Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – UWC | Academic Year 2026

Apply for the fully-funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape for 2026. Open to talented students across South Africa and Africa, the scholarship supports undergraduate and master’s degrees in select fields, with tuition, housing, stipend, and full academic support provided.

Published 2 April 2026
Closing Date Closed
Company
Mastercard Foundation

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to be an implementing partner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, a global initiative empowering Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders. Since 2012, the Program has supported talented, service-oriented young people—especially those facing economic or social barriers—in accessing higher education and developing their leadership potential.

The Program places a strong focus on young women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and persons with disabilities, encouraging them to apply for fully-funded scholarships. UWC welcomes applications from academically gifted students across South Africa and the African continent for the 2026 academic year, offering support for:

  • Undergraduate degrees
  • Master’s degrees

Eligible Fields of Study

  • Arts and Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies
  • Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration
  • Education: Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
  • Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences

What the Scholarship Provides

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UWC receive comprehensive support, including:

  • Tuition fees fully covered
  • Pre-arrival guidance and onboarding
  • Campus housing
  • Monthly stipend and meal allowance
  • Medical aid
  • Laptop and study materials allowance
  • Ongoing personalised academic and career support

Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain UWC academic standards and comply with University regulations throughout their studies.