Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC 2026 – Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunity
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) provides fully funded higher education opportunities for academically talented and service-oriented young people from South Africa and other parts of Africa.
The programme is designed particularly for young people whose access to higher education is affected by economic and social barriers, with special emphasis on young women, refugees and forcibly displaced youth, and persons with disabilities.
🎓 About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative established to develop the next generation of transformative leaders.
At UWC, the programme aims to provide talented young Africans with access to higher education while developing their leadership potential and preparing them to contribute positively to their communities and countries.
For the 2026 academic year, the programme offered fully funded opportunities for:
- 🎓 Undergraduate qualifications
- 🎓 Master’s degree qualifications
🌍 Who Is the Scholarship For?
The programme supports academically talented young people who face significant social or economic barriers to accessing university education.
Particular emphasis is placed on:
- 👩 Young women
- 🌍 Young Africans
- 🏠 Refugees
- 🕊️ Forcibly displaced youth
- ♿ Persons with disabilities
- 💡 Young people demonstrating leadership and service potential
🎓 Undergraduate Scholarship Eligibility
At the time of application, applicants for undergraduate study were required to:
- Be 26 years old or younger
- Meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements for the chosen programme
- Have applied for academic admission to UWC for the relevant academic year
- Be prepared to begin full-time undergraduate studies in January
- Provide evidence that social and economic barriers impede their access to university studies
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🌍 International Applicants
International applicants were required to apply for the relevant exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf) to determine whether they meet South Africa’s minimum higher-education admission requirements.
🎓 Master’s Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants for Master’s degree study were required to:
- Be 30 years old or younger
- Meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements
- Have applied for academic admission to UWC
- Be prepared to begin their first year of full-time Master’s study in January
- Provide evidence that social and economic barriers impede their access to university studies
International applicants must also ensure that their qualifications meet the applicable South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) requirements.
❌ Who Is Not Eligible?
A candidate intending to register for a second undergraduate degree or second Master’s degree is not eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC.
Applicants must also meet the academic and other requirements of both UWC and the scholarship programme.
💰 What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC provides extensive financial, academic and personal support.
Successful scholars may receive:
🎓 Tuition Support
Support towards tuition fees for the duration of the registered qualification.
🏠 Accommodation
Housing in a UWC residence on campus.
💵 Monthly Stipend
A monthly stipend and meal allowance to support scholars during their studies.
🏥 Medical Aid
Medical aid support as part of the scholarship package.
💻 Laptop
A laptop to support academic work and learning.
📚 Study Materials
A study materials allowance.
🤝 Personalised Support
Individualised support throughout the student’s studies.
✈️ Pre-Arrival & Onboarding Support
Pre-arrival assistance and an official onboarding and welcome programme.
🌱 Holistic Support
Wrap-around programmes designed to support scholars academically, personally and professionally.
🌟 Leadership & Career Development
The programme goes beyond simply paying university fees.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars are supported in developing the skills, knowledge and experience needed to transition into dignified and fulfilling work.
The programme seeks to develop young people who can become transformative leaders and contribute to positive change in their communities and countries.
📚 Fields of Study
The programme restricts applications to specific disciplines and fields of study determined by the University of the Western Cape.
Applicants should therefore check the relevant UWC scholarship information for the approved disciplines before applying during a future application cycle.
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📋 Scholarship Conditions
Successful scholars are required to:
- Sign a scholarship agreement after acceptance and enrolment.
- Maintain the academic standards required by UWC.
- Comply with UWC’s rules and regulations.
- Remain enrolled in the approved qualification.
- Meet the conditions of their scholarship throughout their studies.
The programme provides support for the duration of the scholar’s registered qualification at UWC, subject to the applicable scholarship conditions.
🏫 About the University of the Western Cape
The University of the Western Cape is located in Bellville, South Africa, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various academic disciplines.
Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, UWC contributes to expanding access to higher education for talented young people facing financial and social barriers.
📝 How to Apply
Applications are currently not being accepted.
For a future application cycle, prospective applicants should:
- Check whether the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has reopened.
- Review the approved fields of study.
- Check the age and academic eligibility requirements.
- Apply for admission to UWC where required.
- International applicants should complete any required qualification or admission exemption processes.
- Prepare supporting documents demonstrating academic ability and financial/social barriers.
- Submit the scholarship application according to the official instructions when applications reopen.
📅 Important 2026 Information
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Institution | University of the Western Cape |
| 🌍 Programme | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| 📚 Study Levels | Undergraduate & Master’s |
| 🇿🇦 Location | South Africa |
| 💰 Funding | Fully Funded |
| 👥 Target Group | Talented young Africans facing social/economic barriers |
| 👩 Priority Groups | Young women, refugees, displaced youth & persons with disabilities |
| 📅 Academic Year | 2026 |
| 🚨 Current Status | Not accepting applications until further notice |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UWC fully funded?
Yes. The UWC programme provides extensive support including tuition, accommodation, stipend and meal allowance, medical aid, laptop, study materials and additional support, subject to the scholarship conditions.
Can international students apply?
The programme supports eligible young people from South Africa and other parts of Africa. International applicants must meet the applicable South African admission and qualification requirements.
What is the age limit?
For the 2026 criteria, undergraduate applicants needed to be 26 or younger, while Master’s applicants needed to be 30 or younger.
Can someone apply for a second degree?
No. Candidates intending to register for a second undergraduate or Master’s degree are not eligible.
Are applications currently open?
No. UWC currently states that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not accepting applications until further notice.
When should prospective applicants apply?
Applicants should monitor official UWC announcements for the next application cycle and avoid submitting applications through unofficial websites or individuals claiming to guarantee selection.
🚀 Final Reminder
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC represents a major opportunity for talented young Africans who face financial and social barriers to higher education.
Although applications are currently closed/not being accepted, prospective applicants can use the 2026 requirements to prepare for a future intake.
🎓 Prepare early. Check your academic eligibility, gather your documents and monitor UWC’s official announcements for when applications reopen.
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