The University of Cape Town (UCT), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has opened applications for its 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, offering comprehensive financial and academic support to eligible African students facing significant social and economic barriers to higher education.
The scholarship is available to students seeking their first bachelor’s degree, as well as eligible postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees and master’s programmes at UCT.
Successful applicants must be citizens of an African country, including South Africa, and will receive support for the full duration of their approved programme, subject to satisfactory academic performance, personal conduct and participation in the programme’s development activities.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme provides comprehensive support, including:
– Full tuition fees
– A laptop
– Accommodation on UCT campuses
– Living expenses
– Medical aid
– Study visa costs, where applicable
– Annual travel to and from UCT
Beyond financial assistance, scholars will have access to academic support and mentoring, leadership development, career-readiness programmes, entrepreneurship development, internships and community-engagement opportunities.
They will also become part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme Alumni Network.
Application Deadlines
The programme has different deadlines depending on the level of study.
For applicants seeking admission to an eligible UCT bachelor’s degree, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme application deadline is 30 September 2026.
Applicants for eligible postgraduate diplomas in the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as honours and master’s programmes, have until 31 October 2026 to apply.
UCT said undergraduate applications for admission for the 2027 intake have closed. However, applicants who have already submitted an undergraduate application to UCT may still apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT will be considered eligible for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is targeted at academically talented young people from African countries who face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
Prospective applicants are advised to review the eligibility requirements and application process carefully before applying.
The scholarship forms part of the Mastercard Foundation’s efforts to expand access to higher education and develop the next generation of African leaders through academic, professional and community-based opportunities.
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