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Combining service and policy to make a real difference

Funwako Bakhile Dlamini has discovered many opportunities through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Tributes to ‘life-changing’ Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The MFSP launched in 2012 with six university partners and a first cohort of 145 scholars. In only a decade it has changed the trajectory of over 40 000 young Africans, with ripple effects across the continent.

NextGen Engineers’ winning toolkit takes innovation beyond the lab

NextGen Engineers, a team of three students from the University of Cape Town (UCT), have won an international award for their affordable engineering essentials toolkit tailored to students’ needs.

Mastercard Foundation Scholar focuses on ways to alleviate climate change while giving back to society

Giving back to society is of key importance to Grace Emmanuella Adoteye, one of the current members of UCT’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Diplomacy and leadership: the UN way

Mastercard Foundation scholar Monica Hella Ilonga was selected to join the 2021 Tanzanian International Model UN and Nasser fellowship for International Leadership.

Meet our scholars

Mastercard Foundation Scholars are committed to going home to put their skills and education to work.

A journey to be proud of

Undergraduate studies can be exciting – and overwhelming. Brighton Tandabantu reflects on the leadership, confidence and academic development he gained on the four-year journey at UCT.

Ending education inequity

All children deserve quality education, says Mastercard Foundation scholar, Emilllie Albert. As co-founder of Teach the Nation, she’s working to end education inequity and develop future leaders.

Ending education inequity

All children deserve quality education, says Mastercard Foundation scholar, Emilllie Albert. As co-founder of Teach the Nation, she’s working to end education inequity and develop future leaders.

Make a difference

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program puts the future in the hands of Africa’s youth.

Leader of leaders

During the uncertainties of COVID-19, Owen Mwaura used his experiences with the Mastercard Foundation programme to become a leader his fellow scholars could rely on.

Become a future leader

African students can apply to be Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

About the program

Do you have what it takes to be a Mastercard Foundation Scholar? The University of Cape Town is looking for the next generation of leaders to join this unique scholarship program.

Until 2024, over 400 African students will be awarded full scholarships to UCT as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The initiative provides students with a top-level education, as well as leadership and career development, mentorship and access to a global alumni network.

Learn how you can join us and help make positive change in our communities.

Learn more

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Applications
are now open

Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at UCT for the 2024 academic year are now open until 31 July 2023.

Application deadlines for postgraduate programmes can be confirmed with the relevant faculty office.

Postgraduates

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Our Scholars make time to grow and give back while studying in Cape Town. Get to know what our Scholars are up to in the Mother City.

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About the program

Applications are now open

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Applications
are now open