Become part of a community of young African leaders creating lasting change. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town is more than a scholarship, it is an opportunity to unlock your potential, grow as an ethical leader and join a lifelong network of changemakers.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Is this opportunity for you?

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.

Eligibility

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 including:

       o a postgraduate diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences;

       o an honours degree offered by any of UCT’s six faculties; or 

       o 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.

SELECTION CRITERIA

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.

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).

Opportunities are also available in other development programmes at UCT

Study opportunities are available across the following faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science. 

Students admitted to the Integrated Master’s Programme through the African Climate & Development Initiative and the Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) via the Africa Health Collaborative are eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

We encourage applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced youth and all young people whose access to opportunity has been impeded by social and economic barriers.

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: www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn

Important dates

Undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake at UCT are closed, but postgraduate applications remain open. Applicants should check with the relevant UCT faculty for programme-specific requirements and deadlines. Those who have already applied for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree at UCT may apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program if they meet all eligibility requirements, but only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT will be eligible for the program.

For applicants to a UCT bachelor’s degree, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is 30 September 2026.

For applicants to an eligible postgraduate diploma in the Faculty of Health Sciences or an honours degree or master’s programme at UCT, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is 31 October 2026.

Apply to The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program