How a Ghanaian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Pursue an MPH in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health at UC BerkeleyHow a Ghanaian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Pursue an MPH in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health at UC Berkeley

I am Ahmed Abubakari, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Ghana and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley. My lived experiences in a marginalized society shaped my commitment to maternal and reproductive health. Over the past decade, I have combined my clinical work with grassroots advocacy, particularly through the Zongo Care Initiative, an NGO I co-founded to support vulnerable women, especially Kayayei, with access to reproductive health education, screening, and care. I chose to pursue a Master of Public Health in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health to deepen my skills in designing scalable, equitable solutions for underserved communities like mine.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Details

I was selected as part of the 2024/2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to pursue my MPH at UC Berkeley. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, housing, visa fees, flights, and living expenses. It is awarded to African changemakers who demonstrate a deep commitment to community transformation.

In addition to UC Berkeley, I received admission and funding offers from several top institutions, including:

• Johns Hopkins University
• Emory University (Rollins School of Public Health)
• Boston University
• Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) – $60,000
• Drexel University

Notable amongst them was $60,000 from WashU and  $59,000 (Dean’s Scholarship +  Dornsife International Research Fellowship) from Drexel.

Ultimately, I chose UC Berkeley and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for its comprehensive support, strong focus on equity, and the opportunity to join a global network of African changemakers.

Educational Background

I hold an MBChB from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and completed my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology through both the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the West African College of Surgeons. My clinical and academic background has helped me understand not just the science of health, but also the systems that fail so many women. It naturally led me to pursue further training in public health, with a focus on maternal, child, and adolescent health.

 How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of California, Berkeley?

I focused on the top U.S. public health programs with strong funding opportunities. I shortlisted schools based on their reputation in maternal health and whether they offered a one-year MPH program, which aligned with my professional goals. I didn’t take the GRE or IELTS, and English was the language of instruction in my undergraduate training.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

I immersed myself in scholarship content:

• Watched YouTube videos of past applicants
• Read blogs and personal statements
• Reached out to a few former scholars on LinkedIn, although most responded after I had submitted

I also reviewed Fulbright and Chevening sample applications to understand how successful candidates presented themselves.

 What Made My Application Stand Out?

It is difficult to pinpoint what exactly made my application stand out, but I believe it was the authenticity and lived experience embedded in my story. I wasn’t just writing about public health from a theoretical perspective; I was describing daily struggles I’ve witnessed and fought to change as a frontline health worker and community leader. My long-standing commitment to underserved populations through the Zongo Care Initiative reinforced the depth of my impact.

What Would I Do Differently?

I would reach out to former scholars much earlier in the process. Their insights could have helped reduce the mental load of navigating everything on my own. Aside from that, I was proud of how I told my story and stayed grounded in my purpose.

Advice to Future Applicants

• Start early—give yourself time to refine your story.
• Reach out to past scholars—don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Be authentic—your story matters more than perfect words.
• Pray and persist—there are thousands of us with similar stories. You are not alone