Are you a recent graduate in Nigeria or West Africa, struggling to get your first real job? Applications are open for Cohort 2 of the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program. The programme places young graduates in 12-month paid work placements inside real organisations, with a monthly stipend, training and structured mentorship.
Jobberman runs Phase 2 of the programme in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, with a target of 3,650 Associates.
Deadline: reported as 21 October 2026. The official application form does not show a closing date, so apply as soon as you can.
About the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program
Every year, thousands of young graduates spend months stuck between school and work. Employers say they lack experience, but they cannot get experience without a job. The Mastercard Foundation partnered with Jobberman in 2023 to close this gap.
The programme connects young people, especially recent graduates and alumni of Mastercard Foundation programmes, with paid placements, employability and enrichment training, and mentorship. In Phase 1, it placed 370 Associates in Nigeria and Ghana. Phase 2 now covers five countries.
Benefits for Associates
- A structured 12-month paid work placement inside a real organisation
- A monthly stipend
- Employability and enrichment training before and during the placement
- Structured mentorship
- A track record and credential that can help you get a full-time job after the placement
- Possible extra benefits from your host employer. Employers are encouraged to co-fund the stipend, offer health insurance or a pension, or keep strong Associates on full time.
Who Can Apply?
According to the official application form and Jobberman’s programme page, you should:
- Be 18 to 34 years old (the application form says 18–34; Jobberman’s page says 18–35)
- Hold at least a diploma or first degree
- Be unemployed or underemployed, with 0–2 years of work experience
- Live in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone or The Gambia
- Have completed your country’s mandatory national service, where it applies (for example, NYSC in Nigeria)
Graduates from all disciplines can apply. The programme strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities and refugees and displaced persons, and offers reasonable accommodations. Alumni of Mastercard Foundation programmes are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Documents You Need
- A valid government-issued ID that shows your date of birth
- Your national service certificate (e.g. NYSC) or an official exemption letter
- Evidence of participation in a Mastercard Foundation programme, if this applies to you
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
Application Deadline
The deadline has been reported as 21 October 2026, but the official form and Jobberman’s page do not state a closing date. Submit your application early rather than waiting for the last day.
How to Apply
Applying takes two stages:
- Program application: complete the official Mastercard Foundation Associates Program application form. This confirms you are eligible.
- Job application: if you are eligible, use the link in your confirmation message to visit the career site. Browse the open roles and apply for one that matches your skills, uploading your CV when asked.
- Apply for more roles: you can apply for other suitable roles to improve your chances.
You can read more on Jobberman’s official programme page. For questions, contact [email protected].
More Graduate Opportunities
- SageForge Graduate Programme 2026: A 12-Month Leadership Journey for Graduates (closes 31 October 2026)
- Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship 2027: Study, Lead and Build Your Future (closes 18 November 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program paid?
Yes. Associates receive a monthly stipend during the 12-month placement.
Which countries can apply?
Phase 2 is open to candidates in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
Do I need work experience?
No. The programme is for young professionals with 0–2 years of work experience who are unemployed or underemployed.
Do I need my NYSC certificate?
Yes, if national service applies in your country. You must upload your NYSC certificate or an official exemption letter.
