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We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) for the 2026 academic year. This is a prestigious and fully-funded scholarship opportunity for young Africans who are academically talented and committed to making a lasting impact in their communities, but who face financial and social barriers to accessing higher education. Whether you are a high-achieving student from a low-income family, a young woman, a refugee or forcibly displaced person, or a person with a disability, this life-changing opportunity could be your gateway to becoming a transformative leader in Africa. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and master's degree applicants who are ready to begin their full-time studies in January 2026.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative established in 2012 with the mission of developing the next generation of ethical and visionary African leaders. UWC is one of the proud implementing partners of this initiative, working to support students from across the continent in achieving their academic and leadership goals. At UWC, Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive not only financial support but also a wide range of academic, personal, and professional development resources to ensure their success during and beyond their studies. This partnership aims to equip students with the education, values, and tools they need to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to the continent at large. 📚 Register now for our new programs at MK SCHOLARS.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC covers:
• Full tuition fees
• Pre-arrival and onboarding support
• On-campus housing at UWC
• Monthly stipend and meal allowance
• Medical aid coverage
• Laptop and study materials allowance
• Holistic wraparound academic and psychosocial support

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
For Undergraduate Studies:
• Be no older than 26 years by January 2026
• Meet UWC's minimum admission requirements and have applied to study at UWC
• International applicants must seek admission exemption via here
• Be ready to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2026
• Demonstrate that access to university studies is limited by financial or social challenges

For Master’s Degree Studies:
• Be no older than 30 years by January 2026
• Meet UWC's minimum admission requirements and have applied to study at UWC
• International applicants must ensure qualifications are verified by SAQA via here
• Be ready to begin the first year of full-time master’s study in January 2026
• Provide evidence of financial and/or social hardship limiting access to university education

Note: Applicants intending to register for a second undergraduate or master’s degree are not eligible.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES
Undergraduate Programs:
• Arts & Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies
• Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration
• Education: Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
• Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, Physical Sciences

Master’s Programs:
• Arts & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
• Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
• Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences
• Law: Governance and Human Rights
• Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, Physical Sciences

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Applicants must submit the following:
• Cover letter (e.g., Initial.Surname_Cover_Letter)
• Recommendation letter from a teacher or principal
• Certified copies of academic records
• One recent passport-size photograph
• Certified ID or passport (including visa/refugee/asylum permit, if applicable)
• Proof of parental/guardian income (or letter of unemployment from the Labour Department)
• Refugee or displaced status documentation (if applicable)
• Disability registration card (if applicable)

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Step 1: Apply for admission to study at UWC
Open the application link at the bottom to start your application.

Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
After receiving your UWC application number, apply for the scholarship via here For undergraduate Degree
and For Master's Degree

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars must sign a scholarship agreement upon acceptance.
• They are required to meet academic standards and comply with UWC rules to retain their scholarship.
• Support is provided for the full duration of the registered qualification.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
The application is closing on Sunday, 31 August 2025. Only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from UWC by mid-December 2025, consider your application unsuccessful.

STEP-BY-STEP TO APPLY:

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