MSU is honored to participate in The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. This program targets academically qualified yet economically disadvantaged young people in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent. The university will award a total of 185 scholarships throughout the nine-year program, which will be distributed to 100 four-year undergraduates and 85 masters degree students. Fall 2014 will be our third cohort intake in this program.
An information session for departments on the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is slated for 11 December 2013 at 2:00pm in the International Center room 303. If you wish to attend please send a message to mcfs@msu.edu. Other queries or concerns should be directed to the aforementioned e-mail address. Information regarding the selection process for both bachelors and masters Scholars in The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU is outlined below. For more information on this program and the requisite qualifications please visit www.mcfscholars.isp.msu.edu.
GRADUATE Selection Process:
The Graduate Scholars Program is open to residents and citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries who will be pursuing on-campus two-year Masters degrees at MSU. Applicants should have completed or be completing a bachelor-equivalent degree from a recognized university on the African continent. Departments are encouraged to nominate applicants who meet the selection criteria (see below) for this program.
A complete nomination package includes: A MCF Scholars Program Nomination form (attached to this e-mail), a letter from the nominator addressing the selection criteria below, the students MCF Scholars Program application (http://mcfscholars.isp.msu.edu/apply/grad.htm), the students MSU application for admission and related statement of purpose, copies of all academic documents, and letters of recommendation.
IMPORTANT: To be considered in the MCF Scholars Program, nominees must be fully admitted to Michigan State University, meaning their admission must be approved by the Office of Admissions. Departments should therefore submit RAF forms to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible to allow time for any clarification or follow-up regarding the students credentials.
Graduate Selection Criteria:
Strong commitment to a professional path in line with an area of study that can positively impact Africa.
An interest in and capacity for give-back, evidenced by commitment and engagement on campus, in professional pursuits and/or community.
Manifest ethical behavior and strong character essential to joining The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Network.
Ability to deal with change, uncertainty, and adversity, as well as interest in other countries and cultures, necessary to succeed as a student overseas and represent ones home country.
Significant financial need and/or from lowest income bracket in country of origin.
Commitment to give back in ways that enhance the economic growth and social development of Africa.
Nomination packets are due by February 26, 2014 in ISP to:
Dr. Robert Glew
Assistant Dean for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
International Studies and Programs
Michigan State University
427 N. Shaw Lane, Room 207
East Lansing, MI 48824
By nominating candidates, departments agree to pay the application fee for each student they nominate. Payment is required for each nominee, whether or not they receive the scholarship, and must be received by the Office of Admission at the time the department sends the RAF.
The department also assures they will work closely with them to ensure the timely completion of their degree programs. Moreover departments must be prepared to support students who do not finish in the two-year time frame. MCF scholars enroll in the fall semester and are required to participate in the Leadership Academy for African Development, a seminar program that will continue throughout their studies at MSU. With placement and financial support provided by the MCF program, Graduate Scholars also will complete internships in Africa, ideally coupled with robust research activities, during the summer between their two years on campus.
Scholarship applicants should apply as usual online to the desired masters program and take an English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS) and any other required examinations (GRE or GMAT, depending on departmental requirements). Students are strongly encouraged to take these exams by mid-December, 2013 in order for MSU to receive scores quickly. In addition students must complete and send an additional MCF Scholars Program application to the departments. This application is now available online via http://mcfscholars.isp.msu.edu/apply/grad.htm.
The process operates similar to the University Distinguished Fellowship selection process in which an advisory committee with representation from MSUs colleges provides input on final scholar selection.
The overall timeline for MCF Graduate Scholars is as follows:
15 September 2013
Scholarship application available
3 February 2013
Application, all required documents, test scores and Scholarship Application due to Department/Program
3-17 February 2014
Department/College undertakes review and forwards nominees (with recommendation letter)
17 February 2014
RAF Forms due in the Office of Admissions for MCF Scholarship Nominees, with cover note indicating they are MCF nominees. Only those who actually receive the scholarship will obtain university admission as others will not have proof of financial means; all other documents should be sent as usual so that Admission can verify admissibility.
26 February 2014
Departmental nomination packets due in ISP
10 March4 April 2014
Verification of university admissibility, MCF Graduate Selection Advisory Committee review, finalist interviews via Skype or telephone
7 April 2014
Final Selection Complete/Notification of recipients
1 May 2014
Acceptance deadline
UNDERGRADUATE Selection Process:
Prospective undergraduate MCF Scholars will apply through the MSU Undergraduate Admissions Website http://www.beaspartan.msu.edu. In certain cases, the Scholars Program at MSU may cover the $50 online application fee. Students must also submit the MCF Scholars Program Undergraduate Application as well as arrange for an appropriate person to complete the Recommendation Form. For more details on the application process, please visit: http://mcfscholars.isp.msu.edu/apply/undergrad.htm
The Office of Admissions will process students applications in its customary manner. A central selection committee will make final decisions on scholarship recipients. Criteria for selection include those listed below.
Undergraduate Selection Criteria:
Strong academic performance to date in secondary school suggesting continued academic success as an undergraduate student.
An interest in and capacity for give-back evidenced by commitment and engagement outside the classroom in the school and/or community.
Manifest ethical behavior and strong character essential to joining The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Network.
Ability to deal with change, uncertainty, and adversity, as well as interest in other countries and cultures, necessary to succeed as a student overseas and represent ones home country in this role.
Significant financial need evidenced by presence in lowest income bracket in country of origin.
Commitment to give back in ways that enhance the economic growth and social development of Africa.
The program is open to residents and citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries. Students must be first-time applicants to MSU. Transfer students are not eligible for the program.
The overall timeline for Fall 2014 Undergraduate Scholars is as follows:
15 JANUARY 2014 Application for admission and all supporting academic materials (official transcripts, mark sheets, external exams, test scores) received by MSU
15 JANUARY 2014 Submission deadline for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU Undergraduate Scholarship Application and Recommender Form
MARCH 2014 Finalist Interviews
1 APRIL 2014 Notification of Scholarship Status
1 MAY 2014 Awardee decision due date
Please send further inquiries or queries regarding this scholarship to mcfs@msu.edu.