two recommendation forms.