MasterCard WorldWide Scholarship

Name: The MasterCard WorldWide Scholarship Program

Award Amount: $5,000

Information And Eligibility:
The MasterCard WorldWide Scholarship Program has been a long-standing opportunity for talented undergraduate students seeking both financial support and recognition for their academic and leadership achievements. Established in 1999, the program is funded in partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and is designed to support students attending accredited UNCF institutions who demonstrate exceptional potential in business-related fields. The scholarship’s mission is to empower the next generation of leaders in finance, technology, and business by supplying financial assistance to students who show strong academic performance, leadership traits, community involvement, and financial need.

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled as sophomores or juniors at the time of application. Eligible majors include Accounting, Banking, Business or business-related disciplines, Economics, Information Systems, Information Technology, Marketing, and Finance. These fields reflect MasterCard’s commitment to fostering growth in industries critical to global commerce and digital innovation. The program encourages students who aspire to careers in financial services, corporate strategy, risk management, technology, and economic development.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, along with demonstrated financial need as determined by the student’s FAFSA or institutional financial aid profile. Students must attend an accredited UNCF member institution to qualify for this program. While preference is given to applicants from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Missouri due to MasterCard’s strong corporate presence in those regions, students from all U.S. states are eligible and are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants typically show evidence of leadership through involvement in student organizations, community service, mentorship roles, internships, or entrepreneurial projects. Selection committees look for students who exhibit initiative, integrity, strong communication skills, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to their fields of study.

Scholarship funds—up to $5,000—may be used toward tuition, books, fees, and other educational expenses. Awards are issued for one academic year but may influence eligibility for additional UNCF-administered opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled as a sophomore or junior at an accredited UNCF institution.
• Must be majoring in Accounting, Banking, Business, Economics, Information Systems, IT, Marketing, or Finance.
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must demonstrate financial need and be eligible to receive educational financial aid.
• Preference given to students from NY, NJ, CT, and MO, but all U.S. students are eligible.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online scholarship application through UNCF’s platform.
• Official or unofficial transcript verifying GPA and academic progress.
• FAFSA or financial aid documentation demonstrating financial need.
• Personal statement describing academic goals, leadership experiences, and career aspirations.
• At least one recommendation letter from a faculty member, advisor, or supervisor.

Selection Criteria:

• Academic achievement and commitment to a business-related field.
• Financial need as determined by institutional or federal aid metrics.
• Leadership experience and community or campus involvement.
• Strength, clarity, and originality of the personal statement.

Additional Details:

• Funds may be applied toward tuition, books, fees, and required academic supplies.
• Award amounts may vary depending on financial need and available funds, up to $5,000.
• Scholarship recipients may also be considered for networking or professional development opportunities facilitated through UNCF.

Deadline: October

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