Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 at UCT | Fully Funded Scholarship for African Student

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is now open for applications, offering talented young Africans an opportunity to pursue undergraduate and eligible postgraduate studies in South Africa.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is designed for academically talented young people who face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education. In addition to financial support, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides leadership development, mentorship, career development, academic support and access to a global alumni network.

For the 2027 intake, applications close on 30 September 2026 for undergraduate applicants and 31 October 2026 for eligible postgraduate applicants.

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 – Quick Overview

• Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
• University: University of Cape Town (UCT)
• Study Location: Cape Town, South Africa
• Intake: 2027
• Study Level: Undergraduate and eligible postgraduate
• Eligible Applicants: African citizens, including South Africans
• Funding: Comprehensive financial support
• Tuition: Covered
• Accommodation: Covered
• Living Expenses: Covered
• Laptop: Provided
• Medical Aid: Included
• Travel: Annual travel to and from UCT
• Study Visa: Covered where applicable
• Undergraduate Deadline: 30 September 2026
• Postgraduate Deadline: 31 October 2026

The scholarship covers the full period of the UCT programme, subject to satisfactory academic performance, personal conduct and participation in programme activities.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative focused on developing the next generation of transformative and service-oriented leaders.

At the University of Cape Town, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports talented young leaders from Africa who have the academic ability to succeed but face significant financial and social barriers to higher education.

The programme goes beyond simply paying university fees. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UCT receive comprehensive support designed to help them succeed academically, develop leadership skills, prepare for employment and contribute positively to their communities.

According to UCT, the programme provides support throughout the student’s programme of study and scholars who graduate become part of a lifelong network of changemakers through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Benefits

One of the major advantages of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UCT is that it provides comprehensive financial and developmental support.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers:

1. Full Tuition Fees

Successful scholars receive financial support covering tuition fees for their chosen eligible programme at the University of Cape Town.

2. Accommodation

The scholarship provides accommodation on UCT campuses for scholars during their studies.

3. Living Expenses

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship includes support for living expenses, helping successful applicants concentrate on their education without the same level of financial pressure.

4. Laptop

Scholars receive a laptop to support their academic work and learning.

5. Medical Aid

Medical aid is included as part of the comprehensive financial support package.

6. Travel Support

The programme includes annual travel to and from UCT.

7. Study Visa

For eligible international students, study visa costs are covered where applicable.

8. Academic and Peer Support

Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive academic and peer support to help them develop, grow and succeed at university.

9. Leadership Development

The programme develops scholars as ethical and transformative leaders, with skills intended to help them create positive change in their communities.

10. Career and Entrepreneurship Development

Scholars can access programmes designed to develop entrepreneurial abilities and career-readiness skills.

11. Mentorship

The programme includes mentorship and developmental opportunities that help scholars navigate university and prepare for their future careers.

12. Alumni Network

After graduation, scholars join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network, providing access to a lifelong community of changemakers.

Who Can Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is intended for talented young people from Africa who meet the programme’s academic, financial and leadership requirements.

Applicants should:

• Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa.
• Be applying for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible taught postgraduate programme at UCT.
• Demonstrate academic talent and commitment to excellence.
• Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
• Demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership.
• Be committed to serving their communities.
• Show a commitment to contributing to positive change.

UCT specifically encourages applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced youth and young people whose access to opportunities has been affected by social and economic barriers.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Undergraduate Eligibility

For undergraduate applicants, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UCT is available to students applying for their first bachelor’s degree.

Applicants must first apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate programme at the University of Cape Town and then complete the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.

The undergraduate application deadline for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is:

30 September 2026

Applicants should not wait until the deadline to begin the academic and scholarship application processes.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Postgraduate Eligibility

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 also provides opportunities for eligible postgraduate applicants.

Eligible postgraduate study includes:

• Postgraduate diplomas offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences
• Honours degrees offered by UCT’s six faculties
• Coursework master’s programmes offered by UCT’s six faculties

The postgraduate scholarship deadline is:

31 October 2026

The programme does not cover part-time studies, research-only qualifications, Master’s by dissertation or PhD programmes.

Fields of Study Covered by the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

Eligible study opportunities are available across UCT’s six faculties:

• Commerce
• Engineering & the Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Science

This gives applicants the opportunity to pursue studies in a wide range of academic disciplines while participating in the leadership and development components of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Selection Criteria

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is competitive. Meeting the basic requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate several important qualities.

Academic Excellence

Applicants should demonstrate academic talent, commitment to learning and the determination to complete their education.

Financial Need

Applicants should have significant financial barriers that limit their ability to access higher education.

Leadership Potential

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship seeks young people with potential to become ethical and transformative leaders.

Community Commitment

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to using their education, skills and knowledge to contribute to their communities.

Positive Social Impact

The programme is designed for young Africans who want to contribute to positive social and economic change.

What Makes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Different?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than a conventional university scholarship.

The programme combines financial support + education + leadership development + mentorship + career development + community engagement.

According to UCT, scholars are expected to participate in community upliftment projects and engage with the wider university community. They also receive mentoring, leadership development, academic and life-skills support, career development and entrepreneurship training.

This means applicants should not view the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship simply as an opportunity to obtain free university education. It is designed for young people who want to develop their leadership potential and contribute to positive change.

How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Applicants should carefully follow the UCT application process.

Step 1: Research Your UCT Study Programme

First, review the University of Cape Town’s information about available study programmes and identify an eligible degree or postgraduate programme.

Step 2: Apply to the University of Cape Town

Applicants must submit an academic application to UCT.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application is separate from the academic UCT application. UCT advises prospective scholars to submit their academic application first and then apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Step 3: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

After completing the relevant UCT academic application process, applicants should submit their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application through UCT’s official scholarship platform.

Step 4: Submit Before the Correct Deadline

Undergraduate applicants must submit their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application by:

30 September 2026

Eligible postgraduate applicants must submit by:

31 October 2026

Applicants should carefully check the official UCT instructions because academic admission deadlines and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadlines are separate.

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Important Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Deadlines 2027

Applicant Category	Deadline
Undergraduate applicants	30 September 2026
Eligible postgraduate applicants	31 October 2026

These deadlines are confirmed by the University of Cape Town’s current Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application information.

Documents and Information Applicants Should Prepare

Applicants should carefully review the official UCT application requirements before submitting.

It is advisable to prepare information relating to:

• Academic history
• Intended programme of study
• Academic achievements
• Evidence of leadership
• Community involvement
• Financial or socioeconomic barriers
• Career aspirations
• Community impact goals
• Personal motivation for applying
• Relevant supporting documentation

Applicants should use the official UCT instructions as the final authority on required documents and application procedures.

Tips for a Strong Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application

1. Demonstrate Academic Potential

Your academic record should clearly demonstrate your ability to succeed in your chosen programme.

2. Explain Your Financial Circumstances Clearly

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program specifically targets talented students facing significant social and economic barriers to higher education.

Explain your circumstances honestly and clearly.

3. Demonstrate Leadership

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a formal leadership position.

Community projects, volunteering, student initiatives, youth programmes, entrepreneurship and other activities can demonstrate leadership potential.

4. Show Community Impact

Explain how you have contributed to your community and how you intend to use your education to create positive change.

5. Explain Your Future Goals

Strong applicants should be able to explain what they want to accomplish through their education and how their goals connect to positive change in Africa.

6. Be Authentic

Avoid simply writing what you think the selection committee wants to hear.

Your application should communicate your genuine experiences, ambitions and commitment to serving others.

7. Start Early

Do not wait until September or October 2026 to begin preparing your application.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 is highly competitive, so applicants should give themselves enough time to complete both the UCT academic application and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for African Students

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is particularly relevant for young Africans looking for fully supported opportunities to study in South Africa.

Eligible applicants can come from African countries, including South Africa. The programme seeks academically talented young people who face barriers to accessing higher education and who have the potential to become ethical, transformative leaders.

For many African students, the combination of tuition support, accommodation, living expenses, academic support, leadership development and career preparation makes the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship a significant higher education opportunity.

Why Study at the University of Cape Town?

The University of Cape Town offers students an opportunity to study in Cape Town while becoming part of a diverse academic community.

Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, successful scholars receive more than academic training. They participate in leadership development, mentorship, career development, entrepreneurship training and community engagement activities.

The programme also connects graduates with a wider alumni community of changemakers.

Final Thoughts

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 at the University of Cape Town presents a major opportunity for academically talented young Africans who face significant social and economic barriers to higher education.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship combines comprehensive financial support with leadership development, mentorship, career preparation, academic support and community engagement. Successful scholars can study at UCT while developing the skills and networks needed to contribute to positive change in their communities and across Africa.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, start your application early and carefully follow the official UCT application instructions.