UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Postgraduate Study in South Africa
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is now accepting applications for the 2027 intake.
- FundingFully Funded
- Who can applyAfrican countries, including South Africa
- Application feeUCT academic application fee may apply
Overview
For 2027, postgraduate applicants can apply for eligible postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees and coursework master’s programmes at UCT. The postgraduate scholarship application deadline is 31 October 2026.
At a glance
About
- University
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Location
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Details
- Information
Funding
- Funding
- Fully Funded
- Application fee
- UCT academic application fee may apply
Eligibility
- Study level
- Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Coursework Master’s
- Nationality
- African countries, including South Africa
- Minimum degree required
- Bachelor’s degree for eligible postgraduate programmes
- Age limit
- No specific age limit
- Work experience
- None
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa.
- Apply for an eligible full-time postgraduate programme at UCT.
- Demonstrate strong academic ability.
- Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
- Demonstrate potential for ethical and transformative leadership.
- Show commitment to serving their communities and contributing to positive change.
The programme encourages applications from young women, people with disabilities, refugees and forcibly displaced young people whose access to education has been affected by social or economic barriers.
For the 2027 intake, the scholarship covers:
- Eligible postgraduate diplomas offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Honours degrees across UCT’s six faculties
- Coursework master’s programmes across UCT’s six faculties
Eligible faculties include:
- Commerce
- Engineering & the Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Important: The scholarship does not cover part-time studies, research-only master’s programmes or PhD programmes.
How to apply
Applicants need to complete two applications:
Step 1: Apply to UCT
Choose an eligible postgraduate programme and submit your academic application through UCT.
Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
After submitting the UCT academic application, complete the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
UCT makes it clear that the scholarship application is not the same as the academic application.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support for the full duration of the eligible UCT programme, subject to annual renewal requirements.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation at UCT campuses
- Basic living expenses
- Medical aid
- Study visa costs where applicable
- Travel between the scholar’s home and UCT
- Laptop
- Academic and peer support
- Leadership development
- Career development
- Entrepreneurship training
- Mentorship
Scholars also become part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni network.
Is the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes. UCT describes the scholarship as providing comprehensive support covering tuition, accommodation, basic living expenses, medical aid, study-visa costs and travel.
However, applicants should still check the requirements for their specific UCT programme and any costs associated with preparing their application.
Minimum Degree Required
For postgraduate applicants, you must meet the academic admission requirements of your chosen UCT programme.
For most master’s programmes, this means holding an appropriate bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Requirements vary by programme, so applicants should check the specific UCT faculty requirements.
Age Limit
UCT does not state a specific maximum age for the 2027 postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Work Experience
There is no fixed minimum work-experience requirement stated by UCT for the scholarship.
However, individual postgraduate programmes may have their own experience requirements.
Application Fee and Other Costs
The Mastercard Foundation scholarship application itself is separate from the UCT academic application. Applicants must first apply to UCT and then submit the scholarship application.
UCT currently lists the following standard academic application fees:
- R100 for applicants from South Africa and SADC countries
- R300 for applicants from outside the SADC region
- Different fees apply to Graduate School of Business programmes.
The Mastercard Foundation also states that partner universities may charge admission/application fees and that, where applicable, these fees may be reimbursed if the applicant is selected for the scholarship.
Other personal costs can include expenses related to preparing documents, tests or other programme-specific requirements.
Official Links
Final Note
The UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is a highly competitive fully funded opportunity for eligible African students seeking postgraduate study at one of South Africa’s leading universities.
The postgraduate scholarship deadline is 31 October 2026. Applicants should begin the UCT academic application first and then complete the separate scholarship application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. UCT provides comprehensive support including tuition, accommodation, basic living expenses, medical aid, study-visa costs and travel.
Can international students apply?
Yes, if they are citizens of an African country and meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Can Indian students apply?
No. The 2027 UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is for citizens of African countries, including South Africa.
Can I apply for a PhD?
No. The UCT 2027 scholarship does not cover PhD programmes.
Can I apply for an MBA?
The scholarship covers eligible coursework master’s programmes, but applicants must check whether their specific UCT MBA/programme is included in the 2027 scholarship intake. The scholarship page does not list every individual master’s programme.
Do I need work experience?
There is no fixed minimum work-experience requirement stated by UCT for the scholarship, although individual academic programmes may have their own requirements.
Do I need to apply to UCT first?
Yes. Applicants should submit their academic application to UCT first and then apply separately for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Is there an application fee?
The scholarship itself does not list a separate scholarship application fee. However, UCT’s academic application may have an application fee, depending on the applicant and programme.
Does admission to UCT guarantee the scholarship?
No. Admission and scholarship selection are separate, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive.
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