Become part of a community of young African leaders creating lasting change. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town is more than a scholarship, it is an opportunity to unlock your potential, grow as an ethical leader and join a lifelong network of changemakers.
Is this opportunity for you?
Applications are now open for the 2027 intake of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
The University of Cape Town (UCT), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, provides scholarships and comprehensive support to academically talented young people who face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is available to students applying for their first bachelor’s degree, or for an eligible postgraduate diploma, honours degree or master’s degree at UCT.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than a scholarship, it’s a community. It enables young people to pursue a world-class education, develop their leadership potential and build the skills needed to succeed in the world of work and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa;
- Be applying for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible taught postgraduate programme at UCT including:
o a postgraduate diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences;
o an honours degree offered by any of UCT’s six faculties; or
o a coursework master’s programme offered by any of UCT’s six faculties;
- Demonstrate academic talent and a commitment to excellence;
- Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education;
- Demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership; and
- Be committed to serving their communities and contributing to positive change.
SELECTION CRITERIA
You should be:
- Academically talented with a demonstrated commitment to learning and a drive to complete your education.
- Limited in your ability to access education owing to significant financial barriers.
- Committed to investing in your community through the skills and knowledge that you acquire.
- A future leader committed to ethical transformation and making a positive contribution to your community and broader society.
FIELDS OF STUDY AT UCT
- Commerce
- Engineering & the Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
*The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not cover part-time studies, or qualifications by research only (Master’s by dissertation or PhD).
OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN OTHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AT UCT.
Study opportunities are available across the following faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science.
Students admitted to the Integrated Master’s Programme through the African Climate & Development Initiative and the Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) via the Africa Health Collaborative are eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
We encourage applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced youth and all young people whose access to opportunity has been impeded by social and economic barriers.
How to apply
STEP 1
Review UCT’s website for information about study options: https://uct.ac.za/applicants-and-students
STEP 2
Submit your application to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at: applyonline.uct.ac.za
STEP 3
Submit your Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship application at: www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn