The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is now accepting applications for the 2027 intake. The opportunity is designed for academically talented young Africans who face significant social and economic barriers to higher education and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change.

Undergraduate scholarship applications close on 30 September 2026, while postgraduate applications close on 31 October 2026.

Important: UCT states that undergraduate academic applications for the 2027 intake are already closed. However, applicants who previously submitted an undergraduate application to UCT may still apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program if they meet the requirements. Only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT will ultimately be eligible.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than financial assistance. It provides academically talented young people with an opportunity to pursue a world-class education while developing their leadership, career and entrepreneurial skills.

The program seeks young African leaders who want to use their education to contribute to their communities and broader African society.

Successful scholars receive comprehensive support throughout their studies, including tuition, accommodation, basic living expenses, medical aid, study-visa support where applicable and travel support. The program also provides academic and peer support, leadership development, career-readiness and entrepreneurship training.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should generally:

• 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 strong academic ability 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 and contributing to positive change. 

The program particularly encourages applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced young people and others whose access to educational opportunities has been affected by significant social or economic barriers.

Eligible Postgraduate Programmes

For the current intake, eligible postgraduate opportunities include:

• Postgraduate Diploma 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 scholarship does not cover part-time studies or research-only qualifications such as a master's by dissertation or a PhD.

Fields of Study

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

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

Additional opportunities are also available through certain development programmes, including programmes connected to the African Climate & Development Initiative and Healthy Futures South Africa.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides comprehensive support covering the full period of the scholar's programme, subject to satisfactory academic performance, personal conduct and participation in the program's development activities.

Support includes:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Basic living expenses
• Medical aid
• Study-visa costs where applicable
• Travel support
• A laptop
• Academic and peer support
• Leadership development
• Career-readiness training
• Entrepreneurship development
• Opportunities for community engagement
• Access to a lifelong alumni network of changemakers 

How to Apply

Applicants should follow the application process carefully.

Step 1: Review UCT Study Options

First, identify the programme you intend to study and review the relevant UCT admission requirements.

Review UCT study and application information  

Step 2: Apply to the University of Cape Town

Applicants must apply for academic admission to UCT before submitting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.

Apply to UCT online  

Important: The scholarship application is separate from the UCT academic application.

Step 3: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

After applying to UCT, eligible applicants can submit their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.

Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program  

The application form requires information such as your UCT applicant number, personal details, programme information and supporting documentation.

Documents You May Need

Applicants should be prepared to provide supporting documentation, including:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of financial status
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Academic information
• Essay
• Recommendation letter

UCT's current application form specifies that the CV should be no more than three pages and should include educational background, employment history, extracurricular activities, community engagement and leadership experience.

Scholarship Essay

The essay is an important part of the application.

For undergraduate applicants, UCT asks applicants to address areas including:

• Why they are applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT
• Their personal and professional goals
• What has inspired their educational journey
• Obstacles they have faced in pursuing education and how they overcame them
• How they have helped others in their community 

Postgraduate applicants are asked to reflect on leadership, how the program would help them contribute to economic growth and social development, and their community service, leadership or entrepreneurship experience.

Important Application Deadlines

UCT's official scholarship page currently lists these deadlines.

Undergraduate applicants should take note: UCT says undergraduate academic applications for the 2027 intake are already closed. Therefore, the 30 September scholarship deadline does not mean that a new undergraduate UCT academic application can still be submitted. Applicants who already applied to UCT may proceed with the scholarship application if they satisfy the eligibility requirements.

Why You Should Consider This Opportunity

For eligible African students, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can provide much more than funding.

It combines:

Education + Leadership + Career Development + Community Impact

Scholars become part of a broader community of young people working toward positive social and economic change across Africa. UCT describes the program as a pathway to world-class education, leadership development, preparation for the world of work and meaningful community impact.

Final Advice for Applicants

Do not wait until the final day to prepare your application.

Before submitting:

• Confirm that your programme is eligible.
• Check your UCT admission status or application.
• Gather your financial documents.
• Prepare a strong CV.
• Identify an appropriate referee.
• Start your scholarship essay early.
• Clearly explain the barriers you have faced.
• Demonstrate your leadership through real examples.
• Show how your education will benefit your community.
• Review every document before submission.
• Submit before the relevant deadline.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Your application should clearly demonstrate academic ability, financial need, leadership potential and a genuine commitment to community impact.

Apply Now

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town – 2027 Intake

Undergraduate deadline: 30 September 2026  
Postgraduate deadline: 31 October 2026

Official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page at UCT  

Official Scholarship Application Form  

Always verify programme-specific admission requirements and deadlines directly with UCT before submitting your application.