Application Deadline: October 31st, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2027 University of Cape Town MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. 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.
Scholarship Worth
- An economy class air ticket to Cape Town South Africa for awardees who are i) citizens and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town
- Full tuition fees and international student fees
- Accommodation in the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
- Meals through the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
- Medical cover with a recommended medical aid service provider
- A living stipend; to be used to cover ad hoc expenses pertaining to your studies
- A book allowance to purchase the prescribed textbooks required for your 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
- An economy class air ticket home upon completion of studies, for awardees who are i) citizens of and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town
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).
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 University of Cape Town at: applyonline.uct.ac.za
STEP 3
Submit your Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application at: www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Cape Town MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
