Undergraduates

STEP 1: ACADEMIC APPLICATION

To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you will need to hold an offer for admission to a programme of study at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

There are a number of resources available on the UCT website [https://uct.ac.za/applicants-and-students] to guide you in submitting your application for admission to your chosen programme of study.

For those applying for admission to an Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree, the undergraduate prospectus [https://uct.ac.za/students/prospective-students/postgraduate-studies provides information about the application process, the admission requirements and the programmes of study offered by UCT’s six faculties.

For those applying for admission to a Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, or Master’s programme of study, information is available on both the postgraduate hub [https://uct.ac.za/postgraduate-hub/courses/programmes and on each faculty’s website [https://uct.ac.za/faculties].

Submit your application online [https://uct.ac.za/students/applications-apply-undergraduate-qualifications/application-procedure].

For more information about your chosen programme of study, please contact the faculty directly for assistance. You can access each Faculty’s website here [https://uct.ac.za/faculties].

STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to support young Africans facing the highest social and economic barriers to access a world class education, develop their leadership potential, and build the skills necessary to succeed in the world of work and to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

We encourage applications from women, persons with disability, and refugees and displaced persons.

To apply, you should be:

  1. A citizen of an African country (including South Africa).
  2. A first-time applicant to a UCT undergraduate Bachelor’s degree, or an applicant to a UCT taught postgraduate programme (Postgraduate Diploma, Honours or coursework Master’s degree).
  3. Facing significant social and financial barriers to accessing education.
  4. Passionate about serving your community.
  5. Ready to develop your existing potential as an ethical and transformative leader.
  6.  
  7. The Program does not cover part-time studies or qualifications by research only (Masters by dissertation or PhD).

FIELDS OF STUDY AT UCT

  1. Commerce
  2. Engineering and the Built Environment
  3. Health Sciences
  4. Humanities
  5. Law
  6. Science

SELECTION CRITERIA

You should be:

  1. Academically talented with a demonstrated commitment to learning and a drive to complete your education.
  2. Limited in your ability to access education owing to significant financial barriers.
  3. Committed to investing in your community through the skills and knowledge that you acquire.
  4. A future leader committed to ethical transformation and making a positive contribution to your community and broader society.

STEP 3: APPLY ONLINE FOR ACADEMIC STUDY AND PLACEMENT

Apply online for academic study and placement.

Once the application is submitted it cannot be amended by the applicant. In the event that an applicant would like to change the programme choice and biographical information and/or add documentation, only the Admissions Office can facilitate this. Applicants can monitor their application status online. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Office at the University of Cape Town does not process academic applications.

Applications for student accommodation in a UCT residence are managed by UCT Student Housing Admissions and Advocacy Services. Applications for student accommodation must be received by 30 September. The application is part of the online academic application process. 

Additional Information for South African Applicants

The University of Cape Town is committed to providing a broad based financial assistance programme.

South African undergraduate applicants are required to apply for the UCT Student Financial Aid and NSFAS financial assistance in addition to applying to The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town. Financial aid is comprehensive funding based on approved costs of study.

To apply for UCT and NSFAS financial assistance:

  • Only South African citizens and South African permanent residents are eligible for this funding.
  • Only a first undergraduate qualification will be considered for undergraduate funding.
  • Applications should reach be submitted no later than 30 OCTOBER.
  • No late applications will be considered.

Additional Information for International Applicants

International applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT are required to obtain a study visa to enter the Republic of South Africa and for purposes of registering at UCT.  To apply for a study visa applicants will need the following:

  • An official passport which must be valid for at least 30 days after the end of the proposed stay in South Africa, otherwise the permit will only be granted for the period of up to 30 days before the expiry date. It should also have at least one unused page left when arriving in South Africa. Passports should not be endorsed or extended;
  • A Department of Home Affairs application form (BI-1738);
  • An official letter from UCT confirming acceptance at the institution for the duration of the course. This is a letter from the relevant faculty offering a place to study.
  • In the event of persons under the age of 21, UCT will appoint guardians and proof of consent in liaison with the parents of such applicants;
  • A police clearance certificate (less than 6 months old);
  • A medical and radiological reports (less than 6 months old);
  • A relevant certificate if married, widowed, divorced or separated;
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through yellow fever endemic area;
  • Proof of medical cover (which will be arranged by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program staff members at UCT for successful scholarship applicants);
  • Proof of accommodation (which will be arranged by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program staff members at UCT for successful applicants);
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, maintenance and incidental costs (this will be confirmed in the letter of award to successful Mastercard Foundation Scholar).

The onus is on visa applicants to check with the South African embassy or high commission that these are the only requirements for the application as missions have the discretion to ask for additional documents. For more information on the South African High commission or embassy located nearest to you please access: (http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/sai.htm). Accepted applicants must ensure that a study visa – valid for studies at UCT – is issued prior to departure for South Africa. Applicants will not be permitted to pre-register or register at UCT without a visa valid for studies.

STEP 4: AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF YOUR ACADEMIC APPLICATION