Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT 2027
About this opportunity
Fully-funded scholarship for African citizens to pursue first bachelor’s degree or eligible postgraduate diploma, honours, or taught master’s programmes at UCT, South Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers full funding for postgraduate and undergraduate studies to African students facing significant social and economic barriers. The program emphasizes leadership development, community service, and ethical transformation. Applicants must secure an offer of admission to UCT first, as eligibility is conditional on this step. The program supports students across fields like Commerce, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science, excluding part-time or research-based degrees (e.g., PhD). South African applicants must additionally apply for UCT’s financial aid and NSFAS, while international applicants must obtain a study visa before registration. The program is open to women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons, with a focus on those who demonstrate academic talent, leadership potential, and commitment to community impact.
Key details
South AfricaWhat you get
- Full tuition coverage
- Accommodation (arranged by program staff)
- Medical insurance (arranged by program staff)
- Maintenance stipend (confirmed in award letter)
- Leadership development and community engagement opportunities
- Career development support
Documents needed
- UCT admission confirmation letter (for visa applicants)
- Passport valid for at least 30 days beyond study period (with unused page)
- Department of Home Affairs application form (BI-1738)
- Police clearance certificate (less than 6 months old)
- Medical and radiological reports (less than 6 months old)
- Relevant marital certificate (if applicable)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of medical insurance (arranged by program staff for successful applicants)
- Proof of accommodation (arranged by program staff for successful applicants)
- Proof of sufficient funds for tuition, maintenance, and incidental costs (confirmed in award letter)
How to apply
- Secure an offer of admission to a UCT programme (undergraduate or eligible postgraduate).
- Submit the UCT academic application online (cannot be amended after submission).
- Submit the **Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application** (conditional on UCT admission).
- For South African applicants: Apply for UCT Student Financial Aid and NSFAS by **30 October 2024** (deadline).
- For international applicants: Obtain a study visa with required documents (passport, UCT admission letter, police clearance, medical reports, etc.) before registration.
- Monitor application status online; UCT Admissions Office handles programme-specific changes.
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