A decade-long scholarship program to advance women’s access to education, leadership, and innovation across the continent
University Mohammed VI Polytechnic and the Mastercard Foundation have launched the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P, a landmark ten-year collaboration designed to promote women’s leadership and inclusion in higher education across Africa.
The initiative aims to address a persistent structural challenge — the underrepresentation of women in higher education and leadership, particularly in the fields of STEM, digital technologies, and entrepreneurship.
Over the next decade, 575 young women from across Africa will benefit from full scholarships and comprehensive support, allowing them to pursue studies in strategic disciplines including engineering, agriculture, renewable energy, hospitality and tourism, architecture, emerging technologies, political science, and nursing.
Special attention will be given to women facing barriers to education — such as those from rural areas, refugees, young mothers, and students with disabilities — in alignment with the Foundation’s inclusive education vision.
A Model of Holistic Empowerment
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UM6P follows a three-phase model: a personalized integration process, an enriched academic journey with mentoring and leadership training, and post-graduation support through UM6P’s networks and alumni community.
Aligned with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy — which aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030 — the program combines academic excellence with social impact.
The partnership provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition and living expenses, but also emphasizes psychosocial support, mentoring, and civic engagement. Scholars are encouraged to actively contribute to their communities during and after their studies.
A Transformative Partnership Anchored in Research and Inclusion
Rooted within UM6P’s ecosystem of applied research and innovation, the program gives scholars access to state-of-the-art experimental platforms, such as the University’s experimental farm, energy park, and mining laboratory.
With 55% female enrollment and 80% of students receiving scholarships, UM6P already stands as a model of inclusivity and equity in higher education.
The first cohort of 40 Mastercard Foundation Scholars, representing nine African countries — Rwanda, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Benin, and Morocco — officially joined the Benguerir campus in September 2025.
Together, UM6P and the Mastercard Foundation are laying the groundwork for a new generation of African women leaders, equipped to shape a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable continent.
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