Are you a young African hoping to pursue an undergraduate degree at a leading university but facing financial challenges? The Ashesi University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 could be an opportunity worth exploring.
If you are a secondary school graduate from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa or another African country, this scholarship deserves your attention.
In this guide, we explain the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, application process, required documents and practical ways to prepare a competitive application.
1. Ashesi University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027: Overview
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| University | Ashesi University |
| Host country | Ghana |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible applicants | African students meeting programme requirements |
| Scholarship type | Comprehensive, need-based financial support |
| Funding | University fees, room, board and learning resources |
| Application route | Ashesi general admission and scholarship application |
| Intake | September or January |
| Application deadline | See the official admissions calendar |
| Official website | Ashesi University |
Ashesi University has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation since 2012. It was among the foundation’s nine pioneering university partners.
Hundreds of Mastercard Foundation Scholars have enrolled at Ashesi since the programme began.
The programme aims to develop a generation of African leaders who can contribute to their communities and the continent’s development.
2. What Does the Ashesi Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
One of the most attractive features of this opportunity is its comprehensive financial support.
According to Ashesi University, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers:
- University fees: Coverage of all applicable university fees and costs.
- Accommodation: Support for room and board.
- Meals: Residential board support.
- Learning resources: Educational materials and resources needed for academic work.
- Additional socioeconomic support: Assistance to help scholars transition successfully into university and prepare for their careers.
The programme also provides opportunities for personal development, community service and leadership.
An opportunity beyond the classroom
Being selected as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar comes with responsibilities.
Scholars are expected to become role models within their communities. They are also encouraged to participate in volunteer activities and community service.
Furthermore, successful applicants become part of a wider African scholar and alumni network. This creates opportunities to build relationships with other young leaders across the continent.
Important: Ashesi describes this as one of its most comprehensive scholarships. Applicants should check their individual award letters for the exact financial coverage and conditions.
3. Who Is Eligible for the Ashesi University Scholarship?
The programme is intended to support talented African students who face financial barriers to higher education.
However, meeting the general scholarship objectives does not automatically guarantee admission or funding.
Applicants must satisfy Ashesi University’s undergraduate admission requirements and demonstrate financial need.
Academic requirements
Ashesi accepts several recognised secondary school qualifications.
WASSCE applicants
Applicants presenting WASSCE results must have at least a C6 in each of the six subjects used for admission consideration:
- Core Mathematics
- Core English
- Integrated Science
- Three elective subjects
Students interested in Engineering must also have studied Physics and Elective/Further Mathematics.
GCE and A-Level applicants
Applicants with British-pattern qualifications must present:
- Six IGCSE or GCE O-Level passes, including Mathematics, English and Science.
- At least three A-Level passes, with grades A to D.
Ashesi also accepts other recognised qualifications, including:
- International Baccalaureate (IB).
- American or Canadian High School Diploma.
- French Baccalaureate.
- Other equivalent qualifications approved by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.
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International qualifications
Ashesi University welcomes applications from students with different internationally recognised secondary school qualifications.
Applicants from across Africa should check how their national examination certificates are assessed against Ashesi’s undergraduate admission requirements.
If your qualification is not specifically listed, contact Ashesi’s admissions office to confirm whether it meets the university’s entry requirements.
Ensure that you prepare your examination certificates, academic transcripts and any certified translations required for your application.
Financial need and leadership potential
Academic performance is only one part of the selection process.
Ashesi also considers the financial circumstances of applicants seeking scholarships.
Successful scholarship applicants should be able to demonstrate that they:
- Have the academic ability to succeed at Ashesi.
- Would otherwise struggle to afford the cost of attendance.
- Can contribute positively to university life.
- Have leadership potential.
- Show a commitment to giving back to their communities.
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding the position of school prefect or student council president.
You can demonstrate leadership through community projects, volunteering, helping others, organising activities or taking responsibility for solving problems around you.
4. Application Deadline and Intake
Ashesi operates a two-entry undergraduate admissions system. Students can begin their studies in September or January.
The university publishes the following general application calendar:
| Application round | Deadline | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | June | September or January |
| Round 2 | August | September or January |
| Round 3 | October | January |
| Round 4 | December | January |
for the January 2027 intake, the published first-year application deadline is 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT.
The university encourages students seeking scholarships to apply early. This gives the admissions and financial-aid teams more time to review applications.
Important: These are the university’s published application months, not a separately confirmed Mastercard Foundation scholarship deadline. Always check the live application portal for the applicable intake and current closing date.
5. Required Documents for the Application
Applicants should prepare their academic and personal documents before starting the application.
The exact checklist depends on the applicant’s educational background and the instructions displayed in the application portal.
The following are important documents to prepare:
- Secondary school examination certificates or available results.
- Academic transcripts or school records.
- Personal essay or application responses requested by Ashesi.
- Supporting information required for the financial-aid application.
- Identification documents, where requested.
- Certified translations of documents that are not in English.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency, where applicable.
International students whose previous education was not conducted in English may be asked to provide evidence of English proficiency. Ashesi lists IELTS and TOEFL among the accepted examples.
Do not assume that every applicant must submit every document on this list. Follow the requirements for your particular application.
Financial-aid information
This part of the application deserves special attention.
Applicants should provide honest and accurate information about their family’s financial circumstances.
The financial-aid application helps the university understand why the applicant needs assistance and the amount of support required.
Avoid exaggerating financial difficulties or submitting inaccurate information. Ashesi may reject applications containing false information.
6. How to Apply for the Ashesi Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The application process starts with applying for admission to Ashesi University.
One important detail is that applicants do not select the Mastercard Foundation scholarship as a separate award.
Instead, Ashesi’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office assesses applications and determines which scholarship an applicant may receive.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official scholarship page
Start by reading the university’s information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Understand the scholarship coverage, expectations and community service responsibilities.
Official scholarship page:
Visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi.
Step 2: Review the undergraduate admission requirements
Before applying, confirm that your secondary school qualifications meet Ashesi’s requirements.
Pay attention to the subjects required for your intended degree programme.
Applicants with international qualifications should confirm their equivalency with the admissions office.
Step 3: Create an online application account
Visit the official Ashesi application portal:
Register and create your account.
Select the appropriate undergraduate application and follow the instructions.
Step 4: Complete the admission application
Provide accurate personal and academic information.
Upload the documents requested by the university.
You may save your application and return later to complete it.
However, saving your application does not mean you have submitted it.
Step 5: Complete the financial-aid application
This is a particularly important step.
Ashesi provides financial assistance to students who need it. Applicants should complete the financial-aid form and indicate the amount of assistance required.
Explain your financial circumstances honestly and provide the supporting evidence requested.
Remember that the university determines which scholarship award an applicant may receive.
Step 6: Review and submit your application
Before submitting, check that:
- Your personal information is accurate.
- Your academic records are complete.
- All requested documents are uploaded.
- Your financial-aid information is consistent.
- You have answered the application questions carefully.
Finally, click the submit button.
Ashesi will not begin evaluating your application until you submit it.
Step 7: Prepare for a possible interview
Ashesi reviews submitted applications and invites shortlisted applicants for interviews.
The final decision considers the information provided in the application and the personal interview.
Prepare to discuss your academic interests, leadership experiences, future plans and financial circumstances.
Admission and scholarship decisions are competitive. An offer of admission does not automatically guarantee financial assistance.
7. Practical Advice for Applicants: How to Strengthen Your Application
A scholarship application should communicate more than academic qualifications.
It should help the selection committee understand who you are, what motivates you and how you intend to contribute to society.
Here are some practical suggestions.
Demonstrate leadership through real experiences
You do not need to have founded a large organisation to demonstrate leadership.
Think about situations where you have taken responsibility or helped others.
For example:
- Organising a community clean-up.
- Helping younger students with their studies.
- Participating in a local development project.
- Supporting a community organisation.
- Identifying a problem in your school and helping to solve it.
Explain what you did, why you did it and what changed as a result.
Specific examples are more convincing than simply describing yourself as a good leader.
Connect your ambitions to Africa’s development
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places considerable emphasis on developing young people who can contribute to their communities.
Think carefully about the challenges affecting your community or country.
These might include unemployment, poor access to education, healthcare challenges, food insecurity or limited opportunities for young people.
Explain how your proposed education could help you contribute to addressing a problem you understand.
Avoid making unrealistic promises. Present a practical vision that connects your interests, education and future plans.
Prepare a convincing personal essay
Your personal essay should tell your story.
Rather than repeating your examination results, explain what motivates you and what experiences have shaped your ambitions.
A useful structure is:
- Introduce your background and academic interests.
- Explain an experience that influenced your ambitions.
- Describe your leadership or community involvement.
- Explain why your intended course of study matters.
- Discuss how you hope to use your education to contribute to society.
Use genuine examples from your own life.
Do not copy essays from previous scholarship recipients. Their experiences can guide your preparation, but your application must reflect your own story.
Be honest about your financial circumstances
Financial need is an important consideration in Ashesi’s scholarship selection process.
Provide accurate information about your family’s income, financial responsibilities and ability to support your education.
Where supporting documents are requested, provide them.
Never exaggerate your financial situation to improve your chances.
Prepare for the interview
If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your application.
Possible preparation questions include:
- Why do you want to study at Ashesi University?
- What does leadership mean to you?
- Tell us about a problem you helped solve in your community.
- Why have you chosen your intended course?
- What challenges have you overcome?
- How do you intend to contribute to your community after graduation?
- Why do you need financial assistance?
These are practice questions, not confirmed Ashesi interview questions.
Prepare thoughtful answers using real experiences.
8. Videos and Practical Resources to Help You Prepare
Watching videos from students and previous scholarship recipients can help you understand the application process and university experience.
However, distinguish between official university information and personal experiences shared by individuals.
The following resources are useful starting points.
A. Hear from Ashesi Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Ashesi links this student-experience video from its official scholarship page.
It gives prospective applicants an opportunity to hear about the experiences of students connected to the programme.
Veronica Obenewaa’s Ashesi Story on YouTube
B. Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application
Ashesi provides an official resource titled Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application.
This is particularly useful for applicants who want to understand how to prepare a competitive scholarship application.
Watch Ashesi’s scholarship application guidance.
C. How to write a strong scholarship personal essay
Your personal essay is an opportunity to communicate your experiences, ambitions and leadership potential.
Tanatswa Mhiribidi, Ashesi University student shares on YouTube, how to write the scholarship essay
Watch Tanatswa Mhiribidi’s scholarship personal essay guidance on YouTube.
D. How to prepare for a scholarship interview
An interview gives the selection committee an opportunity to understand your personality, motivations and ambitions.
Tanatswa Mhiribidi shares on YouTube, practical tips on how she aced the Ashesi University Interview.
Watch Tanatswa Mhiribidi’s Ashesi University Interview guidance on YouTube.
A word of caution: Use videos as learning resources, not as templates to copy. Never plagiarise another applicant’s personal statement, essay or application responses. Your application should be original and truthful.
9. Official Sources and Frequently Asked Questions
Official scholarship and application links
For accurate information, always prioritise the university’s official website.
- Ashesi Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Ashesi University Undergraduate Admissions
- Ashesi University Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Ashesi Online Application Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Ashesi Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The programme is described by Ashesi as one of its most comprehensive scholarships. It covers university fees, room and board, and learning resources. Additional socioeconomic support is also provided. Applicants should confirm the specific award conditions in their admission package.
2. Can students from different African countries apply?
The programme is designed to support young Africans, particularly those from economically disadvantaged communities. Applicants must also satisfy Ashesi’s admission requirements and the applicable scholarship conditions.
3. Can I apply directly for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship?
No separate Mastercard Foundation scholarship application is required according to Ashesi’s published instructions. Applicants complete the general admission and scholarship application. The university determines which scholarship they may receive.
4. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Not necessarily. Ashesi requires evidence of English proficiency from international students whose previous education was not conducted in English. IELTS and TOEFL are listed as examples. Contact admissions to confirm which evidence is acceptable in your circumstances.
5. Does receiving admission guarantee a scholarship?
No. Admission and scholarship decisions are separate. Scholarship funding is competitive and depends on demonstrated financial need and available funds.
6. Can I apply before receiving my final examination results?
Yes. Ashesi encourages applicants to apply while awaiting standardised examination results. You can add the results when they become available and resubmit your application.
7. Where can I get assistance if I cannot afford the application fee?
Ashesi allows applicants to request an application fee waiver by emailing admissions@ashesi.edu.gh. The university determines eligibility after reviewing the applicant’s responses to a short questionnaire.
8. Must scholarship recipients return to their home countries after graduation?
The Ashesi scholarship page emphasises community contribution and service. Applicants should consult the official programme conditions for any specific post-graduation obligations.
Final Thoughts
The Ashesi University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers an important opportunity for talented African students who need financial assistance to access quality higher education.
However, applicants should understand that academic ability alone may not be enough. Financial need, leadership potential and a commitment to community development are also important.
Start preparing your documents early, tell your story honestly and take time to understand what the university expects from its scholars.
Most importantly, do not wait until the final application deadline to begin.
EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 for African Students
Good luck with your application!
Last updated: November 2026. Applicants should confirm the latest deadlines, admission requirements and scholarship conditions directly with Ashesi University before applying.