2026 Mastercard Foundation Associates Program – Apply Now

The Mastercard Foundation has commenced applications for its 2026 Mastercard Foundation Associates Program.

About the Program

The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program connects talented young people with 12-month internships across Africa. The program works through partnerships with external organizations and Foundation partner organizations to support Associates in developing leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills following graduation.

Who Can Apply

• Recent graduates with 0–2 years of work experience
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni
• Young people, age 18 to 35, across Africa seeking meaningful early‑career experience

• Education Requirement: Hold at least a diploma or first-degree qualification

• Employment Status: Be unemployed or underemployed

• Residency: Be a resident in an African country

• Alumni Status: Be an alum of a Mastercard Foundation-supported programme (e.g., Anzisha Prize, CorpsAfrica, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Skoll Emerging Leaders Initiative, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Youth Think Tank, Zambezi Prize)
• National Service Requirement: Have completed the country’s mandatory national service, where applicable.

For Nigerians, Here is the application link

Required Documents

Before you begin filling out the application, please ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Valid Government-Issued ID (Showing Date of Birth)
• NYSC Certificate or Exemption Letter
• Evidence of participation in any Mastercard Foundation program(If applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Program Journey

1. Recruitment & Selection
2. Placement in Internship Roles
3. Transition Pathways

How to Apply

Applicants may apply directly through the application links depending on their country of residence, or they can apply for remote roles. Roles will be posted on an ongoing basis.

For Nigerians, Here is the application link