Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 in South Africa | Fully Funded

Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town offers students across Africa the opportunity to pursue higher education while receiving comprehensive academic, leadership, and career support. The initiative seeks to develop the next generation of leaders who will contribute positively to their home communities and foster social change.

Benefits

Full academic tuition coverage for the standard duration of the program
Housing coverage in on-campus residences at UCT
Monthly stipends for meals and daily living expenses
Economy-class travel fare at the start and end of studies, plus annual travel home
Provision of textbooks, learning materials, and a laptop
Health insurance and reimbursement for study permit or visa fees
Access to mentorship, leadership workshops, career readiness training, and tutoring

Eligibility

Must be a citizen of an African country
Must first apply and gain admission to an eligible degree program at the University of Cape Town
Demonstrate a strong academic record
Come from an economically disadvantaged background or face financial and social barriers to higher education
Show leadership potential and a commitment to community upliftment in Africa
Willingness to return home or remain in Africa to contribute to development post-graduation
Undergraduate applicants must be 29 years old or younger at the time of application
Postgraduate applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application

How to Apply

Prospective candidates must first apply for admission to an eligible degree program at the University of Cape Town and subsequently submit an application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Deadline

Applications close on 30 September 2026 for undergraduate applicants and 31 October 2026 for postgraduate applicants.

Overview

Benefits

Full academic tuition coverage for the standard duration of the program

Housing coverage in on-campus residences at UCT

Monthly stipends for meals and daily living expenses

Economy-class travel fare at the start and end of studies, plus annual travel home

Provision of textbooks, learning materials, and a laptop

Health insurance and reimbursement for study permit or visa fees

Access to mentorship, leadership workshops, career readiness training, and tutoring

Eligibility

Must be a citizen of an African country

Must first apply and gain admission to an eligible degree program at the University of Cape Town

Demonstrate a strong academic record

Come from an economically disadvantaged background or face financial and social barriers to higher education

Show leadership potential and a commitment to community upliftment in Africa

Willingness to return home or remain in Africa to contribute to development post-graduation

Undergraduate applicants must be 29 years old or younger at the time of application

Postgraduate applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application