The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is now open for the 2026 academic year, offering fully funded undergraduate and master’s degree scholarships for academically gifted students from South Africa and across Africa.
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About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Launched in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that empowers the next generation of transformative leaders. It is committed to removing the economic and social barriers that limit access to higher education especially for:
- Young women
- Refugees and displaced persons
- Persons with disabilities
UWC is proud to be an implementing partner of this life-changing program, supporting young African scholars to develop their potential and drive change in their communities.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) invites applications for a limited number of scholarships for full-time undergraduate and master’s degree programs starting in 2026.
Undergraduate Fields of Study
- History, Linguistics, Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies
- Economics, Information Sciences and Public Administration)
- Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
- Biological, Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Master’s Degree Fields of Study
Eligible disciplines include:
- Arts & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
- Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
- Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences
- Law: Governance and Human Rights
- Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
To apply, Click here
Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be economically disadvantaged and demonstrate leadership potential.
- Be willing to pursue full-time study at UWC in 2026.
- Submit all supporting documents in English only.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following:
- Proof of parental income (e.g. payslips, social grant letters, or NSFAS documentation)
- Letter of unemployment from the Department of Labour (if applicable)
- Refugee or internally displaced documentation (if applicable).
Application Process
The application includes six key sections:
- Personal Information
- Academic Information
- Family Background
- Short Narrative Essays
- Community Engagement Record
- Certification/Declaration
Important Contacts:
- For postgraduate inquiries: ssganda@uwc.ac.za
- For undergraduate inquiries: qmhlauli@uwc.ac.za
Application Deadline
31 August 2025
Only one complete application should be submitted. Incomplete or duplicate applications will be disqualified.
Applicants who do not receive feedback by mid-December 2025 should consider their application unsuccessful.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- On-campus accommodation
- Monthly stipend and meal allowance
- Medical aid
- Laptop and study materials
- Holistic support programs
- Pre-arrival and welcome orientation
Scholars must maintain academic performance and comply with UWC’s student regulations to retain the scholarship.
This is your opportunity to join a prestigious group of young Africans transforming the continent through education and leadership. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about making a difference, don’t miss this life-changing opportunity.
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Apply now via the official UWC Mastercard Foundation application portal
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