The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is open for the 2027 intake. UCT and the Mastercard Foundation support academically talented young people from African countries who face significant social and economic barriers to higher education. Awards cover a first bachelor’s degree or eligible taught postgraduate study at UCT, with comprehensive financial and leadership support for the full duration of the programme.
Academic admission to UCT and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application are separate processes. You must apply for a place at UCT and also submit a separate Scholars Program application. Only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT can be considered for the award.
Scholarship overview
- Host: University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Partner: Mastercard Foundation
- Intake: 2027 academic year
- Levels: First bachelor’s degree; postgraduate diploma (Faculty of Health Sciences); honours; coursework master’s
- Funding: Fully funded comprehensive support for the full duration of study (renewable annually)
- Eligible nationality: Citizens of African countries, including South Africa
- Scholars Program deadlines: 30 September 2026 (bachelor’s); 31 October 2026 (eligible postgraduate programmes)
What the scholarship covers
According to the official University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program overview, successful scholars receive comprehensive support for the full period of their UCT programme. Support is renewable each year, subject to satisfactory academic performance, personal conduct, and participation in Scholars Program development activities. Coverage includes:
- Tuition fees for the chosen programme of study
- A laptop
- Accommodation on UCT campuses
- Living expenses
- Medical aid
- A study visa where applicable
- Annual travel to and from UCT
Scholars also receive academic and peer support, plus skills programmes focused on entrepreneurial and career readiness, ethical and transformative leadership, and continued community contribution. Graduates join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network.
Eligible fields of study
Opportunities span UCT’s six faculties:
- Commerce
- Engineering and the Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Students admitted to the Integrated Master’s Programme through the African Climate and Development Initiative, and Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) via the Africa Health Collaborative, are also eligible. The program does not cover part-time studies, or qualifications by research only (master’s by dissertation or PhD).
Eligibility requirements
Official eligibility criteria state that 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 (Health Sciences postgraduate diploma; honours in any faculty; or a coursework master’s in any faculty)
- 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
UCT encourages applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and other young people whose access to opportunity has been limited by social and economic barriers.
Important dates for the 2027 intake
- Undergraduate academic applications at UCT for 2027: Closed. If you already applied for a bachelor’s degree, you may still apply to the Scholars Program if you meet eligibility rules. An offer of admission is required for award consideration.
- Postgraduate academic applications at UCT: Remain open; check faculty-specific deadlines.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline (bachelor’s): 30 September 2026
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline (eligible postgraduate diploma, honours, or master’s): 31 October 2026
- Student accommodation applications: Must be received by 30 September (as part of the online academic application process)
South African undergraduate applicants must also apply for UCT Student Financial Aid and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) assistance in addition to the Scholars Program. NSFAS and UCT financial aid applications should be submitted no later than 30 October. Only South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible for that aid stream.
How to apply
- Review UCT study options on the official applicants and students pages.
- Submit your academic application to the University of Cape Town through the official online admissions portal.
- Submit a separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application through the official Scholars Program site.
- Await the outcome of your academic application. Scholarship consideration depends on an offer of admission.
International applicants who receive an offer of admission must obtain a South African study visa before departure. For successful Scholars Program awardees, UCT staff arrange medical cover and accommodation proof used in the visa process, and the award letter confirms funding for tuition and living costs.
FAQ
Who can apply for the 2027 UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Citizens of African countries, including South Africa, who are applying for a first bachelor’s degree or an eligible taught postgraduate programme at UCT, and who meet the academic, financial-need, leadership, and community-service criteria published by UCT.
Is the award fully funded?
Yes. Official programme materials describe comprehensive financial support covering tuition, a laptop, campus accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a study visa where applicable, and annual travel, renewable annually subject to performance and programme participation.
Can PhD or research-only master’s students apply?
No. The program does not cover part-time study or qualifications by research only, including master’s by dissertation and PhD programmes.
Do I need an offer from UCT before I can receive the scholarship?
Yes. You apply for academic admission and for the Scholars Program separately, but only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT are eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program award.
What are the Scholars Program application deadlines?
30 September 2026 for bachelor’s applicants, and 31 October 2026 for eligible postgraduate diploma, honours, and coursework master’s applicants. Confirm faculty academic deadlines separately.
