The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana is a transformative initiative that provides academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people from Ghana and across Africa with access to quality university education. This fully-funded scholarship program aims to empower the next generation of ethical and transformative leaders who will drive positive change on the African continent.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST (MCFSP at KNUST) is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and KNUST that offers comprehensive scholarships for undergraduate studies. The program provides a holistic educational experience that goes beyond academic excellence, equipping scholars with the skills, mentorship, and support necessary to become agents of change in their communities and across Africa.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants to the MCFSP at KNUST will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- Fully paid on-campus accommodation
- Learning materials and resources
- Transportation allowance
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
In addition to financial support, the program offers a range of services and opportunities designed to foster personal and professional growth, including:
- Counseling and support services
- Career development services (industrial mentorship, career guidance, professional development, and enterprise development)
- Regular group meetings and activities focused on personal and professional development
- Continued academic support through mentoring, virtual learning, and tutoring
- Opportunities to participate in leadership congresses, community service, and mentoring initiatives (Go-Back Give-Back)
- Uniquely sourced internships with industry partners for professional development
- Access to the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni network and the Global Scholars Community
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MCFSP at KNUST, prospective candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a valid WASSCE, GBCE, ABCE, GCE O-Level, or A-Level results (or equivalent) from an accredited/recognized institution. Results must not be more than five years old.
- Meet KNUST’s admission requirements for the desired undergraduate program.
- Demonstrate critical economic needs.
- Have proven records of leadership and community engagement.
- Be prepared to “Go-Back and Give-Back” to their communities after completing their studies.
- Not be enrolled in any other tertiary institution.
Priority will be given to female applicants, displaced persons (certified refugees, internally displaced persons, etc.), and persons with disabilities.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply for the MCFSP at KNUST by following these steps:
- Download the application form from the program’s website: www.mcf.knust.edu.gh.
- Complete the application form accurately and provide all required documents.
- Submit the completed application form via courier mail (e.g., EMS, DHL, FedEx, UPS) to:
The Program Manager
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST
No. 1 Africa Hall Road, Impact Building
PMB, UPO KNUST, Kumasi
AK 315 4897, Ghana International applicants must also include the printout of their application for admission at KNUST and original certificates for their O-Level and A-Level results (or equivalent).
The application deadline for the 2024/2025 academic year is May 31, 2024.
Why Choose the MCFSP at KNUST?
The MCFSP at KNUST offers a unique opportunity for talented and driven individuals to pursue their academic dreams while developing the skills and mindset necessary to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and across Africa. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this program:
- Access to Quality Education: KNUST is a renowned institution in Ghana and Africa, offering a wide range of undergraduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and other fields. The scholarship provides access to this high-quality education, which would otherwise be out of reach for many economically disadvantaged students.
- Holistic Development: The program goes beyond academic excellence, providing a comprehensive support system that nurtures personal growth, leadership skills, and community engagement. Scholars receive mentorship, participate in workshops and seminars, and have opportunities to apply their knowledge through internships and community service initiatives.
- Global Network: As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, you become part of a global community of like-minded individuals committed to making a positive impact. This network offers invaluable connections, resources, and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
- Transformative Impact: The MCFSP at KNUST is designed to empower scholars to become agents of change in their communities and across Africa. By equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset, the program aims to create a ripple effect of positive transformation.
- Financial Support: The comprehensive scholarship package alleviates the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education, allowing scholars to focus on their studies and personal growth without the added stress of financial constraints.
Success Stories and Alumni Impact
The MCFSP at KNUST has already produced numerous success stories, with alumni making significant contributions in various fields and communities across Africa. Here are a few inspiring examples:
- Kwame Agyeman, a 2018 graduate, founded a social enterprise that provides affordable and sustainable housing solutions for low-income communities in Ghana, using locally sourced materials and employing local labor.
- Fatima Suleiman, a 2019 graduate, is working with a non-profit organization in Nigeria to promote girls’ education and empowerment through mentorship programs and advocacy initiatives.
- Adewale Ogunbiyi, a 2017 graduate, is a software engineer at a leading technology company in Kenya, where he is developing innovative solutions to address challenges in the agriculture sector.
These alumni, and many others, are living examples of the transformative power of the MCFSP at KNUST, demonstrating how access to quality education, coupled with a commitment to community service, can create lasting positive change.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at KNUST, Ghana 2024 represent a life-changing opportunity for academically talented and economically disadvantaged young people from Ghana and across Africa.
By providing comprehensive financial support, holistic personal and professional development, and access to a global network of like-minded individuals, the program equips scholars with the tools and mindset necessary to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
If you are a driven and socially conscious individual with a passion for making a difference, consider applying for the MCFSP at KNUST.
This transformative program could be the catalyst that propels you towards a future where you not only achieve academic excellence but also contribute to the sustainable development of Africa.
For more information and to apply, visit the program’s website at www.mcf.knust.edu.gh.
Also Read:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST, Ghana 2024
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST
Eligibility Criteria for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at KNUST
Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at KNUST, Ghana
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST: Changing Lives
