Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town
University of Cape Town (with the Mastercard Foundation)
Full-cost scholarship at UCT for citizens of any African country facing significant socio-economic barriers, for a first bachelor's degree or an eligible taught postgraduate programme (PG diploma in Health Sciences, honours, coursework master's). 2027 intake applications open.
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Eligibility
- Who can apply
- Africa
- Education required
- Secondary completed
- Fields
- Any field of study
- Also required
- Citizen of an African country (including South Africa)
- Applying for a first bachelor's degree, or a PG diploma (Health Sciences), honours degree or coursework master's at UCT; not part-time or research-only degrees
- Demonstrate academic talent and commitment to excellence
- Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education
- Potential for transformative, ethical leadership and commitment to serving your community
- Submit a UCT academic application before the scholarship application
About this opportunity
UCT, with the Mastercard Foundation, funds academically talented young Africans facing significant social and economic barriers. Eligible study: a first bachelor's degree, or an eligible taught postgraduate programme - a postgraduate diploma in Health Sciences, an honours degree, or a coursework master's in any of UCT's six faculties (Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science). Part-time and research-only degrees (master's by dissertation, PhD) are not covered.
It covers tuition, a laptop, campus accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a study visa where applicable and annual travel for the full programme (renewable annually), plus mentoring, leadership and career training. First submit a UCT academic application, then the separate scholarship webform. Women, persons with disabilities, refugees and displaced youth are encouraged.
- Level
- Undergraduate, Master's
- Where
- South Africa
- Duration
- Full period of the UCT programme of study, renewable annually subject to satisfactory academic performance and conduct
- Difficulty
- High · about 6 weeks to prepare
Funding
Fully funded
- tuition
- accommodation
- stipend
- health insurance
- visa
- travel
Tuition fees, a laptop, accommodation on UCT campuses, living expenses, medical aid, a study visa (where applicable) and annual travel, plus skills, leadership and career programmes.
What you will need
- Passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts
- CV / résumé
- Reference letters (2)
- Essays
Document list for 2027 not published. The 2024 Terms of Reference required a certified ID/passport/refugee papers, CV (max 2 pages), academic transcripts, two academic referee reports and an essay of up to 2,000 words; shortlisted applicants may be interviewed.
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