Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is a programme that offers learners and students across Africa the opportunity to study at the University of Cape Town as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The scholarship supports academic study alongside leadership, career development, mentorship and access to a global alumni network.
The programme is delivered by the University of Cape Town and aims to identify the next generation of leaders to join this unique initiative. The University of Cape Town is looking for students who can contribute positively to their communities and benefit from leadership and career development opportunities.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Benefits
- Full academic tuition coverage for the standard duration of the program.
- Full housing coverage in UCT on-campus residences.
- Monthly stipend to cover meals and daily living costs.
- Economy-class travel fare (flights or land transport) to and from Cape Town at the start and end of the study period, plus annual travel home.
- Includes textbooks, learning materials, and a laptop.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of study and reimbursement for study permit/visa fees.
- Mentorship, leadership workshops, career readiness training, and tutoring services.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- First apply and gain admission to an eligible degree program at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
- Demonstrate a strong track record of academic achievement.
- Come from an economically disadvantaged background or face financial and social barriers to higher education.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a proven commitment to community upliftment and positive social change in Africa.
- Be willing to return to your home country (or remain in Africa) to contribute to its development post-graduation.
- Undergraduate Applicants: 29 years old or under at the time of application.
- Postgraduate Applicants: 35 years old or under at the time of application.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
- Apply to UCT
- Apply to The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Find out more
- Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. These answers cover what the programme is, who runs it, eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a life-changing programme described on the University of Cape Town site that provides students with a top-level education alongside leadership, career development, mentorship and access to a global alumni network. It aims to enrich the lives of undergraduate and postgraduate African students and to develop leaders who give back to their communities.
Who runs the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UCT?
The programme at UCT is delivered by the University of Cape Town. The site states that UCT is looking for the next generation of leaders to join this unique programme and hosts information about how to apply, scholar development, alumni and programme partners.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
According to the UCT pages, learners and students across Africa will be awarded the opportunity to study at UCT as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. UCT is looking for the next generation of leaders to join the programme, though specific entry requirements are available on the programme’s application pages.
What levels of study does the programme support?
The University of Cape Town’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports both undergraduate and postgraduate study. The site highlights activities and testimonials from scholars at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including masters and doctoral study paths.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
The UCT site states the programme will provide students with a top-level education as well as leadership, career development, mentorship and access to a global alumni network. These elements are highlighted as core components of the scholar experience at UCT.
Are applications currently open and what are the deadlines?
The University of Cape Town site indicates that applications are now open and specifies that applications close 30 September 2026 for Undergraduate and 31 October 2026 for Postgraduate programmes. Prospective applicants should consult the UCT application pages for details.
How can I apply to the programme?
The UCT Mastercard Foundation pages provide application pathways, including ‘Apply to UCT’ and ‘Apply to The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’. The site includes links titled ‘How to apply’, ‘Find out more’ and ‘Learn more’ which direct prospective applicants to the relevant application information.
Does the programme include scholar development activities?
Yes. The UCT site lists scholar development components such as leadership development, community outreach, mentorship, career development and employing scholars. These are presented as part of the comprehensive support offered to Mastercard Foundation scholars.
Where can I find more information about current scholars and alumni?
UCT provides sections on the Mastercard Foundation site for ‘Meet the Scholars’, ‘Current Active Scholars’ and ‘Scholar Alumni’. These pages include testimonials, stories and information about the alumni network and scholars’ activities and achievements.
Who can I contact for further enquiries?
The University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation site includes navigation links for ‘Contact Us’ and other programme pages. Prospective applicants and interested parties are directed to the UCT Mastercard Foundation site for contact details and further information.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
