Just announced and highly time-sensitive, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a transformational, fully funded opportunity designed for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students from Africa. This initiative represents more than a scholarship—it is an investment in young African leaders who are dedicated to giving back to their communities and transforming their countries.
With an ambitious goal to develop next-generation ethical and entrepreneurial leaders, the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with UWC delivers exceptional academic and leadership training for eligible postgraduate candidates. The scholarship not only pays for your full tuition, accommodation, and study materials, but also supports your living costs, health insurance, and travel—offering a zero-fee, risk-free pathway to higher education.
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What makes this initiative stand out is its focus on values, leadership, and community transformation. Scholars aren’t only trained to excel in their respective academic disciplines, they’re equipped with the tools, networks, and mentorship necessary to lead change, drive development, and build resilient institutions in Africa. From human rights and public health to data science and governance, scholars from various fields of interest are brought together to build interdisciplinary solutions for Africa’s most pressing problems.
This next-level programme supports students during and beyond their academic journey. It creates a vibrant community of changemakers, mentors, and alumni who are impacting lives across the continent. Through career services, internship placement, and social entrepreneurship funding, the programme delivers an unbeatable value proposition: academic excellence, real-world experience, and a platform for scalable impact.
If you’re passionate about creating change, leading boldly, and building a better Africa through knowledge and innovation, the UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the fast-track to turning your purpose into impact.
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Requirement/Eligibility
To be eligible for the UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country, preferably from a financially disadvantaged background or underrepresented region.
- Be academically talented, with excellent performance at the undergraduate level.
- Be applying for a Master’s degree at the University of the Western Cape in a full-time programme aligned with the Mastercard Foundation’s thematic areas of interest.
- Have a strong commitment to ethical leadership, civic engagement, and community impact.
- Demonstrate clear financial need, proving that you would not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate studies.
- Possess a proven record of service, volunteering, or social impact in your home country.
- Be under the age of 35 at the time of application (may vary depending on programme).
- Be fluent in English and meet all UWC postgraduate admission requirements.
- Refugees, stateless individuals, or displaced persons residing in Africa may also be considered if they meet the academic and financial criteria.
This opportunity is reserved for visionary young leaders with a passion for transforming Africa, not just through education, but through lasting, values-driven service.
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Duration/Stipend
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC is structured to fully support the scholar for the entire duration of their Master’s degree, which typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on the academic programme.
What’s included:
- Full tuition for the entire postgraduate degree programme
- University residence or housing allowance
- Monthly living stipend to cover food, transport, and daily expenses
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Books and academic materials
- Laptop or IT support
- Travel costs for international students (including flights and visas)
- Career support, internship opportunities, and professional networking
- Leadership and entrepreneurship training workshops
- Mentorship from faculty and industry professionals
- Postgraduate transition support and alumni engagement
This comprehensive, zero-cost scholarship is built to remove every barrier between you and your academic dreams, giving you the freedom to focus fully on excellence, innovation, and impact.
Deadline
September 30, 2025
This is a firm, non-negotiable deadline. The call for applications opens annually and closes on the date above. No late submissions will be accepted. To be considered, applicants must submit a fully completed application, including supporting documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of nationality (passport or ID)
- Proof of income or need
- Two letters of reference (academic and community-based)
- Motivation letter or personal statement
- Valid admission application to UWC
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