University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Fully Supported Study Opportunity for African Students
The University of Cape Town is accepting applications for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offering comprehensive financial and academic support to eligible African students.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has opened applications for the 2027 intake of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, creating an important opportunity for academically talented young people from across Africa who face financial and social barriers to higher education.
The programme is designed for students who demonstrate strong academic potential, a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities and the determination to use higher education as a pathway to meaningful impact.
Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, UCT provides selected scholars with comprehensive support throughout their approved programme of study.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT supports academically talented students who may otherwise struggle to access higher education because of significant socioeconomic barriers.
The programme is open to eligible students from African countries, including South Africa, and covers selected study opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Depending on the applicant’s academic pathway and programme eligibility, the scholarship can support students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, an eligible postgraduate diploma, an honours degree or a master’s degree at UCT.
The programme goes beyond simply paying tuition fees. It is structured to provide scholars with the academic, personal and professional support needed to succeed at university and prepare for leadership beyond graduation.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive financial assistance for the full duration of their approved programme of study.
The support package includes several major costs associated with studying and living at UCT. These can include:
- Full tuition fees.
- A laptop for academic purposes.
- Accommodation on UCT campuses.
- Living expenses.
- Medical aid.
- A study visa where applicable.
- Annual travel to and from UCT.
Scholarship support is renewed annually, provided that scholars continue to meet the programme’s requirements. These include satisfactory academic performance, appropriate personal conduct and participation in the development programmes and activities associated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
This comprehensive structure makes the opportunity particularly valuable for students who would otherwise face significant financial obstacles to completing their university education.
More Than a Financial Scholarship
One of the distinguishing features of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is its emphasis on developing students beyond the classroom.
Scholars receive access to academic support and mentoring, helping them navigate university life and meet the demands of their chosen fields of study.
The programme also incorporates leadership development, enabling participants to strengthen their ability to contribute to their communities and address challenges affecting Africa and the wider world.
Career preparation is another important component. Scholars can receive support in areas such as career readiness, entrepreneurship development and professional development.
Participants may also gain access to internships and community-engagement opportunities, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical environments.
After completing their studies, scholars can remain connected through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni Network, creating opportunities for continued engagement and collaboration.
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Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for academically talented young people from African countries who experience significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
Applicants must also satisfy the admission and eligibility requirements associated with their chosen UCT programme.
For prospective undergraduate students, there is an important distinction between applying to UCT and applying for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship. Applicants must first have an application for a qualifying bachelor’s degree at UCT.
According to UCT, undergraduate applicants who have already submitted an application for a bachelor’s degree may apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
However, only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT will be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
This means prospective students should pay close attention to both the university admission process and the scholarship application requirements.
2027 Application Deadlines
Applicants should take note of the different deadlines depending on their intended level of study.
For applicants to a UCT bachelor’s degree, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is:
30 September 2026
For applicants to an eligible postgraduate diploma in the Faculty of Health Sciences, honours degree or master’s programme, the scholarship application deadline is:
31 October 2026
UCT has indicated that undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake are closed, while postgraduate applications remain open. Prospective students should therefore carefully check their individual programme requirements and current admission status before proceeding.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to begin by reviewing the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information provided by UCT.
The application process requires applicants to understand the eligibility criteria, academic requirements and application procedures before submitting their information.
Applicants should also ensure that their UCT admission application is completed where required, particularly those applying for bachelor’s degree programmes.
Because the scholarship is highly competitive, applicants should provide accurate information and carefully follow all instructions provided by the university.
The official application information is available through the University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.
An Opportunity to Study at UCT
For talented African students, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program represents more than an opportunity to receive financial assistance. It provides access to an internationally respected university while combining academic development with leadership, career preparation, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
The programme’s broader objective is to support young people who have the potential to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to Africa’s future.
Students who are considering applying are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully, confirm that their intended programme qualifies and pay close attention to the relevant deadlines.
For additional information about eligibility and the application process, prospective applicants can contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at [email protected].
With applications for the 2027 intake underway, eligible African students now have an opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions at one of Africa’s leading universities with substantial financial and developmental support.
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