Program Description: 

Title: Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of the Western Cape 2026

Application deadline: 

Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of the Western Cape 2026: Overview

The University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, invites applications for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This prestigious program supports talented, service-oriented young Africans facing economic and social barriers to higher education. The program is committed to empowering the next generation of transformative leaders across Africa.

For the 2026 academic year, fully funded scholarships will be available for undergraduate and master’s degree studies in select fields at UWC.

Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of the Western Cape 2026: Eligibility

General Requirements:

• Must be from South Africa or another African country.

• Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community service.

• Must provide evidence of significant financial need (social and economic barriers).

• Applications are open to young women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and persons with disabilities.

For Undergraduate Studies:

• Maximum age: 26 years.

• Must meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements and have applied for admission for 2026.

• International applicants must apply for exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf).

• Must be ready to start full-time undergraduate study in January 2026.

For Master’s Degree Studies:

• Maximum age: 30 years.

• Must meet UWC’s admission requirements and have applied for admission for 2026.

• International applicants must ensure their qualifications are evaluated by SAQA.

• Must be ready to begin full-time master’s study in January 2026.

Eligible Fields of Study

Undergraduate:

• Arts and Humanities (History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s & 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:

• 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)

Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of the Western Cape 2026: Benefits

• Full tuition coverage

• Accommodation and living expenses

• Books and study materials

• Comprehensive academic and leadership development support

• Mentorship and networking opportunities

Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of the Western Cape 2026: Application Requirements

• Completed UWC admission application for the 2026 academic year.

• Evidence of financial need.

• Relevant academic qualifications.

• International students must secure USAf exemption (undergraduate) or SAQA verification (master’s).

Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of the Western Cape 2026: Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence.

• Demonstrated leadership potential.

• Strong commitment to community engagement and service.

• Alignment of the field of study with development goals.

• Priority is given to applicants facing significant social/economic challenges.

Restrictions

• A limited number of scholarships are available.

• Applications outside the listed fields of study will not be considered.

• Age restrictions apply (26 years for undergraduate, 30 years for master’s).