ALU helps to build the skills that a young leader and entrepreneur will need for the future. Harness the characteristics essential for creating a mission-based life of impact and purpose. Aimed at enabling the most promising young leaders from across Africa to access an ALU education, despite financial adversity or economic barriers, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU implements a full scholarship programme and places particular emphasis on young women, refugees, and differently-abled young Africans.
The African Leadership University (ALU) is an undergraduate and postgraduate institution that uses a unique and innovative learning model that integrates students’ learning with the real world and empowers students to take ownership of their own learning.
The broader African Leadership Group | Mastercard Foundation partnership was initiated in 2020 with the goal of developing and placing 2 Million young women and men into dignified and fulfilling jobs by 2030.
Aimed at enabling the most promising young leaders from across Africa to access an ALU education, despite financial adversity or economic hardship. The program implements a full scholarship programme and places particular emphasis on young women, refugees, and differently-abled young Africans.
Since the partnership’s inception, ALU has enrolled 768 Mastercard Foundation Scholars into its programs. 68% of this figure are young women, 19% (147) account for refugees/ displaced young persons, and ~1%  for young persons with disabilities.
ALU has enrolled Scholars from 32 countries as illustrated below;
Since its inception, ALU has made great strides toward ensuring the development and placement of young Africans into dignified and fulfilling jobs. Today, 96% of young leaders at ALU who responded to our surveys reported their jobs as dignified and fulfilling. 80% of our graduates report placement within 6 months, with an average salary of $12,000 per year. Entrepreneurship continues to fuel job creation – our entrepreneurs continue to break records, with over 20,000 jobs created and over $3 million raised. Without a doubt, Mastercard Foundation Scholars consistently demonstrate their commitment to doing hard things and giving back.
Partnership Highlights
The Mastercard Foundation and African Leadership University launched their partnership in 2020 with the shared goal of developing and placing two million African youth in dignified and fulfilling jobs by 2030.
Since its inception, the program at ALU has achieved the following:
768 Mastercard Foundation Scholars enrolled
68 percent are young women
19 percent are refugees or displaced youth
Approximately 1 percent are young people with disabilities
Scholars represent 32 African countries
Program Outcomes
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at ALU are achieving strong academic and career outcomes:
80 percent of graduates secure employment within six months
96 percent of scholars report that their work is dignified and fulfilling
Graduates earn an average annual salary of 12,000 USD
Scholar-led enterprises have created more than 20,000 jobs
More than 3 million USD has been raised by student and alumni entrepreneurs
These outcomes reflect the program’s emphasis on leadership, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
Scholar Profiles
Isata Dem (Sierra Leone)
International Business and Trade
Isata is dedicated to advancing socio-economic development and government accountability. She has led six community projects in Rwanda through the Rotaract Club of ALU and completed an internship with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in Sierra Leone.
Erjok Samuel Mach (South Sudan)
Software Engineering
Erjok advocates for education access for refugees and displaced persons. A Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumnus, he uses technology to promote inclusive learning pathways for vulnerable communities.
Application and Admission Information
Intake: January 2026
Applications: Open and ongoing
Application deadline: November 1, 2025
- Apply or get more info here https://www.alueducation.com/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-at-alu/
Tuition and Financial Aid
Financial aid and full scholarships are available for applicants with demonstrated financial need, with priority given to young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Important Notice
ALU does not charge any fees for applications and does not use agents. Applicants must submit their own applications directly through the university’s official portal. Any individual or organization requesting payment to facilitate an application should be considered fraudulent.
Accreditation
All ALU degree programs are accredited by the Higher Education Council of the Republic of Rwanda.
Campus Location
ALU Rwanda Campus
Bumbogo, Kigali Innovation City
Kigali, Rwanda
