Introduction
Are you a young African committed to education and leadership, but facing financial or social challenges that limit your access to higher education? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa, is currently inviting applications for its fully-funded 2026 cohort. This prestigious program offers a transformative opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students to pursue their studies with full financial, academic, and leadership support.
The scholarship is designed to develop the next generation of ethical leaders and changemakers who will drive social and economic progress across the African continent. If you’re driven by service, resilience, and academic excellence, this scholarship may be for you.
Mastercard Scholarship at UWC Summary
Host: Mastercard Foundation | University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Study Destination: South Africa
Level: Undergraduate & Master’s Degrees
Eligibility: All African countries
Funding: Fully Funded (Covers tuition, accommodation, laptop, books, travel, monthly stipends)
IELTS Requirement: Not required
Deadline: August 30, 2025
Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate Applicants:
Be 26 years or younger at the time of application.
Meet the University’s admission requirements (Visit www.uwc.ac.za for details).
Apply for full-time undergraduate study for January 2026.
Demonstrate social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
For Master’s Applicants:
Be 30 years or younger at the time of application.
Meet the University’s admission requirements for a master’s program.
Apply for full-time master’s study starting January 2026.
Provide evidence of financial or social disadvantage.
Applicants must not already hold a master’s degree.
Special consideration is given to young women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and students with disabilities.
Available Courses
Undergraduate Programs:
Arts & Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies
Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration
Education: Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Master’s Programs:
Humanities & Arts: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences, Migration Studies
Law: Governance and Human Rights
Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
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Scholarship Benefits
Full Tuition Coverage
Accommodation on Campus
Laptop and Learning Materials
Monthly Living Stipend
Transport & Travel Support
Academic and Career Coaching
Leadership Training and Mentorship
Access to Internships & Service Projects
Global Scholars Community Membership
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How to Apply
1. Apply for Admission to the University of the Western Cape for 2025:
Visit: UWC Admissions
2. Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by completing the online application:
👉 Undergraduate Application Form
👉 Master’s Application Form
3. Alternative Submission Method (Only if unable to apply online):
Download the application form.
Email the completed form + supporting documents in one email to:
mcfsp-applications@uwc.ac.za
Note: Submitting both online and via email will automatically disqualify you.
Deadline
📅 Application closes: August 30, 2025
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