Mastercard Scholarship supports talented young Africans to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Pretoria with comprehensive financial and academic support. The Mastercard Scholarship is aimed at applicants who have demonstrated academic ability, leadership, and a commitment to community development.
The scholarship is offered through the University of Pretoria as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The program prioritises high-achieving young Africans from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds, including refugees, IDPs, and individuals with disabilities, and provides leadership courses, mentoring and other wraparound support.
Mastercard Scholarship Benefits
- Covers tuition fees
- Campus accommodation and meals
- A monthly stipend
- School supplies and books
- Student health insurance
- Other academic and personal support
- Access to leadership courses, counselling, mentoring, tutoring, and community service opportunities
Mastercard Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- High-achieving young Africans who face significant socio-economic barriers to higher education
- Applicants from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities
- Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership qualities
- Commitment to community service and desire to contribute to social and economic development
- Applicants must first apply to and receive acceptance from the University of Pretoria
Required Documents
- Admission or acceptance to an eligible postgraduate program at the University of Pretoria.
- Strong academic records demonstrating outstanding academic performance.
- Evidence of leadership qualities and potential.
- Evidence of community service and involvement in community activities.
- Proof or demonstration of significant socio-economic barriers to higher education.
- All required supporting documents for the postgraduate scholarship application.
- Completion of the relevant postgraduate application form.
- Applicants must be available for an interview if selected for the next stage.
How to Apply for Mastercard Scholarship
- Apply to and receive acceptance from the University of Pretoria before applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program
- Complete the required postgraduate application form
- Submit the postgraduate application with all supporting documents before the deadline (September 30, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the information provided on the programme page.
What is the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of Pretoria?
The Mastercard Scholarship at the University of Pretoria is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program that offers fully funded postgraduate opportunities for talented young Africans. It provides comprehensive financial support and additional services to help scholars complete their postgraduate studies and pursue academic and career goals.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Eligibility is for high-achieving young Africans who face significant socio-economic barriers to higher education. The programme welcomes applicants from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities, and looks for demonstrated leadership and commitment to community service.
What study levels are supported by this scholarship?
The University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports postgraduate study levels, specifically Masters and PhD programmes, as indicated on the scholarship page under opportunity types and categories.
What does the scholarship cover?
Selected scholars receive comprehensive support including tuition fees, campus accommodation and meals, a monthly stipend, school supplies and books, student health insurance, and other academic and personal support. Scholars also gain access to leadership courses, counselling, mentoring, and tutoring.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is listed as fully funded on the programme page, providing extensive financial coverage for successful applicants.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the postgraduate scholarship application is September 30, 2026. Applicants are advised to submit the required postgraduate application form and supporting documents before this date.
Do I need an offer of admission to apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Applicants must first apply to and receive acceptance from the University of Pretoria before applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program. Admission from the university is a prerequisite for scholarship consideration.
What personal qualities does the programme look for?
The programme seeks applicants who demonstrate strong leadership qualities, a commitment to community service, and a desire to contribute to the social and economic development of their communities and the African continent. Community service, internships, entrepreneurship, and leadership activities are important.
Are refugees and persons with disabilities eligible?
Yes. The scholarship explicitly welcomes eligible applicants from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities, as stated on the programme page.
What additional support do scholars receive beyond funding?
Beyond financial support, scholars receive access to leadership courses, counselling, mentoring, tutoring, community service opportunities, and other academic and personal support aimed at helping them complete their studies and achieve career goals.
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