University of Pretoria MasterCard 2021 Postgraduate Scholarships for African Students

The University of Pretoria (UP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) is currently offering scholarships for high achieving African students interested in studying at postgraduate levels, commencing in January 2021.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) targets academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent through their knowledge, skills, attitudes and values evidenced by their leadership. Community service and internships are essential components of the Program.

The MCFSP offers a full scholarship to selected students who have been provisionally admitted to study towards a postgraduate degree at UP. Graduates must return to their home countries on completion of their studies and give back to their communities.

• Table of Content
• About MasterCard Foundation
• University of Pretoria MasterCard Postgraduate Scholarships
• Aim and Benefits of University of Pretoria MasterCard Postgraduate Scholarships
• Requirements for University of Pretoria MasterCard Postgraduate Scholarships Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. All people, no matter where their starting point in life, should have an equal chance to succeed. We believe that with access to education, financial services, and skills training, people can have that chance. Our focus is helping economically disadvantaged young people in Africa to find opportunities to move themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty to a better life.... read more... continue reading

University of Pretoria MasterCard Postgraduate Scholarships

Aim and Benefits of University of Pretoria MasterCard Postgraduate Scholarships

The Program will cover the following:

1. Full tuition fees
2. Accommodation in a UP residence
3. Meals
4. Books and printed material
5. A modest monthly stipend
6. Medical aid (Ingwe only)
7. Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period)
8. Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.

Requirements for University of Pretoria MasterCard Postgraduate Scholarships Qualification

In order to be eligible to apply for the scholarship, applicants must:

1. Candidates should be citizens from Sub-Saharan African country.
2. Applicants should come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate financial neediness.
3. Candidates should demonstrate leadership potential and ought to be involved in a giving back project eg. in a community, at school, church etc
4. Academic excellence is paramount and students have to maintain a high academic average at all times.
5. Candidates need to be first time applicants as first-year students in the University 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applications to study at the UP open on 1 March 2021 and close on 31 August 2021. Applications for the MCFSP open on 1 May 2021 and close on 31 October 2021. Selection will focus on prior academic achievement, but also on the fit of the applicant to the ethos of the Program, which is focused on leadership and community development for Africa in addition to academic success. Successful applicants must be committed to completing their qualifications in minimum time, returning to their home countries and giving back to their communities.

Application for admission at the University of Pretoria is fully online at www.up.ac.za/apply 

Click on the following link for the Postgraduate scholarship application form.

Application form

Click the following link for Application Instructions

For more details, click here