Young Africans now have the opportunity to transform their educational dreams into reality through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026.
Read more about Scholarships
This prestigious global scholarship initiative identifies and nurtures talented, community-focused youth who demonstrate exceptional potential to become tomorrow’s changemakers.
The program specifically seeks candidates whose educational aspirations are hindered by financial constraints and social challenges. Priority consideration goes to young women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities.
University of the Western Cape Partnership
Through its partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Mastercard Foundation provides comprehensive educational opportunities for academically outstanding students from South Africa and throughout Africa. The program empowers recipients with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to drive meaningful transformation in their home communities and countries.
The 2026 cohort will receive full scholarships for either undergraduate degrees or master’s programs across carefully selected academic disciplines.
Academic Programs Available
For Undergraduate Studies
- Arts and Humanities encompasses History, Linguistics, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies.
- Economic and Management Sciences includes Economics, Information Sciences, and Public Administration.
- Education focuses on Mathematics and Science teaching, plus Foundation Phase instruction. Natural Sciences covers Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences.
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For Master’s Studies
- Arts and Humanities offers Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, and Sociology for Development.
- Community and Health Sciences features Public Health.
- Economic and Management Sciences provides Development Studies and Information Sciences.
- Law concentrates on Governance and Human Rights.
- Natural Sciences include Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences.
Qualification Criteria
Undergraduate candidates must be 26 years old or younger and fulfil UWC’s standard admission requirements, with program details available at www.uwc.ac.za. All applicants must submit their academic application to UWC for the 2026 enrollment year.
International students need exemption approval from Universities South Africa (USAf) to verify they meet South African higher education entry standards – applications and information available at https://usaf.ac.za/facilitating-entry-to-sa-universities/
Candidates must commit to full-time study starting January 2026 and demonstrate that economic and social barriers prevent their access to higher education.
Comprehensive Scholar Support
Beyond covering tuition costs, the program provides extensive support designed to ensure academic success and career readiness.
Scholars receive pre-arrival guidance and a structured welcome program, guaranteed housing in UWC campus residences, and personalised support throughout their academic journey.
Financial support includes monthly stipends, meal allowances, full medical coverage, laptop computers, and study material allowances. Additional wraparound support programs address holistic student development needs.
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Application Instructions
The application process requires two distinct steps. First, submit your academic application directly to UWC for 2026 admission through their portal at admission-and-financial-aid/apply, noting specific program deadlines.
Completing this step provides you with a UWC application number, which is mandatory for the scholarship application. Second, once you receive your UWC application number, complete the online Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.
Critical Deadline: All applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025. Click HEREÂ to apply.
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