EARTH University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 in Costa Rica

EARTH University in Costa Rica offers a hands-on, four-year degree in Agricultural Sciences focused on sustainable development and entrepreneurship. Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, talented young people from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean who could not otherwise afford university can study there on a full scholarship. Scholars have come from 42 countries.

Applications are open now and close on 31 January 2027.

What the scholarship covers

• Tuition
• Basic living expenses, including housing and food (EARTH lists the full cost as US$36,856 a year for the January 2026 start, covering tuition, student services, housing, food and medical insurance)
• Medical insurance
• Mentoring, tutoring and leadership development
• Internship opportunities and career services

Who can apply

• Secondary school graduates, preferably aged 17 to 30
• From Africa (including Nigeria), Latin America or the Caribbean
• Strong academic results in your school system
• Leadership and community involvement
• Families who cannot afford university. Full scholarships go to students who would otherwise be unable to attend higher education.
• A commitment to returning home to contribute to your community

Documents

• Online application form
• Transcripts from your last three years of secondary school (not university transcripts)
• Secondary school certificate or proof of completion
• Three recommendation letters from people who are not family members
• Supporting documents (awards, certificates; a language certificate is optional)

How to apply

1. Create an account on the EARTH admissions site. Wait two days for your login email and check your spam folder. Do not submit the form twice.
2. Complete your application at apply.earth.ac.cr using the password from your "EARTH UNIVERSITY INFORMATION" email.
3. Review: three faculty members review each application (this can take up to two months).
4. Tests: selected candidates take an aptitude test and a psychometric test, and fill in a socioeconomic form.
5. Interviews: group and individual interviews with faculty.
6. Family socioeconomic study, then the financial support committee decides.
7. Admission and immigration: EARTH helps admitted students get a student permit.

Timeline

• 15 October – 31 January: applications received
• 1 February – 15 March: profile review and socioeconomic forms
• April: exams and interviews
• June: admission and immigration process
• January: classes begin

Keep in mind

• It is very competitive: about 50 full scholarships are awarded from over 1,000 applications each year.
• EARTH also gives partial scholarships, where the family pays part of the cost.
• The university is in Costa Rica, Central America, not the Caribbean.

Contact for African applicants: Karen Bermúdez, [email protected]

Official pages:

• Scholars Program: https://www.earth.ac.cr/friends-allies/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/
• Application and scholarships: https://admissions.earth.ac.cr/Application