The prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has opened applications for its 2025 cohort at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa.
This fully-funded scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for academically talented African youth to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees at UWC.
If you are a driven, service-oriented young leader looking to make a positive impact on the continent, read on to learn about the scholarship details, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Opportunity Summary
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Sponsor: MasterCard Foundation | University of the Western Cape
- School: University of the Western Cape
- Location: South Africa
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Benefits: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Laptop | Travel Costs, No IELTS Required
- Deadline: August 30, 2024
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Launched in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that aims to develop Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders.
The Program specifically targets bright young people who face significant barriers to accessing quality higher education due to economic and social challenges.
Special consideration is given to young women, refugees, displaced youth, and individuals living with disabilities.
UWC has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation since 2013 to offer this prestigious scholarship to outstanding students from South Africa and across Africa.
To date, the Program has supported over 50,000 young African leaders to gain a world-class education, cultivate their leadership potential, and transition into impactful careers.
Scholarship Details
For the 2025 academic year, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC will provide fully-funded scholarships for:
- Undergraduate degree programs
- Master’s degree programs
The scholarship will cover the full duration of study – 3 to 4 years for undergraduate degrees and 2 years for master’s degrees. Funding includes tuition fees, accommodation, meals, medical aid, a laptop, books, and a monthly stipend.
Fields of Study
- Undergraduate programs:Arts & Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s & Gender Studies
- Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Systems, Public Administration
- Education: Mathematics & Science Education, Foundation Phase Teaching
- Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical & Physical Sciences
- Master’s programs: Arts & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
- Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
- Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Systems, Migration Studies
- Law: Governance & Human Rights
- Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Eligibility Criteria
- For undergraduate applicants: No older than 26 years
- Meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements for your chosen program
- Prepared to begin full-time undergraduate studies in January 2025
- Demonstrate that your access to university is impeded by economic and social barriers
- Must not already hold an undergraduate degree
- For master’s degree applicants: No older than 30 years
- Meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements for your chosen master’s program
- Prepared to begin full-time master’s studies in January 2025
- Demonstrate that your access to university is impeded by economic and social barriers
- Must not already hold a master’s degree
Scholarship Benefits
- The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UWC provides comprehensive support to ensure scholars thrive academically and personally:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a UWC residence
- Monthly stipend and meal allowance
- Medical aid coverage
- Laptop and study materials allowance
- Pre-arrival support and orientation
- Personalized academic support and mentoring
- Leadership and career development programs
- Access to the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni network
How to Apply
- Applying for the Mastercard Scholarship at UWC is a two-step process:
- Step 1: Apply for academic admission to UWC
- Submit an application for your chosen undergraduate or master’s program at UWC before the deadline. Use this link to apply online.
- You must obtain a UWC student number to proceed with the scholarship application.
- Take note of the application closing dates for your specific program.
- Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship: After receiving your UWC student number, complete the online Mastercard Scholarship application form, available here.
- Ensure you fill in all sections of the form and submit the required supporting documents.
- If you face any issues with the online application, email [email protected].
- Please note: No late or incomplete applications will be considered.
- Only applicants who have applied for admission to UWC can apply for the scholarship.
- Applicants may not hold other full scholarships in conjunction with the Mastercard Scholarship.
Application Deadline
The closing date for all 2025 Mastercard Scholarship applications is Friday, 30 August 2024.
Apply as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline. UWC will communicate the outcome of your application by 15 November 2024.
If you do not hear back by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
In Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC offers a life-changing opportunity for exceptional African students to earn a fully-funded undergraduate or master’s degree.
This scholarship goes beyond financial support – it empowers young leaders with the education, skills and networks they need to drive positive change across the continent.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, click here to begin your application today!
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