Mastercard and UNICAF have forged a partnership that will see cardholders in several African countries benefit from 75 percent scholarships on internationally recognized degree programs. UNICAF is renowned for its online based learning programs as well as campus-based programs from partner Universities. The partnership is expected to last for two years, during which learners from 12 African counties with Mastercard branded cards will receive scholarships for both online and Institution based degree programs.
Card holders with either Mastercard Gold, Platinum as well as World and World Elite from 12 African countries including Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Somalia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda will be eligible for scholarships on various recognized degree programs offered by Unicaf. The programs can either be from any of the Unicaf’s partner universities or online based which will only require successful candidates to pay 25 percent of the course amount, payable in flexible monthly payments.
According to a recent Mastercard study on consumer spending, consumers are now opting for online based studying in acquiring new skills as they embrace the new normal brought forth by the pandemic. In the recent report by Mastercard, consumers in Nigeria opting for online Universities account for 50 percent, 48 percent in Ghana and 47 percent here in Kenya.
Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Nicos Nicolaou CEO of Unicaf said the institution is committed to giving Mastercard customers internationally recognized Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral degrees at a fraction of the cost, through the partnership. He further said the deal will avail degree earning opportunities to Mastercard customers.
Mastercard West Africa Country Manager Ebehijie Momoh said they were excited to partner with UNICAF in offering its premium customers access to internationally recognized degrees at a discount. Momoh further acknowledged that as consumers in the regions continue to favor online learning, the partnership will show Mastercard’s dedication to premium card holders by offering value through lifestyle benefits.