The University of Cape Town (UCT) MasterCard Scholarship program is an educational initiative that aims to provide academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education. The program offers full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate or postgraduate (honors and master’s) degree-seeking applicants, ensuring that they receive a premium educational package that produces graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognized and locally applicable.
Benefits
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is open to all Sub-Saharan African countries, covering the full period of study and renewable annually, subject to satisfactory performance and participation in the activities and opportunities offered by the program.
The scholarship includes:
- Comprehensive financial assistance with visa applications
- Travel
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Medical aid
- Accommodation
Requirements
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be academically talented
- Economically disadvantaged
- and committed to returning to their home countries to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic growth.
Additionally, applicants must be citizens and residents of a Sub-Saharan African country and be interested in studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
The program provides academic and peer mentor support to ensure that each scholar successfully progresses academically, and 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, as well as leadership development and training, are also included. Alumni networks provide further support.
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is committed to producing graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognized and locally applicable, and whose transition into the workforce is underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice. Applicants must apply for academic study and placement at UCT before applying for a Mastercard Foundation scholarship. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2025.
How To Apply
To apply for The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, please click HERE.