The American University in Cairo (AUC), one of Africa’s leading universities, offers full Mastercard Foundation Scholarships to talented young Africans who need financial help. Recent secondary-school graduates from any African country can apply for undergraduate study starting in Spring 2027 or Fall 2027, with tuition, housing, a stipend, a laptop, health insurance and an annual return flight covered.
Graduate students: AUC also runs a Mastercard Foundation Scholars fellowship for master’s study. Opportunity Desk lists its deadline as 2 November 2026 (today), so if you were planning a graduate application, submit immediately or watch for the next round.
Key Details
- University: The American University in Cairo, Egypt
- Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (undergraduate)
- Intake: Spring 2027 or Fall 2027
- Field: any major
- Funding: full scholarship
- Who: African citizens living in Africa who finished secondary school in 2025–2026
Benefits
- full tuition and fees
- a stipend in the fall and spring semesters
- housing in a standard double room in AUC residences (if you don’t live in Cairo or Giza)
- one laptop
- medical services and health insurance
- AUC bus subscription or travel allowance
- intensive English training for some students
- one return flight a year for students not living in Egypt
- specialised software or IT for students with disabilities
- leadership development, workshops and fieldwork with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars network
Eligibility
- citizen of at least one African country (including North Africa) and currently living in Africa
- secondary-school graduate in the 2025–2026 academic year — transfer students are not eligible
- meet AUC’s admission requirements
- high academic achievement and financial need
- active involvement in extracurricular activities
- English: IELTS 5.5 (writing 5.5), or TOEFL 62 (writing 17), or Duolingo 115
How to Apply: Three Steps
- Submit the AUC admission application on the AUC application portal and answer “Yes” to “Are you interested in applying for a scholarship?” — if you don’t, you can’t be considered for any scholarship this cycle.
- Complete the AUC Scholarship Application from the link emailed to you, and tick the box to be considered for scholarships (this covers Mastercard Foundation and other donor-funded awards).
- Complete the Scholarship Financial Assessment Application when you receive the link.
Full instructions: AUC scholarship application steps. Admission rules: AUC undergraduate admissions. Programme page: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUC.
Deadline: AUC has not published a separate closing date for this scholarship. Your admission application for Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 must be in on time, so check AUC’s admission deadlines and apply as early as possible. Questions: [email protected].
Tips
- Book your IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo test now and aim above the minimum.
- Gather proof of financial need early (income letters, school fee records).
- Show leadership through clubs, volunteering or family responsibilities.
- Don’t forget to tick “Yes” for scholarships on the admission form — it’s the step most people miss.
