FAWE Ghana Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways 2026 | Third Cohort | Application Open

FAWE Ghana Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways 2026 | Third Cohort | Application Open The FAWE Ghana Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways Programme 2026 is inviting applications for its third cohort, offering marginalized young women and men in Ghana opportunities to access tertiary education, TVET and STEM programmes. The programme is implemented by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Ghana in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation as part of a seven-year initiative running from 2024 to 2030 across 10 African countries. The wider programme aims to support 10,550 young people aged 15–25, with particular attention to young people with disabilities, refugees and those facing economic, geographic or social barriers to education. Scholarship Details...

FAWE Ghana Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways 2026 | Third Cohort | Application Open

The FAWE Ghana Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways Programme 2026 is inviting applications for its third cohort, offering marginalized young women and men in Ghana opportunities to access tertiary education, TVET and STEM programmes.

The programme is implemented by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Ghana in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation as part of a seven-year initiative running from 2024 to 2030 across 10 African countries.

The wider programme aims to support 10,550 young people aged 15–25, with particular attention to young people with disabilities, refugees and those facing economic, geographic or social barriers to education.

Scholarship Details

Programme: FAWE Ghana Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways
Country: Ghana 🇬🇭
Implementing Organization: FAWE Ghana
Partner: Mastercard Foundation
Cohort: Third Cohort
Target Group: Marginalized young women and men
Age Focus: 15–25 years under the wider programme
Education Areas: Tertiary Education, TVET and STEM
Programme Period: 2024–2030
Application Fee: Free
Application Method: Online
Deadline: Check the official FAWE Ghana announcement/application form

What Is the Second Chance Pathways Programme?

The Second Chance Pathways Programme is designed to help young people who have completed secondary education but face barriers to continuing to tertiary education.

The programme provides alternative pathways into:

• Tertiary education

• Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

• Bridging programmes

• Employment

• Entrepreneurship

It is particularly focused on young people from marginalized communities who may have been unable to continue their education because of financial, social, geographic or other challenges.

Who Can Benefit?

The programme focuses on marginalized young women and men, particularly young people who:

• Are between 15 and 25 years old under the wider programme

• Have completed secondary education

• Face financial or other barriers to tertiary education

• Are interested in TVET

• Are interested in STEM

• Are persons with disabilities

• Come from refugee backgrounds

• Come from rural or underserved communities

• Need support transitioning from education to employment or entrepreneurship

Applicants must meet the specific eligibility requirements for the third cohort in Ghana.

What Opportunities Are Provided?

1. Tertiary Education

The programme helps eligible young people transition from secondary education into tertiary education.

2. TVET

Participants can access Technical and Vocational Education and Training opportunities that provide practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

3. STEM

The programme promotes access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.

4. Bridging Programmes

Some students may need additional preparation before entering tertiary education. Bridging programmes help address these academic gaps and create alternative pathways to higher education.

5. Mentorship and Life Skills

The wider programme also provides mentorship and life-skills support to help participants succeed academically and personally.

6. Employment and Entrepreneurship

The programme aims to help young people move from education and skills development into employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Why Is It Called “Second Chance”?

Many young people complete secondary school but cannot immediately continue to higher education because of financial, academic, geographic or social barriers.

The programme creates alternative pathways such as:

Secondary Education → Bridging/Skills Development → Tertiary Education → Employment or Entrepreneurship

This approach gives young people another opportunity to continue their education and build sustainable livelihoods.

Focus on Young Women

Gender equality is an important part of FAWE's work.

The programme places particular emphasis on increasing opportunities for young women and girls, especially those who face barriers to higher education and STEM programmes.

However, young men can also apply, as the programme targets marginalized young women and men.

Is the Application Free?

Yes.

FAWE Ghana states that the application form is FREE OF CHARGE.

Applicants should be careful of individuals or organizations asking for money in exchange for the official application form or promising guaranteed selection.

Countries Covered by the Wider Programme

The FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II programme is being implemented across:

• Ghana

• Uganda

• Rwanda

• Zambia

• Malawi

• Liberia

• Tanzania

• Zimbabwe

• Ethiopia

• Senegal

The current application described here is specifically for the Ghana third cohort.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official FAWE Ghana website.

2. Find the current Second Chance Pathways 2026 – Third Cohort announcement.

3. Carefully review the Ghana-specific eligibility requirements.

4. Complete the online application form.

5. Upload or provide the required information and documents.

6. Submit the application before the official deadline.

7. Keep your application confirmation or reference details.

Important Note

The application deadline should be confirmed from the current official FAWE Ghana announcement/application form, as the information provided for this opportunity does not state a specific closing date.

Applicants should use only official FAWE Ghana channels and should not pay anyone to obtain the application form.

Programme Summary

Programme: FAWE Ghana Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways
Country: Ghana 🇬🇭
Cohort: Third Cohort
Target: Marginalized young women and men
Age: 15–25 years under the wider programme
Focus: Tertiary Education, TVET & STEM
Application Fee: Free
Application Method: Online
Deadline: To be confirmed from the official FAWE Ghana announcement
Sponsor/Partner: Mastercard Foundation
Implementing Organization: FAWE Ghana

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