The Mastercard Foundation has partnered with UCT in order to oversee the provision of financial, academic, social, and post-graduation support to selected candidates under The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town. The Program’s goal is to transform deserving young people from recipients to givers by arming them with the principles, information, know-how, and leadership needed to advance society and the economy in Africa. The program seeks individuals from Africa who are economically underprivileged young adults with leadership potential and who possess academic qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Young Africans with academic aptitude will be given scholarships through the program to attend UCT for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students engaged in the program will get support with academics, leadership development, and life skills. Writing circles, language instruction, tutoring, and career counseling are all forms of academic help.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town, applicants must be:
- Academically talented, must value learning and be driven to complete their education.
- Economically disadvantaged and facing significant financial barriers to accessing education.
- Committed to giving back to their own communities once studies are completed, to return to their home countries and take a leadership role in promoting social and economic improvement.
- Citizens and residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Wanting to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level (Masters by research and coursework or research Masters, only).
Benefits of MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program
The scholarships will cover for the following:
- Reimbursement of costs incurred for visa application processing
- An economy class air ticket to Cape Town South Africa for awardees who are i) citizens and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town
- Full tuition fees and international student fees
- Accommodation in the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
- Meals through the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
- Medical cover with a recommended medical aid service provider
- A living stipend; to be used to cover ad hoc expenses pertaining to your studies
- A book allowance to purchase the prescribed textbooks required for your degree programme
- Costs related to community activities as prescribed by the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town
- Access to an internship opportunity
- An economy class air ticket home upon completion of studies, for awardees who are i) citizens of and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town
How to Apply
Anyone interested in The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program must first apply to UCT for academic placement and study. The Mastercard Foundation scholarship is only open to applicants who have applied for academic study and placement at UCT.
Visit Mastercard Foundation on www.mcfsp.uct.ac.za to apply