Are you an African student with dreams of advancing your education abroad? The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This fully funded scholarship program offers incredible support for students from Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and South Sudan who are seeking to pursue graduate studies.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is one of the most prestigious educational opportunities available, offering everything you need for a successful academic journey. This includes tuition, accommodation, living stipends, laptop, flight expenses, and even meals at university canteens.
In this post, we will guide you through everything you need to know about this scholarship — from eligibility requirements to the application process and the benefits it offers.
Mastercard Scholarship at Gondar University Summary
Host Country:
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Ethiopia
Eligibility:
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Citizens and permanent residents of Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and South Sudan
Scholarship Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Accommodation and boarding
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Living stipend
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Flight expenses
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Laptop
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Meals at the university canteen
No IELTS Required
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Applicants are not required to submit IELTS scores for admission.
Deadline for Application:
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June 30, 2025
What is the Mastercard Scholarship at Gondar University?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University is a fully funded scholarship program designed to help academically talented students from East Africa pursue graduate studies at Gondar University in Ethiopia.
The scholarship is specifically intended to support students from Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and South Sudan, who face financial challenges in accessing higher education. The program aims to provide these students with the academic, financial, and social support needed to succeed.
Scholarship Duration:
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University is part of an ongoing initiative to provide 160 graduate scholarships over an eight-year period, starting from the 2018/19 academic year. This means that the scholarship will continue to support students until 2026.
Through this scholarship, Mastercard seeks to empower students to acquire transformational leadership skills and become influential leaders who will drive positive socio-economic change in their communities and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard Scholarship at Gondar University 2025
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University is open to students who meet the following requirements:
1. Academic Requirements:
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You must have earned a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study from a recognized university.
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You should have graduated within the last 5 years and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Residency and Nationality:
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You must be a citizen and permanent resident of one of the following East African countries:
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Ethiopia
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Somalia
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Eritrea
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South Sudan
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Djibouti
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You should have lived in one of these countries for at least 5 years at the time of your application.
3. Gender and Disability Considerations:
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Female applicants who face financial challenges are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Youth applicants with disabilities are also highly encouraged to apply. The Mastercard Foundation is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education.
Benefits of the Mastercard Scholarship at Gondar University
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University offers an extensive range of benefits, ensuring that students receive full support throughout their academic journey. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Full Tuition Coverage:
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the entire duration of your graduate program. This ensures that you can focus on your studies without the burden of tuition expenses.
2. Accommodation and Boarding:
Successful applicants will be provided with accommodation and boarding at the university, making it easier for you to settle in and concentrate on your academics.
3. Living Stipend:
A living stipend will be provided to help cover other day-to-day expenses, including transportation, food, and other personal costs.
4. Flight Expenses:
The scholarship also includes flight expenses, ensuring that you have the means to travel to and from Ethiopia at the start and end of your academic program.
5. Laptop:
You will be provided with a laptop to assist you with your academic work, research, and other study-related activities.
6. Meals at University Canteen:
Meals are covered by the scholarship, providing you with the convenience of enjoying meals at the university canteen without worrying about additional costs.
7. Academic and Social Support:
In addition to financial support, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides academic and social support throughout your time at the university. You will also have access to leadership development programs, summer camps, and other extracurricular activities that help build your skills for the future.
Required Documents for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University, candidates must submit the following documents:
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Completed Application Form
Ensure you fill out the official application form completely and accurately. -
Medical Paper (If Applicable)
If you have a disability, you must submit a medical paper signed by a health professional that details your disability type and degree. -
Detailed Resume:
Provide a detailed resume that outlines your academic background, non-academic achievements, volunteer work, and any leadership roles you have taken on. -
Transcripts:
Submit your elementary, high school, and university transcripts or student copies. -
Letters of Recommendation:
You must provide two letters of recommendation from previous universities or academic mentors. -
National/Resident Identification:
Submit a copy of your national ID, resident ID card, or passport. -
Testimonial of Economic Disadvantage:
This can be provided by your local Kebele/Woreda Administrator. -
Criminal Record Statement:
A letter from the District Police Office regarding your criminal record (if applicable). -
Community Engagement Testimonial:
A letter that details your voluntary community service and leadership contributions.
Eligible Courses for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University supports graduate students in a variety of fields. Some of the eligible programs include:
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Accounting
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Development and Environmental Management Studies
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Economics
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Gender and Development Studies
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Law
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Logistics
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Management
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Marketing
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Nursing
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Optometry
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Physiotherapy
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Psychology
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Public Health
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Sociology
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Special Needs and Inclusive Education
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Tourism
If you are interested in any of these fields, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you to further your education at Gondar University.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University
Interested and eligible applicants can follow these steps to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University:
Step 1: Visit the Application Page
Click on the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage to begin the application process.
Step 2: Download the Application Form
Download the application form in English. Ensure you fill it out completely, providing information about your academic achievements, financial need, and disability status (if applicable).
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Prepare all the necessary documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, medical papers (if applicable), and any other required information.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application form along with scanned copies of your documents. You can submit your application by email to uogmcfsp@gmail.com or by mail to:
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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
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P.O. Box 1082
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Gondar, Ethiopia
Step 5: Wait for Response
After submission, wait for a response regarding your application. Be sure to check your email for any further instructions or requests for additional information.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Gondar University is an incredible opportunity for talented African students from Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and South Sudan to pursue graduate education with full financial support. With benefits ranging from tuition coverage to flight expenses and laptop provisions, this scholarship offers everything you need to succeed academically.
Be sure to meet the eligibility requirements and submit your application by the June 30, 2025 deadline to be considered for this life-changing opportunity. Good luck with your application, and take the first step toward an empowering academic and professional journey at Gondar University!
