Call for Applications for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa

Scholarship Overview:

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars Program. This initiative will offer academically talented youth from Africa facing financial, gender, displacement, or disability constraints an opportunity to access world class university education.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa will provide full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate degree-seeking applicants. -By completion of their studies, scholars will be required to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent, having been equipped with internationally recognized and locally applicable qualifications.

Eligibility:

1. Only youth not exceeding 29 years old in the following categories qualify:

• Young women and men. Young women are strongly encouraged to apply
• Refugees and displaced youth;
• Youth with disabilities.

2. Scholars must demonstrate the following qualities:

• Academic talent: They must value learning and have a personal motivation to complete their education. Must meet the university admissions requirement as per the Kenya Commission for University Education or its equivalent.
• Commitment to giving back: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to improving their communities through previous and/or past engagements with community outreach activities.
• Leadership potential: Scholars must show commitment to becoming change makers, role models and mentors who embrace ethical leadership.

3. Must be interested in, and meet USIU admissions criteria and academic qualifications to undertake, any of the approved 11 undergraduate degree program for the Scholars Program at USIU-Africa as follows:

• School of Science and Technology (SST) – Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology;
• School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS)-Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics;
• School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts (SCCCA) – Bachelor of Arts in Animation, Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Directing;
• Chandaria School of Business Administration (CSOB)- Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting;
• School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) -Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology)
• More information about the above highlighted degree programs can be found at the university website: undergraduate-programs/

Application process:

• Interested applicants can download the application forms from www.usiu.ac.ke/mcf-scholarship or pick from Main Administration Building, Admissions Office, USIU-Africa at no cost.
• Submit completed application forms by email as an attachment, ensuring that the scanned copy of the scholarship application form and all required documents are clearly legible and send to: mcfsp-applications@usiu.ac.ke or drop at Main Administration Building, Admissions Office, USIU-Africa or post to:

Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, USIU-Africa, P.O. Box 14634 - 00800, Nairobi

• Any queries can be directed through e-mail at mcfsp@usiu.ac.ke or phone +254730 116 218 or in person

Benefits of joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa will receive holistic support which includes:

• Tuition and functional fees;
• Laptops, books and other learning materials;
• Reasonable accommodation and meals;
• Medical insurance;
• Stipend;
• Transport to and from home;
• Access to leadership training;
• Access to entrepreneurial training;
• Psycho-social support, career counselling and mentorship;
• Disability needs will be reasonably catered for.

Important dates and deadlines:

• July 15, 2020 – Launch of call for applications for the September 2020 intake.
• August 7, 2020 – Deadline for the submission of applications.
• August 8 – 18, 2020 – Review of applications, interviews and selection of Scholars.
• August 19 -21, 2020 – Communication of the final decision to the selected Scholars.
• August 23 – 29 – Pre-university orientation for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa.
• August 31 – September 4 – Undergraduate orientation week.

Downloads

• Application form
• Call for Applications Advert

Article Documents and Presentations

• MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM

  Category: Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants Downloads; Financial Aid Downloads

Application Procedures & Deadlines

We in the Admissions Office and USIU-Africa as a whole believe that you have made the right choice and are very pleased to have you with us.

Your education takes place in the campus environment, as well as the classrooms. We are committed to provide services that benefit your health, safely, and welfare. We are equally committed to enhancing the opportunities for learning through various activities, recreational programs and personal relationships, which make up the student life.

The following checklist may be used to verify that all the necessary documents have been satisfactorily completed and submitted to the Admissions Office for processing depending on the semester and program of choice. These include:

Application Checklist

Undergraduate Applicants

• Non-refundable Application Fee (KES. 3,000 or USD $50) – No cash payments (see banking options)
• Complete and signed application form (Please observe the deadlines).
• Originals & a copy of all academic transcripts, diplomas or certificates (All originals, where necessary, will be returned
• High School Leaving Certificate.
• One recent passport size photograph (write your name on reverse side).
• Copy of the National Identity Card or Birth Certificate.
• Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Equation Certficate
  (for all Foreign Qualifications)

Graduate Applicants

• Non-refundable Application Fee (KES. 3,000 or USD $50) – No cash payments (see banking options).
• Complete and signed application form (Please observe the deadlines)
• Original and copy of official degree certificate and transcripts for each college or professional school previously attended. (All originals, where necessary, will be returned).
• Originals and a copy of all supportive academic documents
• A two-page essay addressing these two topics:
  • What experiences led you to select your professional objectives.
  • What other two factors would you like to be considered in evaluating your application.
• An updated curriculum vitae/resume.
• Two letters of recommendation (download provided form).
• One recent passport size photography (write your name on reverse side)
• Copy of the National Identity Card or Birth Certificate.
• Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Equation Certficate
  (for all Foreign Qualifications)

Doctoral Applicants

• Non-refundable Application Fee (KES. 3,000 or USD $50) – No cash payments (see banking options).
• Complete and signed application form (Please observe the deadlines).
• Official/Original and copies of all degree certificates and accompanying transcript for both the Master’s and the Bachelor’s degrees attained from each college or professional school previously attended. (All originals, where necessary, will be returned)
• Originals and a copy of all supportive academic documents.
• An updated curriculum vitae/resume.
• One recent passport size photography (write your name on reverse side).
• Copy of the National Identity Card or Birth Certificate.
• Three letters of recommendations from current or past supervisor, or former lecturers, peers or professional in your field. (Recommenders must have known the applicant for at least two (2) years.)
• A one thousand (1000) words biographical letter/essay outlining your achievement, reasons for applying for the post-graduate program and your expectations of the program (DBA & Psy.D applicants only).
• An academic writing sample in APA stylef of between 8-10 pages with references (Psy.D applicants only).
• Submission of a mini-PhD research proposal of between 4-6 pages (PhD.IR applicants only).
• Evidence of academic work published by the applicant (PhD.IR applicants only).
• Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Equation Certficate
  (for all Foreign Qualifications)

International Applicants

• An official translation of ALL academic records (where applicable).
• An official test score of English (TOEFL), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (required for all applicants whose language of instruction is not English).
• Housing Application Form (if required and where applicable. Download provided form).
• A current financial guarantee letter (from your financial sponsors. Download provided form).
• Duly filled Pupil’s Pass Application Form (download provided form).
• Pupil Pass processing fee (KES. 5,000) – No cash payments (see banking options).
• Two recent passport size photographs (write your name on the reverse side).
• Copy of the Applicant’s National Passport.
• Copy of the Sponsor’s National Passport.
• Copy of Applicant’s Bank Statement (if self-sponsored).
• Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance Certificate).
• Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Equation Certficate
  (for all Foreign Qualifications)

See the Complete Details Here  https://www.usiu.ac.ke/mcf-scholarship/

Application Form

Staff Writer

This article was written and edited by a staff writer.