University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Mastercard Foundation

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens of an African country (including South Africa) applying for a first bachelor's degree, or an eligible UCT taught postgraduate programme (Faculty of Health Sciences postgraduate diploma, honours, or coursework master's). Applicants must show academic talent, significant social and economic barriers to higher education, leadership potential and commitment to serving their community. Part-time study and research-only qualifications (master's by dissertation, PhD) are not covered.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

UCT and the Mastercard Foundation fund African students for a first bachelor's degree or a taught postgraduate programme. You must first apply to UCT and then submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars application; only students who receive an offer of admission are eligible.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens of an African country (including South Africa) applying for a first bachelor's degree, or an eligible UCT taught postgraduate programme (Faculty of Health Sciences postgraduate diploma, honours, or coursework master's). Applicants must show academic talent, significant social and economic barriers to higher education, leadership potential and commitment to serving their community. Part-time study and research-only qualifications (master's by dissertation, PhD) are not covered.
2. Note the deadline. Sep – Oct (annual; for 2027 entry the page lists 30 Sep 2026 for undergraduates - although it also shows the undergraduate round as closed - and 31 Oct 2026 for postgraduate diploma, honours and coursework master's) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.

Quick answers

Who can apply for University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Citizens of an African country (including South Africa) applying for a first bachelor's degree, or an eligible UCT taught postgraduate programme (Faculty of Health Sciences postgraduate diploma, honours, or coursework master's). Applicants must show academic talent, significant social and economic barriers to higher education, leadership potential and commitment to serving their community. Part-time study and research-only qualifications (master's by dissertation, PhD) are not covered.

What does University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program cover?

"Scholarships and comprehensive support" from UCT and the Mastercard Foundation; the page does not itemise tuition or living costs

When is the deadline for University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Sep – Oct (annual; for 2027 entry the page lists 30 Sep 2026 for undergraduates - although it also shows the undergraduate round as closed - and 31 Oct 2026 for postgraduate diploma, honours and coursework master's) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Host countries: South Africa.

What documents do I need for University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application?

High: UCT online application + separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application