The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 provides fully funded scholarships and wraparound support to high-achieving young Africans facing economic and social barriers. This transformative initiative at the University of Pretoria aims to develop next-generation leaders who will contribute to social and economic transformation across the continent through quality undergraduate and postgraduate education.
The University of Pretoria, established in 1908, is a public research university ranked among the world’s top institutions. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation since 2014, the university has supported thousands of young Africans through comprehensive scholarships that include academic funding, community service opportunities, and leadership development programs.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Accommodation expenses covered
- Maintenance support provided
- Work-based placements and mentorship activities
- Community service and internship opportunities
- Entrepreneurship support
- Comprehensive wraparound support
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must be from Africa
- Applicants must be seeking undergraduate or postgraduate degrees
- Must demonstrate academic talent and face economic/social barriers
- Includes those living with disabilities and internally displaced persons/refugees
- Must have community service and leadership experience
- Must qualify for admission to the chosen degree program
- Cannot be enrolled in another postgraduate degree on scholarship
List of Available Study Fields
Students can select any of the following academic fields and majors for the Master’s Degree Program.
- MAdmin Public Management and Policy
- MCom Accounting Sciences
- MCom Accounting Sciences (Coursework)
- MCom Advanced Data Analytics
- MCom Advanced Data Analytics (Coursework)
- MCom Agricultural Economics
- MCom Auditing
- MCom Business Management
- MCom Econometrics (Coursework)
- MCom Economics (Coursework)
- MCom Financial Management Sciences (Coursework)
- MCom Human Resource Management (Coursework)
- MCom Industrial Psychology (Coursework)
- MCom Informatics
- MCom Marketing Management (Coursework)
- MCom Taxation
- MCom Taxation (Coursework)
- MCom Tourism Management
- MPA (Coursework)
- MPhil Agricultural Economics (Coursework)
- MPhil Business Management Responsible Leadership (Coursework)
- MPhil Business Management Strategic Management (Coursework)
- MPhil Business Management Supply Chain Management (Coursework)
- MPhil Communication Management
- MPhil Development Practice (Coursework)
- MPhil Economics (Coursework)
- MPhil Entrepreneurship (Coursework)
- MPhil Financial Management Sciences
- MPhil Fraud Risk Management (Coursework)
- MPhil Human Resource Management (Coursework)
- MPhil Internal Auditing (Coursework)
- MPhil International Taxation (Coursework)
- MPhil Labour Relations Management
- MPhil Public Policy
- MPhil Strategic Communication Management (Coursework)
- MPhil Taxation (Coursework)
- MPhil Tourism Management
- MPhil Tourism Management (Coursework)
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Apply online at the university portal www.up.ac.za/apply for admission to any degree program
- Once admitted, contact [email protected] to commence the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application process
- Successful scholars should have a passport to enable visa application
If you want the step-by-step process of application for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, here will be a detailed guide: https://guides.scholarshipunion.com/mcf/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026. These answers cover eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, application deadlines, and the selection process for African students seeking fully funded education at the University of Pretoria.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that provides fully funded scholarships and comprehensive support to high-achieving young Africans facing economic and social barriers. The program partners with the University of Pretoria to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while developing next-generation leaders for Africa’s transformation.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Eligible applicants are young Africans who demonstrate academic talent and face economic and social barriers, including those living with disabilities and internally displaced persons/refugees. Applicants must qualify for admission to their chosen degree program at the University of Pretoria and cannot be enrolled in another scholarship-supported postgraduate degree.
What study levels does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, specifically mentioning Honours and Masters programs. The University of Pretoria has been offering these scholarships since January 2014 through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage, accommodation expenses, maintenance support, work-based placements, mentorship activities, community service opportunities, and entrepreneurship support. It offers comprehensive wraparound support to ensure scholars’ academic and personal success.
What is the application deadline for 2026?
The application deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 is 31 August 2026. Applicants must first apply for admission to the University of Pretoria through the official portal before contacting the scholarship program administrators.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
First, apply for admission to your chosen degree program at the University of Pretoria through www.up.ac.za/apply. Once admitted, contact [email protected] to begin the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application process. Successful applicants should have a valid passport for visa processing.
What makes this scholarship program unique?
This program uniquely combines fully funded education with leadership development, community service requirements, and entrepreneurship opportunities. It specifically targets young Africans facing barriers and emphasizes transformative leadership that contributes to Africa’s social and economic development.
What happens after scholars complete their studies?
Upon completion of their studies, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni commit to giving back to their communities and the continent. The program emphasizes that graduates should contribute to economic growth and social development through their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.
Does the scholarship include internship opportunities?
Yes, the scholarship includes work-based placements and mentorship activities as essential components. Community service and internships are integral parts of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, along with entrepreneurship development opportunities.
What is the vision of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The program’s vision is to educate and develop next-generation leaders who contribute to social and economic transformation. It enables young people facing barriers to complete quality education, find dignified employment, and transition to further education or entrepreneurship while making positive impacts in their communities.
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