Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Pretoria
About this scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria fully funds undergraduate, honours and master’s study at one of Africa’s leading research universities in South Africa. Scholars receive tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, book and supply allowances and medical aid, plus mentoring, psychosocial support, internships and leadership training.
The program is built for academically talented Africans facing economic barriers, with deliberate inclusion of young people with disabilities and refugees or displaced persons. Admission to an eligible UP program comes first, then the scholarship application. Windows run annually around the middle of the year, with the next expected to close around June 30, 2027 for the following January intake.
Eligibility
- Citizens of African countries who are academically talented but face economic and social barriers, including young people living with disabilities and refugees or internally displaced persons.
- Admission first: you must apply to and be accepted into an eligible full-time programme at the University of Pretoria before the scholarship application proceeds.
- Undergraduate track: applying for a first bachelor's degree with a grade average around 70 percent or higher and no prior degree.
- Postgraduate track: entering the first year of an honours or master's programme with at least 70 percent, and not already holding a master's.
- Eligible programmes span several faculties, including Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Economic and Management Sciences, and Humanities; extended and non-degree programmes are excluded.
- Demonstrated leadership, community involvement and commitment to Africa's transformation.
- Community service, internships and entrepreneurship activities are built into the programme, so willingness to participate is required.
Benefits & Coverage
- Full tuition and fees at one of Africa's leading research universities, running since 2014 and expanded under Phase 2 from 2024.
- Accommodation, a monthly stipend, and allowances for books, supplies and printed materials.
- Medical aid cover and travel support.
- Comprehensive wraparound support: mentoring, psychosocial support, leadership development, internships and entrepreneurship training.
- Membership of the pan-African Mastercard Foundation Scholars community and its alumni network.
- A transition focus that helps scholars move into work or further study that benefits their home communities.
Required Documents
- University of Pretoria admission application via the UP online portal (a UP student number is required before the scholarship step).
- Official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form for your level (undergraduate or postgraduate) with all supporting documents.
- Academic transcripts and certificates showing results around 70 percent or above.
- Proof of financial need and family circumstances.
- Evidence of leadership and community engagement, plus personal statements.
- Identity or refugee documentation, and a passport for international scholars to allow prompt visa processing.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to an eligible UP programme at up.ac.za/apply as early as possible; the scholarship cannot be processed without admission.
- Once admitted, contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program office at UP immediately to receive and complete the scholarship application pack.
- Submit the completed scholarship form and documents within the annual window (the 2027-intake window closed June 30, 2026; plan for a similar mid-year window for the 2028 intake).
- Choose a programme that genuinely fits your background, since the committee weighs the link between your studies, your story and your planned contribution to Africa.
- Shortlisted candidates go through further selection before awards are confirmed for the January intake.
- Successful scholars complete visa formalities where applicable and join the cohort's orientation and leadership programme.
Frequently asked questions
Is this scholarship fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as fully funded. The listed award is: Full support: tuition, housing, stipend, books and medical aid. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does this scholarship cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: Bachelor's & Master's.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is June 30, 2027. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: Citizens of African countries who are academically talented but face economic and social barriers, including young people living with disabilities and refugees or internally displaced persons; Admission first: you must apply to and be accepted into an eligible full-time programmโฆ See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
