Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 at UWC for Africans – Fully Funded Study in South Africa
Are you a young African student dreaming of a world-class education but facing financial or social barriers? The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers fully funded opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s) studies in South Africa.
This prestigious scholarship program empowers talented African students by covering 100% of tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, laptops, and travel expenses. Applications are now open for the 2026 academic year, and candidates from all African countries are encouraged to apply.
About the Mastercard Scholarship at UWC
The University of the Western Cape Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is part of a global initiative that aims to educate and develop the next generation of African leaders. This program is specifically designed for academically gifted but economically disadvantaged students who demonstrate leadership potential and a passion for community development.
For 2026, the scholarship supports:
- Full-time undergraduate degrees
- Full-time master’s programs
No IELTS or English proficiency test is required to apply.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Summary
- Host Institution: University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa
- Funded by: Mastercard Foundation
- Level of Study: Undergraduate & Master’s
- Target Group: Students from all African countries
- Benefits: Full tuition, housing, laptop, books, monthly stipend, and travel
- Deadline: August 30, 2025
- Application Mode: Online (preferred) or by email
- Location: Study in Africa
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Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate Applicants:
Applicants must:
- Be 26 years or younger by the time of application.
- Meet the University of the Western Cape’s admission criteria.
- Have already applied for admission to UWC for 2025.
- Show proof of financial need or social barriers to education.
- Be ready for full-time registration in January 2026.
For Master’s Applicants:
Applicants must:
- Be 30 years or younger at the time of applying.
- Satisfy the academic admission requirements of UWC.
- Be applying for their first master’s degree.
- Demonstrate that they face financial or social challenges.
- Be prepared for full-time study starting January 2026.
Note: Individuals applying for a second master’s degree are not eligible.
The program strongly encourages applications from young women, refugees, displaced persons, and students with disabilities.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Benefits
This fully funded scholarship offers:
- Full tuition fees
- On-campus accommodation
- Laptop and study materials
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel allowance
- Ongoing mentorship, tutoring, and career coaching
- Leadership development, internships, and service opportunities
- Membership in the Mastercard Scholars global alumni network
Available Courses
Undergraduate Fields of Study:
- Arts & Humanities (e.g., History, Sociology, Gender Studies)
- Economic & Management Sciences (e.g., Economics, Information Science)
- Education (Mathematics, Science)
- Natural Sciences (e.g., Biology, Mathematics, Physics)
Master’s Degree Programs:
- Humanities (Applied Linguistics, Migration Studies)
- Community & Health Sciences (Public Health)
- Economics & Development Studies
- Law (Governance and Human Rights)
- Natural Sciences (Computational & Physical Sciences)
How to Apply for the Mastercard Scholarship at UWC 2026
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Apply for admission to UWC for the 2025 academic year:CLICK HERE TO APPLY
- Submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application:
- Alternative method (if online access is limited):
- Download the application form and send the completed form + documents via email to:
mcfsp-applications@uwc.ac.za
Important: Only one method of application is allowed. Submitting via both email and online will result in disqualification.
Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
Don’t miss this chance to study at one of South Africa’s leading institutions with full financial support. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UWC is more than just a scholarship—it’s a life-changing opportunity to join a global network of change-makers