Applications are now open for the University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027, offering comprehensive financial and academic support to talented African students who want to pursue undergraduate or eligible postgraduate studies in South Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is designed for academically talented young Africans who face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education. Beyond paying for university studies, the programme focuses strongly on leadership development, career preparation, entrepreneurship, community engagement and preparing young Africans to contribute to positive social and economic change across the continent.
For the 2027 intake, eligible applicants from African countries can be considered for comprehensive scholarship support covering major study and living expenses at UCT.
There are two important scholarship deadlines:
- Undergraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline: 30 September 2026
- Postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline: 31 October 2026
However, undergraduate admission applications to UCT for 2027 have already closed. Therefore, the undergraduate scholarship route is currently relevant only to candidates who already submitted their UCT undergraduate admission applications before the university deadline.
Postgraduate applicants still have an opportunity to apply, subject to the admission deadline and requirements of their intended UCT programme.
About the University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The University of Cape Town works in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to provide higher-education opportunities to academically talented young Africans who may otherwise face significant barriers to university education.
The programme is not simply a tuition scholarship. It combines financial assistance with academic support, mentoring, leadership development, career preparation and opportunities for community engagement.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UCT become part of a wider community of young leaders committed to contributing to Africa’s social and economic development.
The scholarship covers the full period of the approved UCT programme, subject to annual renewal requirements, including satisfactory academic performance, appropriate personal conduct and participation in the development programmes and activities associated with the Scholars Program.
University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027: Overview
Host Country: South Africa
Host Institution: University of Cape Town (UCT)
Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Study Level: First bachelor’s degree and eligible for taught postgraduate programmes
Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of African countries, including South Africa
Funding: Comprehensive scholarship support
Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline: 30 September 2026
Postgraduate Scholarship Deadline: 31 October 2026
Study Intake: 2027
What Does the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
Successful Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive support designed to reduce the financial barriers associated with studying at university.
The University of Cape Town states that financial support can include:
- Full tuition fees for the approved programme of study
- Accommodation on UCT campuses
- Basic living expenses
- A laptop
- Medical aid
- Study visa support where applicable
- Annual travel between the scholar’s home and UCT
The programme also provides substantial non-financial support.
Scholars can benefit from academic and peer support, mentoring, career development, entrepreneurship training, leadership development and opportunities to participate in community-focused initiatives.
After completing their studies, scholars also become part of the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network.
This makes the programme particularly attractive to students who are looking not only for financial support but also for leadership development, professional preparation and a long-term network.
Who Is Eligible for the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027?
Applicants must meet several important conditions.
According to the University of Cape Town, 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 a commitment to excellence.
- Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
- Demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership.
- Show commitment to serving their communities and contributing to positive change.
Applicants should therefore understand that excellent academic grades alone are not enough.
The scholarship selection process also considers financial circumstances, leadership potential, community engagement and the applicant’s potential to use their education to contribute meaningfully to society.
Which Programmes Are Eligible?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is available across UCT’s six faculties:
- Commerce
- Engineering and the Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
However, not every type of qualification is covered.
For undergraduate applicants, the programme supports students applying for their first bachelor’s degree.
At the postgraduate level, eligible qualifications include:
- A Postgraduate Diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Honours programmes offered through UCT’s six faculties
- Coursework Master’s programmes offered through UCT’s six faculties
Applicants should carefully confirm that their intended programme qualifies before completing the scholarship application.
Are PhD Programmes Covered?
No.
The University of Cape Town specifically states that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not fund qualifications that are by research only.
This means the programme does not cover:
- PhD programmes
- Master’s degrees by dissertation/research only
- Part-time programmes
Students seeking doctoral funding should therefore explore other UCT scholarships and research funding opportunities.
Who Is UCT Particularly Encouraging to Apply?
UCT states that it encourages applications from groups whose access to educational opportunities may have been restricted by social or economic barriers.
This includes:
- Young women
- People living with disabilities
- Refugees
- Forcibly displaced young people
- Other young Africans facing significant social and economic barriers
Applicants from these groups must still satisfy the programme’s academic and other eligibility requirements.
Selection Criteria
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive.
UCT indicates that successful candidates should demonstrate four major qualities.
1. Academic Talent
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic ability, commitment to learning and the capacity to successfully complete their proposed programme.
2. Financial Need
The scholarship targets students whose ability to access higher education is significantly restricted by financial and socioeconomic barriers.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to provide accurate information and supporting documentation concerning their circumstances.
3. Commitment to Community
Candidates should demonstrate that they are interested in using their education and skills to benefit their communities.
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a formal title. Community initiatives, volunteering, mentoring, advocacy, entrepreneurship or other forms of service may help demonstrate an applicant’s commitment.
4. Ethical and Transformative Leadership Potential
The programme seeks young people capable of contributing positively to their communities and broader society.
Applicants should therefore pay particular attention to how their experiences, goals and proposed education connect to real problems within their communities, countries or the African continent.
Documents Required for the Scholarship Application
Applicants should prepare their documentation carefully.
The current UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form requires supporting information and documents, including proof of address and information about the applicant’s extracurricular activities, community engagement and leadership experience.
Applicants should generally be prepared to provide:
- Identification/passport information
- Proof of address
- Academic records and transcripts
- Information about previous and current qualifications
- Details of extracurricular activities
- Evidence or descriptions of community involvement
- Leadership experience
- Scholarship essay
- Other supporting documentation requested through the application system
Applicants must also satisfy the separate documentation requirements for admission to their chosen UCT academic programme.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Essay
The scholarship essay is an important part of the application because it allows the selection committee to understand the applicant beyond academic grades.
Undergraduate Applicants
UCT asks undergraduate applicants to submit an essay of no more than 2,000 words addressing areas such as:
- Why they are applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT
- Their personal and professional goals
- What inspired their educational journey
- Obstacles they have faced while pursuing education and how they responded to them
- Ways in which they have helped other people around them
Applicants should avoid writing a generic essay that merely says they need financial assistance.
A stronger essay should connect personal experience, educational ambitions, leadership, community contribution and future goals.
Postgraduate Applicants
Postgraduate applicants are asked to submit an essay of no more than 2,000 words reflecting on leadership and explaining how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program could enable them to contribute to the economic growth and social development of their home community, country and Africa more broadly.
This means postgraduate candidates should clearly demonstrate the connection between:
past experience → proposed postgraduate study → leadership development → future impact.
How to Apply for the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
There are two separate processes applicants need to understand.
Applying for admission to the University of Cape Town is not the same thing as applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible UCT Programme
Visit the University of Cape Town website and identify the bachelor’s or eligible postgraduate programme you want to pursue.
Check:
- Academic entry requirements
- Programme-specific requirements
- Required qualifications
- English-language requirements where applicable
- Application deadline
- Required supporting documents
Step 2: Apply for Admission to UCT
Submit your academic application directly to the University of Cape Town.
This step is essential.
UCT states that prospective Mastercard Foundation Scholars should submit their academic application to UCT before applying for the Scholars Program.
Ultimately, an applicant must receive an offer of admission to UCT to become eligible for the scholarship.
Step 3: Obtain Your UCT Applicant Information
The Mastercard Foundation scholarship application requests information connected to your UCT academic application, including your UCT applicant number.
This is another reason why candidates should not attempt to treat the scholarship application as a substitute for university admission.
Step 4: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application
After submitting the UCT academic application, proceed to the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
Complete all required sections accurately.
Step 5: Prepare Your Scholarship Essay
Do not leave the essay until the final day.
Your essay should provide specific examples demonstrating leadership, resilience, community engagement and the relationship between your education and your future contribution to society.
Step 6: Upload the Required Supporting Documents
Make sure every required document is complete, readable and submitted in the correct format.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Review names, dates, academic information, programme details and supporting documents carefully before final submission.
Important Information for Undergraduate Applicants
There is an important distinction for the 2027 intake.
UCT’s general undergraduate applications for 2027 closed on 31 July 2026.
However, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline for applicants to bachelor’s programmes is 30 September 2026.
Therefore, students who already submitted their UCT undergraduate application may still submit the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application, provided they satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Someone who did not submit a UCT undergraduate application before the university’s admission deadline should not assume that the later scholarship deadline reopens undergraduate admission.
Important Information for Postgraduate Applicants
For eligible postgraduate candidates, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is:
31 October 2026.
However, applicants must also consider the separate admission deadline for their chosen UCT postgraduate programme.
Do not assume that the scholarship deadline automatically extends your academic programme’s admission deadline.
Check your intended faculty and programme immediately.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Because the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program evaluates more than academic achievement, candidates should approach the application strategically.
First, clearly demonstrate your academic potential using your previous studies, achievements and evidence of commitment to education.
Second, explain your financial and socioeconomic circumstances honestly and specifically where requested.
Third, demonstrate leadership using concrete examples rather than simply describing yourself as a leader.
Fourth, show evidence of community involvement and service.
Finally, connect your proposed UCT education to a realistic long-term vision. Explain what problem you hope to address, why the programme you selected is relevant and how you intend to apply the knowledge and opportunities you gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The programme provides comprehensive financial support covering major costs, including tuition, UCT campus accommodation, basic living expenses, a laptop, medical aid, study visa costs where applicable and annual travel to and from UCT.
Can international African students apply?
Yes. The programme is specifically available to citizens of African countries, including South Africa, subject to the other eligibility requirements.
Can Cameroonian students apply?
Yes. Cameroon is an African country, so Cameroonian applicants may apply if they satisfy the academic, socioeconomic, leadership and programme requirements.
Can I apply for a PhD?
No. The UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not cover PhD programmes or qualifications that are research-only.
Are master’s students eligible?
Yes, but the master’s programme must be an eligible coursework master’s programme at UCT. Master’s programmes by dissertation only are excluded.
Can I study part-time?
No. Part-time study is not covered by the programme.
Do I need to apply to UCT separately?
Yes. The UCT academic admission application and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application are separate processes.
What is the deadline?
For the 2027 intake:
Undergraduate scholarship application: 30 September 2026
Postgraduate scholarship application: 31 October 2026
Remember that undergraduate admission applications for 2027 have already closed. The undergraduate scholarship deadline therefore applies to eligible candidates who already submitted their UCT undergraduate applications.
Final Thoughts
The University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 represents a major funding opportunity for talented African students who have strong academic potential but face substantial financial or socioeconomic barriers to higher education.
Its value extends beyond paying university expenses. Scholars receive academic support, leadership development, career and entrepreneurship training and access to a network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni.
For postgraduate applicants targeting the 2027 intake, now is the time to identify an eligible programme, check the programme-specific admission deadline, prepare academic documents and begin working on the scholarship essay.
Applicants should rely on the University of Cape Town’s official information when preparing their applications and verify programme-specific requirements before submitting.
Official Application Links
University of Cape Town — Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027:
https://www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn/apply-mastercard-foundation-scholars-program
Apply for Admission to the University of Cape Town:
https://applyonline.uct.ac.za/
UCT Applicants and Students Portal / Explore Programmes:
https://uct.ac.za/students
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Information:
https://www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn/how-apply
Scholarship Application Form:
https://www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn/application-form
Important Deadlines
Undergraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: 30 September 2026
Postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: 31 October 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before the relevant deadline and verify the admission deadline for their chosen academic programme directly with the University of Cape Town.
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