Applications are open for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT). The opportunity supports academically talented African students facing significant social and economic barriers to higher education.

The scholarship is open to students seeking their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible postgraduate qualification at UCT. It provides financial support alongside academic, leadership, career and personal development opportunities.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Supports African Students

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports young people from African countries, including South Africa. Applicants must demonstrate academic ability and face significant barriers to accessing higher education. They should also show leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to their communities.

For successful scholars, support covers the full period of their UCT programme. Funding includes tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a laptop, study visa costs where applicable and travel between home and UCT.

In addition, scholars receive academic and peer support, mentoring, leadership development, career readiness and entrepreneurship training. They can also access community engagement opportunities and join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network after graduation.

Who Can Apply For The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The programme is available to applicants pursuing their first bachelor’s degree or eligible taught postgraduate study.

Postgraduate opportunities include postgraduate diplomas in the Faculty of Health Sciences, honours degrees across UCT’s six faculties and coursework master’s programmes across the university.

The programme covers study areas including Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science.

However, part-time study and research-only qualifications, including PhDs and master’s degrees by dissertation, are not covered.

UCT also encourages applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees and forcibly displaced young people.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application Deadlines

Applicants must first apply for admission to UCT. Only students who receive an offer of admission are eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

For the 2027 intake, the key scholarship deadlines are,

  • Undergraduate applications close on 30 September 2026.
  • Eligible postgraduate diploma, honours and master’s applications close on 31 October 2026.

Students should therefore review both the UCT academic admission requirements and the scholarship criteria before applying.

UCT notes that the scholarship application is separate from the university’s academic application. Applicants should complete their UCT application first before submitting their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.

Why The Scholarship Matters For Students

For students facing financial barriers, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can reduce some of the costs associated with studying at university.

Moreover, the programme extends beyond financial assistance. Scholars receive opportunities to develop academic, leadership and career skills while building connections with other young people across Africa.

For parents and educators, the opportunity also highlights the importance of identifying scholarship pathways early. Students considering UCT should check eligibility requirements, admission criteria and deadlines well before submitting an application.

Students can find the latest eligibility requirements and application guidance on UCT’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program pages.