The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration program designed to support promising, African EdTech ventures. Implemented in partnership with innovation hubs and EdTech accelerators across Africa, the Fellowship provides select EdTech companies with critical business and financial support, as well as insight into the science of learning, preparing them for scale, sustainability, and impact.
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship works through partner tech hubs in each country. These hubs provide training, workshops and leadership support throughout the program.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship when you meet these requirements:
- To be eligible for the program, startups, SMEs, and NGOs can apply if they meet the following criteria.
- Your business must be registered in Ghana and have been in operation for at least 3 years.
- Additionally, you should offer a tech or tech-enabled solution aimed at enhancing educational outcomes across K-12, tertiary education, and vocational skills training by addressing key challenges.
- Your business should be at the growth stage and have achieved product-market fit with active users or customers.
- Startups with diverse and experienced teams are encouraged to apply.
Inclusive solutions that target underserved communities are especially encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the Program
When you join the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, you receive:
- Up to $60,000 equity-free funding to support growth.
- Expert mentorship from education and technology leaders.
- Access to regional and global markets.
- Product improvement support focused on learning outcomes.
- Business development training to strengthen your model.
- Exposure to investors and education partners.
- A strong alumni network after completing the program.
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship gives you tools, resources and visibility to scale faster.
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Documents Needed
Prepare these documents before you apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship:
- Company registration documents.
- A short description of your solution, users and impact.
- Product screenshots or demo link.
- Team profiles with clear roles.
- User data or traction numbers.
- Revenue details or growth indicators.
- Pitch deck or business overview.
Having these documents ready makes your application stronger.
Selection Process
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship uses a simple selection process:
- Submit your online application.
- Review team checks your eligibility and traction.
- Shortlisted founders attend an interview or pitch session.
- Final founders receive acceptance and onboarding details.
- Selected teams begin training, mentorship and funding support.
Strong traction and clear impact increase your chances.
Tips for Successful Application
Use these steps to improve your chances in the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship:
- Explain your impact with numbers.
- Show real use cases from learners or teachers.
- Present a clear growth plan for your solution.
- Highlight inclusion and accessibility in your product.
- Show how your solution improves learning in a simple way.
- Keep your answers direct and easy to understand.
- Submit early and upload all documents correctly.
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Application Deadline
Deadlines for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship vary by country.
Check the official page of the tech hub running the program in your region. Each country announces its own closing date.
How to Apply – Step by Step Guide
The application process into Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship consists of three stages starting with the application form. Successful applicants will then proceed to the following stages.
Stage 1: Fill out and submit the application form online before the deadline
Stage 2: Shortlisted companies will be invited for a virtual pitch and interview
Stage 3: Final selection of startups onboarded into the program
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship offers a strong chance to grow your EdTech solution, increase your reach and improve learning across Africa.
