Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P

Empowering the next generation of African women leaders. 

At UM6P, we believe in the transformative power of young African women. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P is more than a scholarship - it's a transformational journey. Designed to support talented and driven young women from across Africa, from all backgrounds – urban, rural, young mothers, young women with disabilities, and those from refugee and/or displaced communities –  the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to provide access to world-class education while driving leadership development, an entrepreneurial mindset and a lifelong sisterhood of changemakers. 

With the support of the Mastercard Foundation, UM6P is committed to empower 575 Mastercard Foundation female Scholars over the next ten years, shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for Africa, one scholar at a time.  

 

Main Objectives of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:  

The main objectives of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P are : 

▪ Improve inclusive access to quality education for talented young African women 

▪ Develop entrepreneurial and innovation skills among the female Scholars  

▪ Facilitate transition to the job market for 575  Scholars 

▪ Foster a Pan-African sisterhood through the Alumni network 

 

Key Features : 

• Fully funded tuition fees at UM6P, one of Africa’s top-ranked institutions 

• Training in high-impact sectors for the continent: agriculture, engineering, architecture, computer science, data & AI, business & management, hospitality & tourism, and social sciences—fields aligned with Africa’s development priorities 

• Onboarding activities to foster your integration at UM6P and in Morocco 

• Comprehensive student support throughout their journey at UM6P, including academic mentoring, mental health services, and personalized coaching to ensure students’ success and well-being 

• Personalized support for students with specific needs including young mothers, students with disabilities, refugees and  displaced young women  through adapted services, flexible procedures, and dedicated guidance. 

• Leadership, entrepreneurship & soft skills development, embedded in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program through workshops, real-world projects, and civic engagement initiatives. Opportunities for exchanges with inspiring women with the aim of developing female leadership 

• Internships, mentorship, and job market integration to facilitate a smooth transition from university to dignified and fulfilling work   

• Strong focus on community impact and pan-African solidarity, encouraging Mastercard Foundation Scholars to give back and lead change within their local ecosystems 

 

Who Should Apply? 

We are looking for young African women who are: 

• Academically talented and motivated 

• Interested in studying fields critical to Africa’s future 

• Committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond 

• Facing financial constraints and/or specific barriers to access higher education 

• Eager to engage in extracurricular leadership, entrepreneurship, and community-oriented initiatives as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 

We believe that  African women shouldn’t  be held back from pursuing education because of   financial constraints, social expectations, gender imbalance, or disability. 
We are committed to breaking down these barriers and creating equitable opportunities for all African women who aspire to learn, grow, and lead with excellence. 

 

How to Apply 

1. Apply to UM6P 

Candidates must first go through the UM6P admission process, which includes an online application. Candidates who will be eligible on academic background will take an entrance exam (oral and written) based on academic eligibility. 

Please see here the link to apply and the different deadlines : admissions/um6p.com 

2. Apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P 

Once admitted to UM6P, eligible students may submit a separate application to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. 

 

What the Program Covers 

• Full tuition coverage 

• Housing and living expenses 

• Health insurance 

• Annual flight tickets to return home  

• Language training in English and French 

• Opportunities for international exposure  

• Leadership and career coaching 

• Entrepreneurship course and support to students who have a startup project 

• Dedicated support for people with disabilities, refugees and displaced people   

• Access to a powerful alumni sisterhood 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Why a 100% Female Program? 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P is built on a bold belief: when African women rise, everyone rises. Despite major progress, structural barriers continue to limit girls’ access to quality education and leadership opportunities. By focusing exclusively on women, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars  Program seeks to level the playing field and equip the next generation of female innovators, leaders, and changemakers with the tools they need to lead Africa's transformation. 

Who is eligible to apply? 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P targets young talented  women across Africa (with top academic records, leadership potential and social engagement), particularly  

• Young women facing barriers to access higher education 

• Young women living in rural or underserved regions 

• Young mothers, refugees, displaced people 

• Young women with disabilities 

• French- or English-speaking profiles 

What levels of study are supported? 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P supports both undergraduate and graduate studies, depending on the student’s academic background and the availability of eligible programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, engineering, and advanced (Bac+6) degrees. 

What fields of study are supported? 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P prioritizes subjects linked to Africa’s development and the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy: 

• Agriculture 

• Engineering  

• Architecture 

• Computer Sciences, Data & AI 

• Business & Management 

• Hospitality & Tourism 

• Economics & Social Sciences 

 

What programs are supported ? 

• All master's programs at UM6P (GTI, SAP+D, ABS, SCI, FGSES)  

• The Architecture degree at SAP+D  

• Engineering schools, with admission into integrated preparatory classes or the first year of the engineering cycle  

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing at ISSBP  

• Bachelor’s in Management and Hospitality at SHBM  

 

What are the selection criteria? 

Applicants are selected based on: 

• Academic excellence 

• Leadership potential and motivation 

• Commitment to social impact 

• Financial need or facing social and economic  barriers   

• Passing UM6P’s entrance exam or Step Up program 

 

Do I need identification or official documents to apply? 

UM6P is committed to inclusive access to education. We welcome applications from refugee and displaced individuals, including those who may not have complete documentation. 

Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with care and in collaboration with relevant national and international authorities. Working closely with AMCI and UNHCR, we strive to identify flexible and lawful solutions that align with Moroccan regulations. 

Our goal is to ensure that no eligible candidate is excluded due to administrative barriers. If you have questions or need support with your application, please contact our admissions team. 

 

What is the Step Up Program? 

Step Up is a one-year preparatory track opportunity for talented applicants who didn’t pass the initial entrance exam for UM6P engineering degrees. It includes: 

• Advanced training in scientific subjects, especially maths 

• Personal development, soft skills, and languages 

• Cultural exposure and international experience 

• Full funding (tuition, housing, meals, study trip) 

 

How is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P different from a regular scholarship? 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P is not just a scholarship—it’s a transformational journey. It includes mentoring, leadership development, community engagement, and post-graduation support through a lifelong alumni network. 

 

Will I be supported after graduation? 

Yes,the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P continues after graduation with: 

• Job transition and career services 

• Homecoming events and exchange programs 

• Alumni-led mentoring and community initiatives 

• Lifelong connections with the UM6P ecosystem 

 

Contact Us 

For more information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P, please write to us at: 
mastercardfoundationscholar@um6p.ma 

Or contact M. Omar Dahbi : omar.dahbi@um6p.ma