Call For Applications: Mastercard Foundation / Meltwater EdTech Fellowship ($60,000 Equity-Free Funding for African Startups)
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, run by the Meltwater Foundation, is now accepting applications for its third cohort. The program offers $60,000 in equity-free funding, business acceleration, mentorship, market access, and impact-driven learning support.
Learning inequality and limited access remain major challenges in African education. By backing locally built tech-enabled education solutions, this Fellowship helps social entrepreneurs scale tools that can improve educational outcomes, reach underserved learners, and drive sustainable impact.
For EdTech startups ready to scale, the program offers not just funding but also a powerful combination of mentorship and resources that can fast-track their growth journey.
What the Fellowship Offers
- $60,000 USD (equity-free) capital to boost your EdTech business
- A structured acceleration curriculum focused on education innovation, business scaling, and the science of learning
- Mentorship from EdTech experts and seasoned founders
- Support to access new markets and partnerships within education ecosystems
- Opportunities to connect with investors, ecosystem players, and education sector leaders
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
To be eligible:
- Your organization must be a registered startup, SME or NGO based in select African markets (or as defined by the programme)
- You should have a tech or tech-enabled solution targeting K-12, tertiary or vocational education
- Your business must be in a growth stage, with a working product and active users or customers
- You should have been in operation for at least 3 years (per Meltwater’s criteria)
- Inclusive teams and solutions that target underserved communities (e.g., rural, low-income, youth) are especially encouraged
Application Process & Timeline
- Stage 1: Submit the online application form through the program’s portal.
- Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch or interview virtually.
- Stage 3: Final selection and onboarding of EdTech enterprises into the Fellowship.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly articulate how your EdTech solution improves learning outcomes or solves a real education challenge.
- Use data to show your traction — monthly users, paying customers, growth trends.
- Highlight impact potential: who benefits, how many learners, and how your product scales.
- Demonstrate financial maturity: realistic business milestones, use of funds, sustainability plan.
- Be prepared to commit time: acceleration will involve workshops, mentorship sessions, and peer learning.
- Make sure your team shows diversity, passion for education, and ability to execute.
How to Apply
- Visit the Meltwater Foundation EdTech Fellowship page: Meltwater EdTech Fellowship
- Complete the application, including your business profile, financials, team, and vision.
- Submit before the closing date (check the Meltwater site for the current cohort’s deadline).
- Monitor your email for updates about the pitch/interview stage and selection.