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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 at UCT: Requirements and Closing Dates
The University of Cape Town, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has opened applications for the 2027 intake of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This is one of the most comprehensive scholarship opportunities available to young Africans, covering not just tuition but leadership development, mentorship and lifelong access to a global network of changemakers.
If you are an academically talented African student facing financial or social barriers to higher education, this programme is worth a serious look, though note that one of its two application windows has already closed.
What the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Offers
This is described by UCT as more than a scholarship. Beyond funding, Scholars gain access to:
- A world-class education at UCT
- Leadership development and mentorship
- Career development support
- A lifelong global Alumni network of young African leaders
The programme is aimed specifically at students who face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education, rather than functioning as a general merit bursary.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa
- Be applying for their first bachelor’s degree at UCT, or an eligible taught postgraduate programme
- 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
- Be committed to serving their communities and contributing to positive change
Eligible postgraduate options specifically include a postgraduate diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences, an honours degree offered by any of UCT’s six faculties, or a coursework master’s programme offered by any of UCT’s six faculties.
Important: What This Scholarship Does Not Cover
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not cover:
- Part-time studies
- Qualifications by research only, such as a Master’s by dissertation or a PhD
If your intended qualification falls into either category, you will not be eligible for this specific programme, regardless of how strong your academic record is.
Selection Criteria
Beyond the baseline eligibility requirements, UCT and the Mastercard Foundation are specifically looking for applicants who are:
- Academically talented, with a demonstrated commitment to learning and a drive to complete their education
- Limited in their ability to access education due to significant financial barriers
- Committed to investing in their community through the skills and knowledge they acquire
- Future leaders committed to ethical transformation and positive contribution to their community and broader society
Fields of Study at UCT
The programme supports study across six faculties:
- Commerce
- Engineering & the Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Students admitted to the Integrated Master’s Programme through the African Climate & Development Initiative, or the Healthy Futures South Africa programme via the Africa Health Collaborative, are also eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Commitment to Inclusion
UCT has specifically stated that it encourages applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and all young people whose access to opportunity has been impeded by social and economic barriers.
Important Closing Dates
This is the detail applicants most need to check carefully:
- Undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake at UCT are already closed. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline for bachelor’s degree applicants was 30 September 2026.
- Postgraduate applications remain open. For an eligible postgraduate diploma in the Faculty of Health Sciences, or an honours degree or master’s programme, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is 31 October 2026.
If you had already applied for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree at UCT before the closing date and meet all eligibility requirements, you may still apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program itself, but only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT will be eligible for the programme.
How to Apply
- Review UCT’s website for information on study options at uct.ac.za/applicants-and-students.
- Submit your general application to the University of Cape Town through the official online application portal.
- Separately submit your Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application through www.uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn.
Note that applying to UCT itself and applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are two separate steps, both of which need to be completed. An offer of admission to UCT is required before the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application can be finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT? Citizens of any African country, including South Africa, applying for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible postgraduate diploma, honours or coursework master’s programme at UCT.
Is undergraduate application still open for 2027? No. Undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake closed on 30 September 2026. Postgraduate applications remain open until 31 October 2026.
Does the scholarship cover a PhD or a Master’s by dissertation? No. The programme does not cover part-time studies or qualifications by research only.
Do I need to apply to UCT and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program separately? Yes. You must apply to UCT directly, and separately submit a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application. Only applicants who receive a UCT admission offer are eligible for the scholarship.
What faculties are covered? Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science.
Does the programme encourage applications from people with disabilities or refugees? Yes. UCT has explicitly stated it welcomes applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees and forcibly displaced youth.
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