University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027
Offered by University of Cape Town / Mastercard Foundation
Location
South Africa
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Postgraduate Diploma; Honours; Master's
Field of study
All Fields
Application deadline
October 31, 2026
About This Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town is an educational and leadership development initiative designed to help academically talented young Africans overcome significant financial and socioeconomic barriers to higher education.
The programme is built around the idea that talented young people should have the opportunity to develop their abilities regardless of the economic circumstances that might otherwise limit their access to university education. Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the University of Cape Town offers eligible students comprehensive financial assistance alongside academic, personal and professional development opportunities.
For the 2027 intake, postgraduate opportunities are available to eligible applicants seeking admission to selected postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees and coursework master's programmes at UCT.
The programme is not simply a tuition scholarship. It aims to develop ethical, purpose-driven leaders who can use their education and professional skills to contribute to social and economic development in their communities and across Africa.
Scholars receive financial support for the approved duration of their studies, subject to the programme's renewal conditions. They also participate in activities designed to strengthen leadership, career readiness, entrepreneurship, academic performance and community engagement.
The programme encourages applications from young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced young people and others whose educational opportunities have been restricted by financial or social barriers.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support to selected scholars for the duration of their approved programme, subject to the applicable award conditions.
1. Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers tuition fees for the approved programme of study.
This can remove a major financial obstacle for students who have the academic ability to pursue postgraduate education but lack the resources to finance university fees independently.
The funding applies to eligible programmes included in the 2027 call. Applicants must confirm that their chosen qualification meets the programme requirements before applying.
2. Accommodation
The scholarship includes accommodation at UCT's campuses, subject to the programme's arrangements and conditions.
Having access to university accommodation can help scholars manage the cost and practical challenges of relocating to Cape Town for their studies.
Applicants should follow UCT's instructions regarding residence applications and accommodation arrangements. They should not assume that scholarship consideration automatically replaces any separate accommodation procedure that applies to them.
The programme provides support for living expenses during the approved scholarship period.
This assistance is intended to help scholars meet ordinary costs associated with studying and living in Cape Town. The exact funding arrangements and administration are governed by the scholarship's terms and conditions.
Applicants should consult the official programme documentation for details of the applicable package rather than assume a fixed monthly cash allowance.
4. Laptop and Academic Resources
The scholarship package includes a laptop to support students' academic work.
Access to suitable technology is important for research, online learning platforms, assignments, academic communication and other university activities.
Scholars should follow the programme's instructions regarding the provision and use of the laptop.
5. Medical Aid
The programme includes medical aid as part of its comprehensive support package.
This assistance helps address healthcare needs during the approved period of study. Scholars should review the applicable arrangements and coverage information provided by the university.
6. Study Visa Where Applicable
For eligible international students who require a South African study visa, the scholarship package includes visa support according to the programme's conditions.
Applicants should provide accurate documentation and follow the university's instructions. Visa requirements depend on individual circumstances, and applicants should not assume that scholarship selection removes the need to satisfy immigration requirements.
7. Annual Travel to and from UCT
The programme includes annual travel to and from UCT as part of the published scholarship support.
This benefit can help students who need to travel from another African country or another location to undertake their studies in Cape Town.
The arrangements and eligibility conditions should be confirmed with the programme before travel is booked.
8. Academic Support and Mentoring
Scholars receive academic and developmental support that may include mentoring, tutoring, language training, writing circles, guidance counselling and other learning resources.
These services are intended to help students adjust to postgraduate study, strengthen their academic skills and manage the demands of their programmes.
9. Leadership and Career Development
The programme offers leadership development, career readiness support and entrepreneurship training.
Scholars are encouraged to develop the skills and professional judgement needed to contribute to their communities and participate effectively in the world of work.
Career development and entrepreneurship activities can also help scholars explore how their academic knowledge may be applied to practical challenges in their home countries and beyond.
10. Community Engagement and Alumni Network
The programme encourages scholars to participate in community upliftment projects and activities that contribute to positive social change.
Recipients also become part of the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community and alumni network, creating opportunities to learn from other scholars and remain connected to a broader network of African leaders.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy the programme's nationality, academic, financial and leadership criteria and gain admission to an eligible UCT qualification.
1. Citizenship of an African Country
Applicants must be citizens of an African country, including South Africa.
This means that applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and other African countries may be eligible, provided they meet the remaining requirements.
Citizenship alone does not guarantee eligibility. Applicants must also demonstrate financial barriers to higher education, meet academic entry requirements and satisfy the programme's other selection criteria.
2. Significant Financial or Socioeconomic Barriers
The programme targets academically talented young people whose access to higher education has been limited by significant financial or socioeconomic challenges.
Applicants should provide truthful information about their circumstances and explain how these barriers have affected their educational opportunities.
The selection process is intended to identify students who have the academic potential to succeed but face substantial obstacles to accessing and completing higher education.
3. Academic Ability and Commitment to Learning
Applicants must demonstrate academic talent, a commitment to excellence and the ability to complete their chosen programme.
They must also satisfy the admission requirements of the relevant UCT qualification.
Admission requirements vary between faculties and programmes. Applicants should consult the relevant faculty's website to confirm required qualifications, academic results, prerequisite subjects and supporting documents.
4. Application to an Eligible Postgraduate Programme
For the 2027 intake, eligible postgraduate study routes include:
Postgraduate diplomas offered by UCT's Faculty of Health Sciences.
Honours degrees offered by any of UCT's six faculties.
Coursework master's programmes offered by any of UCT's six faculties.
The six faculties are Commerce; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; Law; and Science.
Important exclusion: The programme does not cover part-time study, qualifications by research only, master's degrees completed solely through dissertation or PhD programmes under this postgraduate call.
Applicants must confirm that their exact qualification and study mode are eligible. The fact that UCT offers a particular postgraduate degree does not automatically mean it is covered by the scholarship.
5. Leadership Potential
Applicants should demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership.
Leadership can be reflected in formal responsibilities, community initiatives, student activities, professional involvement or efforts to help others overcome challenges.
Applicants should focus on authentic examples of responsibility, initiative and collaboration rather than relying only on titles or lists of activities.
6. Commitment to Community Development
The programme seeks students who intend to use their education to contribute to their communities, countries and Africa more broadly.
Applicants should be able to explain the issues they care about, how their proposed studies relate to those issues and how they hope to apply their skills in the future.
The programme does not require every applicant to have founded a major organisation or led a large project. What matters is demonstrating a credible commitment to contributing to positive change.
7. Separate UCT Admission and Scholarship Applications
Applicants must submit an academic application to UCT and a separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
These are two different processes. Applying to UCT does not automatically constitute a scholarship application, and completing the scholarship form does not replace the academic admission process.
Applicants must follow the instructions for both applications and satisfy the relevant deadlines.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes. Nigerian citizens may apply for the 2027 postgraduate intake if they meet the programme's academic, financial, leadership and other eligibility requirements.
A Nigerian applicant should:
Be a citizen of Nigeria.
Face significant financial or socioeconomic barriers to higher education.
Demonstrate academic ability and commitment to completing the chosen programme.
Apply for an eligible full-time postgraduate diploma, honours or coursework master's programme at UCT.
Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to positive social change.
Submit the required academic and scholarship applications.
Provide the supporting documents requested by the programme.
Nigerian applicants should also explain their educational and career goals in relation to the needs of their communities and the wider African context.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application involves two main stages: applying for academic admission to UCT and submitting the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
Step 1: Identify an Eligible Programme
Visit UCT's official website and identify a postgraduate qualification that matches your previous academic background and career goals.
Confirm that it is a postgraduate diploma in the Faculty of Health Sciences, an honours degree or a coursework master's programme covered by the 2027 call.
Do not apply for a research-only master's degree or PhD under this postgraduate scholarship call.
Step 2: Review the Academic Admission Requirements
Read the admission requirements for your selected programme.
Depending on the qualification, you may need an appropriate undergraduate degree, a minimum academic result, prerequisite courses, proof of English proficiency or other documents.
Programme-specific requirements and academic application deadlines may differ between faculties. Contact the relevant faculty if you are uncertain about your eligibility.
Complete the academic application and upload the required documents.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program advises applicants to apply to UCT first. Applicants can proceed with the scholarship application after generating their UCT applicant or campus ID, while awaiting the final admission outcome, according to the programme's instructions.
However, applicants must have a conditional or firm offer from UCT at the scholarship selection stage.
Step 4: Prepare the Scholarship Application Documents
Prepare the documents and information required for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
The official application form requests supporting information that includes:
Proof of address.
Information about extracurricular activities.
Details of community involvement.
Information about leadership positions or responsibilities.
A postgraduate scholarship essay of no more than 2,000 words.
The university may require additional documents or information under the applicable application guidelines. Read the current form and instructions carefully before submitting.
Step 5: Prepare Your Postgraduate Essay
Postgraduate applicants must submit an essay of no more than 2,000 words reflecting on the qualities that define leadership and explaining how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will empower them to contribute to the economic growth and social development of their home community, country and Africa more broadly.
A strong essay should address the prompt directly and connect your experiences, academic plans and future goals.
Consider including:
What leadership means to you and why ethical leadership matters.
Experiences that have shaped your commitment to serving others.
The financial or social barriers that have affected your educational opportunities.
Why you selected your intended postgraduate programme.
How the knowledge and skills you expect to gain could address a real need in your community.
How you intend to contribute to your country or Africa after your studies.
Use specific and truthful examples. Avoid making broad promises without explaining how your education could translate into practical contributions.
Step 6: Submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application
Complete the scholarship application through the official UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website:
Use the UCT applicant number and email address associated with your academic application where requested.
Upload each required document in the accepted format. The official form states that the supporting documents must be submitted for the application to be considered.
Check that your proof of address, community involvement details, leadership information and essay are complete and legible.
Step 7: Submit Before 31 October 2026
The scholarship application deadline for eligible postgraduate applicants entering in 2027 is 31 October 2026.
This deadline applies to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application. It does not mean that every UCT academic programme has the same admission deadline.
Check your chosen faculty's deadline separately and ensure that both applications are completed according to the relevant instructions.
Step 8: Monitor Your Application Status
After submitting your applications, monitor your UCT applicant account and email for updates.
The academic admission and scholarship selection processes are separate, so keep track of both.
Applicants should be prepared to provide clarification or additional information if requested through official university channels. Do not assume that an application is successful until the university communicates its decision.
Step 9: Understand the Scholarship Renewal Conditions
The scholarship covers the approved period of study, but funding is renewed annually subject to the programme's conditions.
These include satisfactory academic performance, appropriate personal conduct and participation in the development programmes and activities associated with the scholarship.
Recipients should therefore treat the award as both financial support and a commitment to engage fully with their studies and the programme community.
How to Strengthen Your Application
1. Demonstrate Your Academic Potential
Show that you have the academic foundation needed for your intended programme. Ensure that your academic records are accurate and that you meet the admission requirements.
Explain how the proposed qualification builds on your previous studies and will help you develop relevant knowledge and skills.
2. Explain Your Financial Circumstances Clearly
The programme is intended for students who face significant financial or socioeconomic barriers to higher education.
Describe your circumstances honestly and explain how they have affected your educational opportunities. Provide the supporting evidence requested by the university.
Avoid exaggeration or unsupported claims. Your application should accurately represent your situation.
3. Use Concrete Examples of Leadership
Identify experiences that demonstrate initiative, responsibility, problem-solving or collaboration.
These could include student activities, community engagement, volunteering, work-related responsibilities or efforts to help people facing a challenge.
Explain your contribution, what you learned and how the experience influenced your understanding of leadership.
4. Connect Your Programme to Community Needs
Explain why your selected postgraduate qualification is relevant to the issues you hope to address.
For example, an applicant interested in public health might explain how advanced training could strengthen their ability to contribute to health-related work. An applicant pursuing engineering might discuss how their studies relate to infrastructure, energy or other development needs.
These are examples only. Applicants should identify the issues relevant to their own studies and experience rather than choosing a topic simply because it sounds impressive.
5. Make Your Essay Specific and Coherent
The postgraduate essay has a maximum length of 2,000 words. Use the space to develop a clear argument about leadership, education and your intended contribution.
A practical structure is:
Introduction: explain your understanding of ethical leadership.
Personal experience: describe relevant challenges, responsibilities or community involvement.
Academic direction: explain why you chose the programme.
Future contribution: describe realistic ways you hope to use your education.
Conclusion: connect your goals with the programme's mission.
Follow the official essay prompt and any additional instructions on the application form.
6. Submit Complete and Legible Documents
Missing or unclear documents can prevent an application from being considered.
Review the application form, ensure that each required document is included and confirm that your contact details match the information used in your UCT academic application.
Important Dates
Application stage
Deadline or requirement
UCT academic application
Check the deadline for the specific programme and faculty
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application, postgraduate intake
31 October 2026
Scholarship selection
Applicants must have a conditional or firm offer from UCT at the selection stage
Scholarship renewal
Annual, subject to academic performance, conduct and programme participation
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded?
The programme provides comprehensive support that includes tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, a laptop, medical aid, a study visa where applicable and annual travel to and from UCT, according to the published scholarship conditions.
2. Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigerian citizens may apply if they meet the academic, financial, leadership and programme eligibility requirements.
3. What postgraduate qualifications are eligible?
The 2027 call includes postgraduate diplomas offered by UCT's Faculty of Health Sciences, honours degrees across the six faculties and coursework master's programmes across the six faculties.
4. Can I apply for a PhD?
No. PhD programmes and research-only qualifications are excluded from this postgraduate call.
5. Can I apply for a master's degree by dissertation?
Research-only master's qualifications, including master's degrees by dissertation, are not covered by the programme's 2027 postgraduate call. Applicants should choose an eligible coursework master's programme.
6. Must I apply to UCT before applying for the scholarship?
Yes. You must submit an academic application to UCT first. You can proceed with the scholarship application after generating your UCT applicant or campus ID, following the official instructions. You must have a conditional or firm offer from UCT at the selection stage.
7. What is the essay word limit?
The official postgraduate scholarship application form requires an essay of no more than 2,000 words.
8. Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
Yes. Living expenses are included in the programme's comprehensive support package, subject to the applicable award arrangements and conditions.
9. Is funding automatically renewed every year?
No. Renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance, personal conduct and participation in the programme's development activities.
10. What is the application deadline for the 2027 postgraduate intake?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is 31 October 2026. Applicants must also meet the academic application deadline for their specific UCT programme.
Final Advice
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town offers eligible young Africans an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education with comprehensive financial, academic and personal development support.
The programme is especially relevant to academically capable applicants whose access to higher education has been limited by financial or socioeconomic barriers and who want to use their education to contribute to positive change.
A competitive application should demonstrate academic readiness, explain the applicant's circumstances honestly, provide genuine examples of leadership and present a clear connection between the chosen qualification and future community contribution.
For the 2027 postgraduate intake, the scholarship application deadline is 31 October 2026. Start by confirming that your chosen qualification is eligible, submit your UCT academic application, prepare the required supporting documents and complete the separate scholarship application before the deadline.
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