Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 at University of Western Cape in South Africa

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is making it possible for young Africans to study without worrying about tuition, housing, or living costs.

This scholarship is designed to support students who show academic potential and leadership, especially those facing financial hardship, displacement, or other barriers. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or master’s program, it covers everything you need to study and succeed.

In this guide, we’ll break down what the scholarship includes, who can apply, how it works, and the deadlines to know before you get started.

What the Scholarship Covers

At UWC, Mastercard Foundation Scholars don’t just receive a scholarship; they’re fully supported with a benefits package that takes care of both their academic and personal needs.  This includes:

• Full tuition fees
• On-campus accommodation
• Monthly stipend and feeding allowance
• Textbook and study material support
• Medical aid
• Laptop
• Academic and personal development support
• Pre-arrival onboarding for international students

Who Can Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at

Undergraduate applicants must:

• Be 26 years old or younger
• Be applying for full-time undergraduate studies at UWC starting January 2026
• Meet UWC’s academic entry requirements
• Be able to show they come from a background of financial or social disadvantage

Master’s applicants must:

• Be 30 years old or younger
• Be applying for full-time master’s study at UWC for January 2026
• Already hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year
• Meet academic and program-specific entry requirements
• Show evidence of financial difficulty or displacement (e.g., refugee status, disability, rural background, etc.)

Note: Preference is given to women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities from across Africa.

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Available Fields of Study at UWC

Undergraduate fields include:

• Arts & Humanities
• Economics and Management Sciences
• Education
• Natural Sciences

Master’s programs include:

• Public Health
• Development Studies
• Gender Justice
• History
• Sociology
• Applied Linguistics
• Information Sciences
• Migration and Displacement Studies
• Governance and Human Rights
• STEM (Biology, Computational Science, etc.)

How to Apply for the Mastercard Scholars Program at UWC

Step 1 – Apply to UWC

Submit your application to UWC via their online application portal and obtain your application number.

Step 2 – Fill Out the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Form

Once you have a UWC application number, complete the scholarship form at UWC’s official scholarship portal. You’ll need to upload documents like:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of income or financial need
• A short essay or personal statement
• Evidence of community involvement or leadership
• Identification document or passport

Step 3 – Submit before the Deadline

Make sure everything is completed and submitted on or before 31 August 2025.

Step 4 – Wait for Results

If selected, you’ll hear back before the end of the year and begin classes in January 2026.

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What Are You Waiting For?

This opportunity is more than just a scholarship; it’s a lifeline. It offers you financial security, top-tier education, and a chance to grow as a leader in your field.

But competition is tight, and the deadline is 31 August 2025. So if you’re eligible, now’s the time to act.

Start your application right away by visiting this portal.

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APPLY HERE

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