Work

Can scholarships provide equitable access to high-quality university education? Evidence from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: This paper estimates the impact of a scholarship program—the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program—on access to university. Using propensity score matching, the analysis finds that the Program improves access to high-quality university studies among vulnerable, disadvantaged youth, mostly from Africa—increasing timely access to university, to higher levels of study, and to studies abroad. Half of scholarship recipients studying abroad return to Africa and a third pursue graduate studies within 18 months of graduation. The Program’s collaborative approach holds promise for scaling up this and similar efforts to increase university participation among youth in African and other nations.

Source: International Journal of Educational Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2019.102089

Authors: Clemencia Cosentino, Jane Fortson, Sarah Liuzzi, Anthony Harris, Randall Blair

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Quality education, Partnerships for the goals, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,300

Funder: Mastercard Foundation