The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is an implementing partner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Initiated in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue their higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is specifically targeted towards young people whose access to higher education is impeded by economic and social barriers. The Program places a particular emphasis on reaching young women, refugees and forcibly displaced youth, and persons with disabilities, who are encouraged to apply.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC supports academically talented youth from South Africa and other parts of the African continent. The aim of the Program is to equip youth with the necessary tools and education to drive transformative change which will positively impact their communities and countries. For the 2026 academic year, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC will provide fully-funded opportunities for young scholars to study for master’s degree qualifications.
Founded in 1959, University of the Western Cape is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Bellville (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Cape. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of the Western Cape (UWC) 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 60 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 50-60% making this South African higher education organization a averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.