University of Cape Town 2023 Mastercard Foundation Scholarships for African Students, South Africa

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars’ Program: an educational initiative that provides academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education.  

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate or postgraduate (honours and master’s) degree-seeking applicants. The scholarships ensure a premium educational package that will produce graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable, and whose transition into the workforce is underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

These scholarships cover the full period of study and are renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance and participation in the activities and opportunities offered by the programme. Successful candidates will be required to commit themselves to returning to their home countries and to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic growth.

• Table of Content
• About University of Cape Town
• University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
• Aim and Benefits of University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
• Requirements for University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa's oldest university, and is one of Africa's leading teaching and research institutions. UCT was founded in 1829 as the South African College, a high school for boys. The College had a small tertiary-education facility that grew substantially after 1880, when the discovery of gold and diamonds in the north – and the resulting demand for skills in mining – gave it the financial boost it needed to grow. The College developed into a fully fledged university during the period 1880 to 1900, thanks to increased funding fro... continue reading

University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

Aim and Benefits of University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

The scholarship includes:

• Comprehensive financial assistance with visa applications, travel, tuition, living expenses, medical aid and accommodation.
• A relevant and recognised education through academic curricula aimed at producing graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable.
• Academic and peer mentor support – to ensure that each Scholar successfully progresses academically.
• An array of cultural and transition support and training aimed at academic and professional enrichment and assisting in the challenges facing university going students.
• Career and internship opportunities in Africa, service learning, experiential learning – career guidance and support for transition to further study or the workforce.
• Leadership development and training.
• Alumni networks for further support

Requirements for University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Qualification

• Academically talented – value learning and are driven to complete their education.
• Economically disadvantaged – facing significant financial barriers to completing their education.
• Committed to giving back – investing in their communities, using the skills and knowledge that they have acquired.
• Future leaders – committed to embracing ethical leadership and making a positive change in their home communities.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

UCT opens its annual call for applications to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program between March and July. Apply for your place from March each year.

Visit the links below to learn more about the undergraduate and graduate application procedures.

Note that application to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not the same as an academic application for UCT. Prospective scholars are advised to submit an academic application to UCT first, and then apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Undergraduates

Postgraduates

How to apply to UCT

For more details visit: University of Cape Town website.