Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Cape Town (UCT) 2027

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.

• Table of Content
• About MasterCard Foundation
• Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
• Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, has supported work in 49 countries.In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy. The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.Funding is primaril... continue reading

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline	31 Oct 2026
Country to study	South Africa
School to study	University of Cape Town
Type	Postgraduate
Sponsor	MasterCard Foundation
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

1. Comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees for your chosen programme of study, a laptop, accommodation on UCT’s campuses, living expenses, medical aid, a study visa (where applicable) and annual travel to and from UCT.
2. Through your chosen academic programme, you will have access to excellent teaching and a transformative and socially engaged education aimed at unleashing your potential to contribute to creating a just and fair society.
3. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides academic and peer support to ensure your academic development, growth, and success. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT also includes a series of skills programmes aimed at developing:
   • your entrepreneurial and career readiness skills;
   • your capabilities as an ethical and transformative leader; and
   • your ability to continue contributing to your community.         

On graduating from your UCT programme of study, you will join a lifelong network of changemakers as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network.   

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Qualification

• 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.

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).

Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

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.

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Wageningen University Masters Scholarship to Study in Netherlands 2027/2028

Application Deadline

October 31, 2026

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: https://uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn/application-form

Note: Undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake at UCT are closed, but postgraduate applications remain open.

For more informatio, kindly visit University of Cape Town scholarship webpage.