Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program enables young Africans to pursue a world-class education at UCT, develop their leadership potential, and build the skills needed to succeed in the world of work and make a meaningful contribution to their communities. Scholars become part of a continental community of young African leaders creating lasting change.

Key features of the programme:

• Full scholarships plus comprehensive support — funding plus leadership development and career guidance

• African citizens only — including South Africans

• Undergraduate & postgraduate — first bachelor's degree, PG diplomas (Health Sciences), honours, and coursework master's degrees

• Six UCT faculties — Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science

• Lifelong network — join thousands of Mastercard Foundation Scholars across Africa

Related: Learn more about Mastercard Foundation Scholars opportunities.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides:

• Full scholarship covering tuition and academic fees

• Accommodation and living expenses

• Books, laptop, and other learning materials

• Travel support (including airfare to Cape Town for non-South African scholars)

• Comprehensive support services — mentoring, leadership development, career guidance, counselling, and internship opportunities.

You must upload each type of required document for your Mastercard Foundation application to be considered. Before starting, have your UCT Campus ID (or applicant number), full name as it appears on your birth certificate or passport, and the email address used to apply to UCT ready.

1. Proof of Address (multiple files allowed, 40 MB limit)
Examples of acceptable documents:

• An official bank statement

• A utility bill or a bill for services from the local council or municipality

• A letter from your school to your parents or caregiver at their home address

2. Financial Status (multiple files allowed, 40 MB limit)
The program is designed to support those facing significant financial barriers, so you must provide details about your family's income and financial status:

• Your parents' or guardian's bank statements

• Details about social or government grants your family receives

• Also state how many people live in your household (including yourself)

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume (one file, max 3 pages)
Your CV must include:

• Your full educational background

• A history of your employment (if any)

• Details about extra-curricular activities (e.g., at school)

• Details of activities or engagement in your community

• Details about any leadership positions you have held

4. Essay (one file, max 2,000 words)

For undergraduate applicants — answer:

• Why are you applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT?

• What personal and professional goals do you believe the Program will help you achieve?

• What has inspired your educational path to date?

• What obstacles have you faced in pursuing education and how did you overcome them?

• How have you helped others around you?

For postgraduate applicants — reflect on:

• The qualities that define leadership

• The ways in which the Program will empower you to contribute to the economic growth and social development of your home community, country, and the continent

• Include details about any community service activities, or leadership or entrepreneurship initiatives you have undertaken

5. Recommendation Letter (max 2 files, 40 MB limit)
This can be from:

• A school teacher or lecturer

• A pastor or other religious leader

• A previous employer

The letter must include the full name and contact details of your referee.

Tip: Start gathering certified copies of your identity document, passport or refugee papers, proof of address, and transcripts now — incomplete applications are not considered, and the October 31, 2026 deadline is close.

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, namely:

  • a postgraduate diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences

  • an honours degree offered by any of UCT's six faculties

  • 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

• Be committed to serving their communities and contributing to positive change

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Review UCT's website for information about study options: 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: uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn

Important: Only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT are eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. You must apply for admission AND submit the scholarship application.