Ghanaian Development Advocate Wins Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to Study at University of Cambridge

My name is McLeod Asare, and I come from New Abirem in Ghana. I am currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. My research focuses on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) policies and governance in Ghana’s Northern Savannah Region. My journey into development studies has been inspired by years of academic pursuit and hands-on community work, particularly my role as an Administrator with the GIBICTS Center for Community and Youth Development, a local NGO dedicated to empowering rural youth and enhancing community resilience.

Growing up in a rural town and witnessing the everyday struggles of smallholder farmers and under-resourced communities inspired my interest in creating sustainable, data-driven, and policy-relevant solutions. This passion led me to further my education in development studies to gain deeper knowledge and the analytical skills needed to make impactful contributions to public policy and grassroots development.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Details

I am a proud recipient of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, awarded in the 2024 intake. This prestigious scholarship is granted to academically talented and community-driven young Africans who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a difference. It covers full tuition, living expenses, accommodation, visa costs, and travel, making it a truly transformative opportunity.

This scholarship has not only relieved the financial burden of studying abroad but has also opened doors to global mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities. Being part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholar community is a great honor, and it fuels my desire to give back even more to communities like mine in Ghana.

Educational Background

I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Rural Development from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), graduating with First-Class Honours and a GPA of 3.72 out of 4.00. My undergraduate experience was academically enriching and practically engaging. I conducted a survey-based thesis on COVID-19 treatment and preventive practices in urban Ghana and used statistical tools like SPSS to analyze public health data.

Importantly, I was awarded the Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NAKDEF) Scholarship after completing secondary school. This scholarship, which supported my four-year education at KNUST, was based on academic excellence and demonstrated the community's investment in my potential.

I also served as a Research and Teaching Assistant at KNUST, where I contributed to over ten academic projects and supervised undergraduate research. These experiences deepened my research skills and prepared me for postgraduate academic rigor.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UK Institutions?

My preparation began with in-depth research on universities that aligned with my research interests in sustainable development and agricultural policy. The University of Cambridge quickly emerged as my top choice because of its world-class academic environment, its impactful development research, and its emphasis on policy engagement.

I studied the course content, faculty research interests, and the specific work of the Centre of Development Studies. I then drafted a compelling research proposal focused on Climate-Smart Agriculture policy frameworks in Ghana. With guidance from mentors and colleagues, I refined this proposal to align with Cambridge’s thematic areas and the needs of my home country.

Because the program is delivered in English, I did not need to take language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. However, I ensured that my written submissions, CV, and personal statement demonstrated strong communication skills and academic preparedness.

How Did You Prepare to apply to Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

For the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, preparation was key. I carefully reviewed the scholarship criteria and crafted my application to reflect my academic excellence, leadership experience, and strong commitment to social impact. One of the defining features of my application was my work with GIBICTS NGO, where I served as an Administrator from February 2023 to August 2024.

In this role, I managed project budgets, coordinated youth development workshops, collaborated with community leaders, and led fundraising initiatives. These experiences highlighted my ability to lead, manage resources, and work directly with marginalized communities, all of which resonated with the scholarship’s mission to support young African leaders making a difference.

I also participated in information sessions, reached out to former scholarship recipients for insights, and sought feedback on my personal statement and CV to strengthen my submission.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it presented a cohesive narrative of academic excellence, practical experience, and community impact. My First-Class Honours degree from KNUST demonstrated strong academic potential, while my work at GIBICTS NGO showcased leadership, project management, and commitment to grassroots development.

In this role, I organized over 15 community-based workshops, facilitated partnerships with district authorities and local NGOs, and conducted impact assessments. These contributions showed the scholarship committee that I was already making an impact and had a clear plan to scale that impact with the right education.

Furthermore, my research interests in agriculture and policy aligned perfectly with development challenges in Africa, which made my application both timely and relevant.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would start earlier, especially when it comes to preparing my research proposal and personal statement. More time would have allowed me to seek additional rounds of feedback and to refine my ideas more thoroughly.

I also would have engaged with more past scholarship recipients and mentors for practical tips on navigating the process. Though I was well-organized, I now see the value in building a small support group of peers applying to similar opportunities to share resources and encouragement throughout the journey.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice is simple but powerful: start early, be authentic, and show impact. Take time to understand what the scholarship is looking for and tailor your story accordingly. Highlight not just your achievements, but how those achievements have translated into real impact on your community.

If you have worked with an NGO or volunteered, do not underestimate how powerful those experiences are. My work at GIBICTS NGO was instrumental in showing the scholarship panel that I was serious about driving change. Document your experiences, seek feedback, and keep refining your documents until they present the best version of you.

Most importantly, stay hopeful and persistent. The journey can be long and filled with uncertainty, but with each draft, meeting, or application you send out, you get closer to your goal.