Location: South Africa
Program: Undergraduate and Postgraduate – Masters
Eligibility: African Students
Duration: same with course
Deadline: September 30, 2025
This Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC (2026) is a prestigious, fully funded initiative aimed at nurturing academically talented and service-oriented African youth especially those facing social and economic barriers. Initiated in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue their higher education and cultivate their leadership potential. For the upcoming academic year, the program supports both undergraduate and master’s studies across a range of disciplines. Scholars receive comprehensive support including tuition, on-campus housing, monthly stipend and meals, medical aid, a laptop and study materials, personalized academic and psychosocial support, and pre-arrival orientation.
The University of the Western Cape is a public research university located in Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa, established in 1959 during apartheid and later evolved into an inclusive, multiracial institution. With over 23,000 students (approximately 15,800 undergraduates and 6,160 postgraduates), UWC boasts seven faculties: Arts & Humanities; Community Health Sciences; Dentistry; Economic & Management Sciences; Education; Law; and Natural Sciences. The university is recognized for its commitment to excellence in learning, teaching, research, and innovation, while staying grounded in its purpose of serving the public good.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This scholarship will provide the following benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Pre-arrival support and an official on-boarding welcome programme
- Housing in a UWC residence on campus
- Personalised support throughout their studies, ensuring that every Mastercard Foundation Scholar has the best possible experience at UWC
- A monthly stipend and meal allowance
- Medical aid
- Laptop
- Study materials allowance
- Holistic wrap around support programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
At the time of application, an applicant must satisfy the following five criteria:
For Undergraduate Studies:
- Be no older than 26 years for the undergraduate studies
Meet the University’s minimum admissions requirements - Must have applied for academic admission to the University for 2026
- International applicants must apply for exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf) to determine if they meet South Africa’s minimum higher education admission requirements
- Be prepared to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2026
- Provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic barriers.
For Master’s Degree Studies:
- Be no older than 30 years for the master’s degree studies;
Meet the University’s minimum admissions requirements - Must have applied for academic admission to the University for 2026
- International applicants must ensure their qualifications meet the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) requirements
- Be prepared to begin their first year of registration for full-time master’s degree study in January 2026
- Provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic barriers.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to visit the official webpage and submit your application.
