MasterCard Foundation 2023 Scholarship Program for African Students

The Mastercard Foundation has partnered with the University of Cape Town (UCT) to oversee the implementation of financial, academic, social and post-graduation support to awarded candidates under the scholarship titled The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town. The vision of the Program is to transition promising young people from beneficiaries to benefactors, preparing them with the necessary values, knowledge, skills, and leadership to fuel economic and social progress across Africa. The Program targets academically qualified undergraduate and postgraduate candidates who are economically disadvantaged young people with leadership potential from Africa.

The Program will provide scholarships to academically talented young Africans to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at UCT. Students enrolled on the Program will receive mentoring, leadership development, academic and life skills support. Academic support will include tutoring, language training, writing circles and guidance counselling.

Eligibility Criteria

 In order to be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town, applicants must be:

• Academically talented, must value learning and be driven to complete their education.
• Economically disadvantaged and facing significant financial barriers to accessing education.
• Committed to giving back to their own communities once studies are completed, to return to their home countries and take a leadership role in promoting social and economic improvement.
• Citizens and residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Wanting to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level (Masters by research and coursework or research Masters, only).

Benefits of MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program

 The scholarships will cover for the following:

• Reimbursement of costs incurred for visa application processing
• An economy class air ticket to Cape Town South Africa for awardees who are i) citizens and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town
• Full tuition fees and international student fees
• Accommodation in the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
• Meals through the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
• Medical cover with a recommended medical aid service provider
• A living stipend; to be used to cover ad hoc expenses pertaining to your studies
• A book allowance to purchase the prescribed textbooks required for your degree programme
• Costs related to community activities as prescribed by the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town
• Access to an internship opportunity
• An economy class air ticket home upon completion of studies, for awardees who are i) citizens of and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town

Students enrolled on the Program will receive mentoring, leadership development, academic and life skills support.  Academic support will include tutoring, language training, writing circles and guidance counselling.

How to Apply

Go to Mastercard Foundation on www.mcfsp.uct.ac.za to apply