Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC – Fully Funded Undergraduate & Master’s Scholarships 2026 

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC: Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers fully-funded scholarships to talented and service-driven African youth facing economic or social barriers to higher education. The program supports young women, refugees, displaced youth, and individuals with disabilities in becoming transformative leaders in their communities.

Scholarship Categories

Undergraduate Scholarships
Master’s Degree Scholarships

Eligible Fields of Study

Undergraduate & Master’s (Only in these disciplines)

• Arts & Humanities: History, Sociology, Linguistics, Gender Studies, Migration Studies

• Education: Mathematics, Science Education, Foundation Phase Education

• Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Development Studies, Information Sciences, Public Administration

• Community & Health Sciences: Public Health

• Law: Governance and Human Rights

• Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Applicants:

• Be 26 years old or younger by 2026

• Meet UWC’s academic admission requirements

• Apply separately for admission to UWC by the deadline

• International students must apply for USAF exemption

• Show proof of financial and social challenges

• Must begin full-time study in January 2026

 Master’s Applicants:

• Be 30 years old or younger

• Meet UWC’s postgraduate admission requirements

• Apply for SAQA qualification verification

• Not already hold a Master’s degree

• Must start full-time Master’s in January 2026

• Show proof of financial and social challenges

Not Eligible If:

• Applying for a second undergraduate or master’s degree

• Not applying for admission to UWC

• Applying outside the approved fields of study

Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

• Full tuition and registration fees

• Accommodation and living allowance

• Laptop and academic materials

• Leadership training and mentorship

• Career development support