Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The program is open to residents and citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries. Students must be first-time applicants to MSU. Transfer students are not eligible for the program.

Undergraduate Students

• Strong academic performance to date in secondary school suggesting continued academic success as an undergraduate student.
• An interest in and capacity for give-back, evidenced by commitment and engagement outside the classroom in the school and/or community.
• Manifest ethical behavior and strong character essential to joining The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Network.
• Ability to deal with change, uncertainty, and adversity, as well as interest in other countries and cultures, necessary to succeed as a student overseas and represent one’s home country in this role.
• Significant financial need and/or from lowest income bracket in country of origin.
• Commitment to give back in ways that enhance the economic growth and social development of Africa.
• Learn how to apply for the undergraduate scholarship

Graduate Students

• Prior completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Africa with academic achievements suggesting continued academic success as graduate student.
• Strong commitment to a professional path in line with the area of study that can positively impact Africa.
• An interest in and capacity for give-back, evidenced by commitment and engagement on campus, in professional pursuits and/or community.
• Manifest ethical behavior and strong character essential to joining The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Network.
• Ability to deal with change, uncertainty, and adversity, as well as interest in other countries and cultures, necessary to succeed as a student overseas and represent one’s home country in this role.
• Significant financial need and/or from lowest income bracket in country of origin
• Commitment to give back in ways that enhance the economic growth and social development of Africa.
• Learn how to apply for the graduate scholarship.

How to Apply:

Download Scholarship Application Forms

• Application Form, due January 15, 2015
  
• Recommendation Form, due January 15, 2015
  

Application Instructions

1. In order to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Michigan State University, you MUST also apply to MSU and arrange to have required supporting materials forwarded to the University.
   To apply visit: beaspartan.msu.edu.
   For more information on application requirements go to: www.admissions.msu.edu/admission/international_requirements.asp.
   IMPORTANT: 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.
2. Students must be admitted to Michigan State University to be considered for this scholarship. To maximize consideration, apply early and ensure that the University receives all required admission application materials by January 15, 2015. To monitor the status of your application for admission you can log in to your personalized admissions student portal at beaspartan.msu.edu with your MSU Applicant ID and password.
3. Complete the scholarship application and upload to your admissions student portal no later than January 15, 2015. You may submit the scholarship application at the same time as your MSU application. If submitting a hand-written scholarship application, ensure the document and scanned copy are clearly legible.
4. Provide a copy of the MCF Recommendation Form to an appropriate individual per the form instructions (find form at mcfscholars.isp.msu.edu/apply/undergrad.htm). Have your recommender complete this form and email it as an attachment to [email protected] no later than January 15, 2015.

Graduate Application:

Download Scholarship Application Forms

• Application Form, available September 2014
  

Application Instructions

Fall 2015 intake application instructions available September 2014

TIMELINE (For August 2015 intake):

JANUARY 15, 2015    Application for admission and all supporting academic materials (official transcripts, mark sheets, external exams, test scores) received by MSU
JANUARY 15, 2015    Submission deadline for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU Undergraduate Scholarship Application and Recommender Form
MARCH 2015    Finalist Interviews
APRIL 1, 2015    Notification of Scholarship Status
MAY 1, 2015    Awardee decision due date

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2015 MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the Michigan State University, USA.