The University of Cape Town calls application for fully-funded Scholarships to study in South Africa. Until 2020, over 300 African students will be awarded full scholarships to UCT as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The initiative provides students with a top-level education, as well as leadership and career development, mentorship and access to a global alumni network.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars’ Program: an educational initiative that provides academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education.

About Scholarships

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate or postgraduate (honours and master’s) degree-seeking applicants. These scholarships cover the full period of study and are renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance and participation in the activities and opportunities offered by the program. Successful candidates will be required to commit themselves to return to their home countries and to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic growth.

Benefits

The Fully-funded MasterCard Scholarships at the University of Cape Town offers

• Comprehensive financial assistance with visa applications, travel, tuition, living expenses, medical aid, and accommodation.
• A relevant and recognized education through academic curricula aimed at producing graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognized and locally applicable.
• Academic and peer mentor support – to ensure that each Scholar successfully progresses academically.
• An array of cultural and transition support and training aimed at academic and professional enrichment and assisting in the challenges facing university going students.
• Career and internship opportunities in Africa, service-learning, experiential learning – career guidance and support for the transition to further study or the workforce.
• Leadership development and training.
• Alumni networks for further support.

Selection criteria

• Academically talented: value learning and are driven to complete their education.
• Economically disadvantaged: facing significant financial barriers to completing their education.
• Committed to giving back: investing in their communities, using the skills and knowledge that they have acquired.
• Future leaders: committed to embracing ethical leadership and making a positive change in their home communities.

Find out how to apply