The Mastercard Scholarship will provide scholarships to academically talented young Africans to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at UCT.
Application Deadlines
- Undergraduate: 30 September 2026
- Postgraduate (Diploma, Honours, Master’s): 31 October 2026
Tell Me About The Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides comprehensive support to academically talented young Africans facing significant social and economic barriers to higher education. More than a scholarship, it is a leadership and community development programme that equips students to become ethical leaders and changemakers.
Which Fields are Eligible
Eligible programmes at UCT include:
- Commerce
- Engineering & Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Special eligibility also applies to:
- Postgraduate Diploma (Faculty of Health Sciences)
- Honours degree (any faculty)
- Coursework Master’s programme (any faculty)
- Integrated Master’s via African Climate & Development Initiative and Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA)
Type
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarship | Africa‑focused | UCT, South Africa
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country (including South Africa).
- Apply for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible postgraduate programme.
- Demonstrate academic talent and commitment to excellence.
- Face significant social and economic barriers to education.
- Show potential for transformative and ethical leadership.
- Commit to serving their communities and contributing to positive change.
How Are Scholars Selected
- Based on academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.
- Priority given to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, including women, refugees, displaced youth, and people with disabilities.
Which Countries are Eligible
- All African countries.
Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken
- University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa.
How Many Scholars
- Cohort size varies annually; highly competitive.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship
- Full tuition coverage.
- Comprehensive support (academic, financial, social).
- Leadership development and mentorship.
- Access to a lifelong network of changemakers.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last
- For the normal duration of the undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
Required Documents
- UCT application form (via applyonline.uct.ac.za).
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form (via www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn).
- Supporting documents as required by UCT faculty.
How to Apply
- Review UCT study options: UCT Applicants & Students.
- Apply to UCT via UCT Online Application Portal.
- Submit Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application via UCT Mastercard Foundation Portal.
- Ensure submission by 30 September 2026 (Undergraduate) or 31 October 2026 (Postgraduate).
📍 Location: University of Cape Town, South Africa
Visit the scholarship webpage for details
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