CMU-Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Tech and AI Master’s in Rwanda

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) funds master’s degrees in technology and artificial intelligence in Kigali, Rwanda. It is for young Africans with strong grades who face financial barriers. Applications for the September 2027 intake are open now.

Status: Open. The early deadline is December 15, 2026, and the final deadline is January 15, 2027 (checked October 15, 2026). Apply by the early deadline if you can. CMU-Africa then covers your competency test fees.

Master’s degrees you can study

• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
• Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS ECE)
• Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI)

All three are full-time programmes at the CMU-Africa campus in Kigali. Graduates receive a Carnegie Mellon University degree.

What the scholarship covers

• Full tuition and fees
• Health insurance
• Travel and basic living expenses
• Support with your application and orientation
• Project and entrepreneurship support
• Career preparation, leadership training and give-back activities

Who can apply

• Young Africans who face social and economic barriers to education
• Applicants with strong academic results, usually a first degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, IT or a related field
• People who show a commitment to giving back and the potential to lead

You must first be admitted to one of the three master’s programmes. Admitted students who meet the scholarship criteria are then considered for the award.

Key dates

How to apply

1. Choose your programme: MSIT, MS ECE or MS EAI.
2. Prepare your passport or national ID, degree certificate, transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and the contacts of your referees.
3. Apply on the Carnegie Mellon graduate admissions portal, choosing CMU-Africa.
4. Complete the CMU-Africa competency test and any English test you are asked for.
5. Submit by December 15, 2026 for the early deadline, or by January 15, 2027 at the latest.

Read the full details on the official CMU-Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars page and the CMU-Africa how to apply page. For questions, write to af*********@********mu.edu.

Tips before you apply

• Apply early. The early deadline saves you the test fees and gives you more time if a document is missing.
• In your statement of purpose, say what problem in your country you want to solve with technology.
• Show leadership and community work with real examples, not general claims.
• Ask your referees now, so their letters arrive on time.

Which CMU-Africa master’s programme is right for you?

Choose the degree based on the work you want to do, not simply because it comes with scholarship support. The Master of Science in Information Technology covers the business and technology side of complex digital systems. Electrical and Computer Engineering is a better fit for applicants interested in computing hardware, communications and related engineering. Engineering Artificial Intelligence is directed at engineering problems involving AI.

The scholarship is awarded through CMU-Africa’s admissions process. Being eligible to apply for admission does not guarantee a Mastercard Foundation award. The university considers academic preparation, financial barriers, leadership and community contribution when assessing eligible students.

Important application detail after the early deadline

The CMU-Africa admissions guidance explains that applicants who submit after December 15, 2026 must provide a valid accepted English-language test result for their application to be considered by the January 15 final deadline. Apply earlier if you need time to arrange a test. The university may also require competency tests, and early applicants benefit from covered competency-test fees under the published terms. Read CMU-Africa’s current admissions FAQ.

Application preparation checklist

• Confirm that your bachelor’s courses meet the admission prerequisites of MSIT, MS ECE or MS EAI.
• Keep clear transcripts, degree records and a current CV ready.
• Prepare a statement identifying one specific African technology or engineering challenge you have worked on or hope to address.
• Explain what you learned from actual leadership or community projects rather than relying on broad statements about impact.
• Review the admissions portal for the current referee, test and document requirements before you submit.

CMU-Africa scholarship FAQs

Can Nigerian and Ghanaian students apply?

The programme serves eligible African applicants, including candidates from Nigeria and Ghana. Academic admission and the scholarship selection criteria still apply.

Do I have to apply for the Mastercard scholarship separately?

CMU-Africa says you must first be admitted to an eligible master’s programme to be considered for the Scholars Program. Follow any scholarship-specific instructions supplied during the application.

Are all Carnegie Mellon campuses covered?

No. This article covers the CMU-Africa master’s programmes in Kigali, Rwanda. It does not describe general funding for CMU’s US campuses.

Is January 15, 2027 the early deadline?

No. December 15, 2026 is the early deadline; January 15, 2027 is the final application deadline.

Source: CMU-Africa admissions instructions and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Related guides

• ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: Master’s Funding for African Students
• Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Europe for Nigerian Students
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Details are taken from the official CMU-Africa website, checked on October 15, 2026. Confirm the current rules there before you apply.