Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at the University of Cape Town


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.

University of Cape Town Information

University of Cape Town Grants

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at the University of Cape Town Established in 1918, University of Cape Town is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Cape Town (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Western Cape. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Cape Town (UCT) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Cape Town (UCT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 101 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 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.

Offered Benefits

  • 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.

Application Process

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

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.

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