The University of the Western Cape (UWC), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2026 intake of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This prestigious initiative is aimed at empowering the next generation of transformative African leaders by offering academically talented but economically disadvantaged young individuals full access to quality higher education.
Since its inception in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has grown into a global movement, with thousands of scholars enrolled at top universities around the world. The University of the Western Cape, a renowned institution committed to social justice and academic excellence, is proud to be one of the implementing partners of this ambitious initiative.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed for service-oriented, visionary young Africans who face significant barriers to education. These may include poverty, displacement, and disability. The Program strongly encourages applications from young women, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, and individuals living with disabilities.
By supporting access to quality education, the Program equips young scholars with not only academic credentials but also leadership development and holistic support to enable them to become change-makers in their communities and beyond.
For the academic year 2026, the Program at UWC will support both undergraduate and master’s degree studies across selected fields.
Available Fields of Study
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Scholars applying for undergraduate programs must choose from the following faculties and disciplines:
1. Arts and Humanities
- History
- Linguistics
- Sociology
- Women’s and Gender Studies
2. Economic & Management Sciences
- Economics
- Information Sciences
- Public Administration
3. Education
- Mathematics and Science Education
- Foundation Phase Education
4. Natural Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Computational Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Postgraduate Degree Programs (Master’s)
Postgraduate applicants are invited to apply for the following master’s degree disciplines:
1. Arts and Humanities
- Applied Linguistics
- History
- Gender Justice
- Migration Studies
- Sociology for Development
2. Community & Health Sciences
- Public Health
3. Economic & Management Sciences
- Development Studies
- Information Sciences
4. Law
- Governance and Human Rights
5. Natural Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Computational Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
What the Scholarship Covers
This is a fully funded scholarship, meaning that all major expenses associated with university education at UWC will be covered. The support package includes:
- Full tuition coverage for the entire duration of study
- Pre-arrival orientation and a comprehensive welcome programme
- Accommodation in a university residence on UWC’s campus
- Monthly living stipend to cover basic needs
- Meal allowance
- Medical aid coverage
- Laptop computer to assist with academic work
- Study materials allowance
- Personalised and ongoing academic, psychosocial, and career support
- Access to leadership training, mentoring, and networking opportunities
- Career development and transition-to-work programs to prepare scholars for life after graduation
This holistic model of support ensures that Mastercard Foundation Scholars are not only equipped with academic excellence but also with the leadership capabilities and resilience needed to become influential agents of change.
Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria based on the level of study they are applying for:
Undergraduate Applicants
- Must be no older than 26 years by January 2026
- Must meet the University of the Western Cape’s minimum admission requirements for undergraduate studies
- International applicants must apply for exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf) to verify eligibility to study in South Africa
- Must be willing to enroll for full-time undergraduate studies in January 2026
- Must be able to provide evidence of financial and social barriers impeding access to higher education
Master’s Degree Applicants
- Must be no older than 30 years by January 2026
- Must meet the University’s minimum admission requirements for master’s degree programs
- International applicants must ensure that their qualifications are aligned with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) standards (visit: https://www.saqa.org.za/ for more)
- Must be willing to register full-time for the first year of their master’s degree study in January 2026
- Must provide evidence of economic or social constraints hindering access to university education
Additional Information and Considerations
- The Program places strong emphasis on community engagement and leadership development. Scholars are expected to participate actively in these aspects throughout their time at UWC.
- Scholars are also expected to return to their communities upon graduation and use their skills and knowledge to drive social and economic transformation.
- The University will provide a supportive environment tailored to the needs of Mastercard Foundation Scholars, especially those from vulnerable or marginalised backgrounds.
- UWC is a diverse and inclusive institution and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is committed to equity, gender inclusion, and accessibility.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
It is strongly advised that prospective applicants start preparing all relevant documentation well in advance of the deadline. This includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, SAQA or USAf certifications (for international students), evidence of economic need, and any other materials required for the program application.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete an online or paper application as per the UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program guidelines. Ensure that all parts of the application form are filled out accurately and that all supporting documentation is attached.
For further inquiries or support with the application process, please contact the administrators at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 909 804 4444
Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
If you are a young African who is academically driven, socially conscious, and eager to make a meaningful contribution to your community but have been held back by financial or social obstacles—this is your opportunity.
Take the first step toward an empowered future and apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape today.
