Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at University of Cape Town 2027 (Fully-funded)

The University of Cape Town in collaboration with The Mastercard Foundation in its Global Scholars’ Program invites applications for award of a limited number of Scholarships for full-time study for a postgraduate Masters degree in eligible disciplines at the University.

The Program will provide scholarships to academically talented young Africans to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at UCT. Students enrolled on the Program will receive mentoring, leadership development, academic and life skills support. Academic support will include tutoring, language training, writing circles and guidance counselling.

SUMMARY:

• Scholarship Sponsor(s): Mastercard Foundation & University of Cape Town
• Host Institution(s): University of Cape Town, South Africa
• Scholarship Worth: Fully-funded
• Number of Awards: Several
• Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Nationality: Domestic & International Students

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Also Apply: Chevening Scholarships for International Students at King’s College London (Fully-funded)

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Cape Town | DETAILS

The scholarships will be granted on the basis of academic talent, financial need and leadership potential to students who intend to commence with their first year of registration for full-time postgraduate study, and who will register in 2027 at the University of Cape Town.

No applications will be considered from applicants who have previously registered and graduated with a Masters qualification. A strong expectation of the Program is that successful applicants who are awarded the Scholarship return to their home countries to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic growth. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships for Postgraduate study, applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:

• 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: a postgraduate diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences; an honours degree offered by any of UCT’s six faculties; or  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. 

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Cape Town, will receive the following benefits:

• Reimbursement of costs incurred for visa application processing
• An economy class air ticket to Cape Town South Africa for awardees
• Full tuition fees and international student fees
• Accommodation in a student residence managed by the UCT Student Housing Admissions and Advocacy Services at UCT
• Meals through the student housing system at UCT
• Medical cover with a recommended medical aid service provider
• A living stipend; to be used to cover ad hoc expenses pertaining to awardees’ studies
• A book allowance to purchase the prescribed textbooks required for the degree programme
• Costs related to community activities as prescribed by The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town
• Access to an internship opportunity, career development and job placement assistance
• An economy class air ticket home upon completion of studies, for awardees who are: (i) citizens of and/or residents of an African country other than South Africa or (ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town.

Fields of Study at UCT

• Commerce
• Engineering & the Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Science

Also Check: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Rwanda

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: In order to apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must first apply to the University of  Cape  Town  for  academic  study  and  placement.  Only applicants, who have applied for academic study and placement to UCT, can submit an application for a Mastercard Foundation scholarship.

The steps for application are outlined below:

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 University of Cape Town at: applyonline.uct.ac.za

STEP 3
Submit your Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application at: www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn

Application Deadline: 31 October 2026

Visit the Official Website for Further Details