The University of Cape Town (UCT) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers fully funded scholarships to academically talented and economically disadvantaged young Africans. The program supports eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students by providing financial assistance for tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, study materials, and other academic needs. Beyond financial support, scholars benefit from mentoring, leadership development, internships, career guidance, and community engagement opportunities. The program aims to equip promising young Africans with the knowledge, skills, values, and networks needed to become ethical leaders and contribute to positive social and economic change across Africa.

University of Cape Town Mastercard Scholarship 2027 – Key Details

• Host Organizations: Mastercard Foundation | University of Cape Town
• Host Country: South Africa
• Study Destination: Africa
• Study Level: Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Master’s
• Eligible Countries: African Countries
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Benefits: Tuition, Accommodation, Monthly Stipend, Laptop, Travel, Internship & Mentorship
• Application Deadline: October 31, 2026

About the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is designed to support talented young Africans who have demonstrated academic excellence but face significant financial or social barriers to higher education.

The program goes beyond scholarships by helping scholars develop leadership skills, gain professional experience, access academic support, and build networks that can help them contribute to their communities and wider African society.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of South Africa or another African country.
• Apply for a first bachelor’s degree or an eligible taught postgraduate program at UCT.
• Eligible postgraduate options include:
  • A Postgraduate Diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.
  • An Honours degree offered by any of UCT’s six faculties.
  • A coursework Master’s degree offered by any of UCT’s six faculties.
• Demonstrate strong academic ability and a commitment to excellence.
• Have experienced significant social or economic barriers to accessing higher education.
• Demonstrate potential for ethical and transformative leadership.
• Show a strong commitment to community service and positive social change.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars can receive comprehensive financial, academic, and professional support, including:

• Full Financial Support: Covers tuition fees, a laptop, learning materials, annual return travel, and a monthly living stipend.
• Psychosocial Support: Access to services supporting scholars’ personal well-being.
• Academic Mentoring: Tutoring and mentoring to support academic achievement.
• Internship Opportunities: Practical work experience with industry partners.
• Career Development: Career guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Enterprise Development: Support for entrepreneurship and business development.
• Leadership Training: Leadership development and community engagement activities.
• Global Alumni Network: Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Global Alumni Network.

How to Apply for the UCT Mastercard Scholarship 2027?

Interested applicants should follow these general steps:

1. Review the eligibility requirements and eligible UCT programs.
2. Select a suitable undergraduate or postgraduate program at UCT.
3. Prepare the required academic and supporting documents.
4. Apply to the relevant UCT degree program according to the university’s admission process.
5. Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application as instructed by UCT.
6. Submit all required information before the October 31, 2026 deadline.
7. Monitor your application and email for further communication from UCT.

Required Documents

Applicants may be required to provide documents such as:

• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Proof of citizenship or eligible African status
• Curriculum vitae, where applicable
• Personal statement or motivation letter
• Evidence of financial or socioeconomic circumstances
• Leadership and community-service information
• Program-specific admission documents
• Other supporting documents requested by UCT

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is particularly suitable for academically talented young Africans who have strong leadership potential, have faced financial or social barriers to higher education, and are committed to serving their communities and contributing to Africa’s development.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the University of Cape Town Mastercard Scholarship 2027 is October 31, 2026. Applicants should complete their applications well before the deadline and carefully review the official requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the University of Cape Town Mastercard Scholarship 2027?

It is a scholarship opportunity under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT that supports talented young Africans pursuing eligible undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

2. Is the UCT Mastercard Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition, accommodation-related support, living expenses, travel, a laptop, and learning materials, subject to the program’s terms.

3. Who is eligible for the UCT Mastercard Scholarship?

The program targets academically talented African students who face significant social or economic barriers to higher education and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service.

4. Can international African students apply?

Yes. Eligible citizens of African countries can apply, subject to UCT’s admission and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program requirements.

5. Does the scholarship cover Master’s degrees?

Yes. Eligible taught postgraduate options include selected Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours degrees, and coursework Master’s programs at UCT.

6. Does the scholarship provide a monthly stipend?

Yes. The scholarship includes a monthly living stipend as part of its financial support package.

7. Does the scholarship provide a laptop?

Yes. A laptop and learning materials are included among the stated scholarship benefits.

8. Are internships included in the scholarship?

Yes. Scholars may receive internship opportunities with industry partners to gain practical professional experience.

9. What other support do Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive?

Scholars can benefit from academic mentoring, tutoring, psychosocial support, career guidance, leadership training, enterprise development, and access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Global Alumni Network.

10. What is the deadline for the UCT Mastercard Scholarship 2027?

The stated application deadline is October 31, 2026.

11. Where can I apply for the University of Cape Town Mastercard Scholarship?

Applicants can access the application information through UCT’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.