Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (Postgraduate)

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships to academically talented young Africans to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Postgraduate applications for the intake remain open.

Scholars receive support and developmental opportunities including mentoring, leadership development, academic and life-skills support, career development and entrepreneurship training, and are expected to engage in community-upliftment projects.

Are you an innovative thinker committed to leading positive social and economic change in Africa? Note: applying to the Scholars Program is not the same as an academic application to UCT — apply to UCT first, then to the Program.

• A citizen of an African country, academically talented and committed to giving back to Africa.
• Must apply to UCT and receive an offer of admission (only admitted applicants are eligible).
• Meet all Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility requirements. Check the relevant UCT faculty for programme-specific requirements and deadlines.

How to apply: submit an academic application to UCT first, then apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program via https://uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn/how-apply. Undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake are closed, but postgraduate applications remain open — check with the relevant UCT faculty for programme-specific requirements and deadlines. Only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT are eligible.