The University of the Western Cape invites applications for a limited number of master’s degree scholarships from qualifying candidates from South Africa and the African continent who are prepared to register for a full-time master’s degree study in 2023.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC. Launched 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 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, forcibly displaced youth, and young people living with disabilities.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC will support academically talented youth from South Africa and other parts of the African continent. For the 2023 Academic Year, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC will provide fully-funded opportunities for young scholars from the African continent to study for a master’s degree.
University of the Western Cape Information
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.
Eligibility Criteria
At the time of application, an applicant must satisfy the following three criteria:
- Be no older than 30 years for the postgraduate master’s degree;
- Meet the University’s minimum admissions requirements (for program-/discipline-specific information, visit www.uwc.ac.za);
- Be prepared to begin their first year of registration for full-time master’s study in 2023.
Candidates who intend to register for a second master’s degree are ineligible to apply for this scholarship
Offered Benefits
For the 2023 Academic Year, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC will provide fully-funded opportunities for young scholars from the African continent to study for a master’s degree.
Application Process
Download an application form ( click here) and email the completed form and supporting documentation to .
The closing date for all applications is Monday, 24 July, 2023. Due to the large volumes of applications received, we are unable to give personalised feedback to applicants.
If you do not hear from the university by Thursday, 3 August 2023, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit only ONE complete application. Incomplete and duplicate applications will be rejected.
Please note:
- The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC will communicate with applicants through email (preferred) and phone contact. Applicants should ensure that the phone numbers and emails addresses provided are accurate and active in order to receive important information and feedback.
- After the selection process, successful applicants will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview conducted by independent panels.
- Applicants who are found to have provided false information during any stage of the application and selection process will be disqualified. Any attempt to influence the selection process will lead to automatic disqualification.
There are seven main sections that will need to be completed in the application form:
- Personal Information
- Scholarship Information
- Academic Information
- Family Information
- Short Narratives
- Community Engagement
- Certification
DOWNLOAD MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM