Started in 2019, the partnership between Ashesi University and Arizona State University (ASU) allows qualifying students to pursue a 5-year accelerated academic programme that grants them a Bachelor’s Degree from Ashesi and a Master’s Degree from ASU. Students for the programme will spend their first three years studying at Ashesi, during which they can apply to continue two more years of education at ASU.

Completion of the first year of study at ASU earns students a Bachelor’s degree from Ashesi, and completion of the second year earns them a Masters degree from ASU. Fees for the programme are fully funded under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at both Ashesi and ASU.Ten students from Ashesi, selected as pioneers for this programme in 2019, have now completed phase one and earned their undergraduate degrees in Engineering and Computer Science. The ten joined other colleagues at ASU for an online graduation ceremony this month, with friends and family also joining in from all around the world.

“When I first arrived in Arizona State about a year ago, I least expected time would swing by so fast,” said Masateru Mwambo ’20, one of the ten pioneer students. “Nevertheless, the experiences I’ve had here are things I don’t take for granted.”

“As you have completed this first step in your journey, I hope you shine bright, accomplish your dreams and reach your full potential to the benefit of your communities and the world at large,” shared Emily Taylor, Program Manager for the Mastercard Scholars Program at ASU, during the graduation ceremony.

“Seeing the first phase of this program pan out well creates a pathway for many other partnerships such as this,” says Ashesi Provost Professor Owusu-Ansah. “We are excited about the incredible success our students have chalked, and look forward to their journey into the Masters program.”

“After this experience, I am sure that no challenge is insurmountable,” says Major Kadonzvo ’20. “I have learned that with hard work and a positive spirit, I could do whatever I set my mind to do. And I’ll forever be grateful to the MasterCard Foundation for this great opportunity to further my education through this program.”