Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is now accepting applications from eligible young African students facing significant social and economic barriers to higher education. The scholarship supports selected undergraduate and postgraduate students while providing opportunities for academic development, leadership growth and community impact. Undergraduate applications close on 30 September 2026, while eligible postgraduate applications close on 31 October 2026.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers an opportunity for talented young Africans to pursue higher education while developing the skills, leadership capabilities and networks needed to contribute to positive change.
For the 2027 intake, applications are open to eligible applicants seeking their first bachelor’s degree as well as selected postgraduate programmes at UCT. The programme is intended particularly for academically talented young people who face significant financial and social barriers to accessing higher education.
The Mastercard Foundation describes its Scholars Program as more than a scholarship. It is designed as a broader community and development initiative focused on education, leadership and transitions into meaningful work. The Foundation says the global programme has committed more than 58,000 scholarships and aims to reach 100,000 young people by 2030.
Background & Scholarship Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to support highly talented, service-oriented young people and help develop the next generation of transformative leaders.
At UCT, the programme is implemented in partnership with the university and provides scholarship opportunities alongside broader support for eligible students. The programme is particularly relevant to applicants who demonstrate academic potential but face significant social or economic obstacles to accessing higher education.
According to UCT’s programme information provided for this opportunity, applications are currently open for the 2027 intake.
Successful scholars become part of a community focused not only on completing their studies but also on leadership, ethical transformation and contributing to their communities.
The Mastercard Foundation states that its Scholars Program works with higher education institutions and other partners to provide support throughout scholars’ academic journeys and transitions into work.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should meet the programme’s eligibility requirements before beginning the application process.
For the UCT opportunity, applicants should:
- Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa.
- Be applying for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible taught postgraduate programme at UCT.
- Demonstrate strong academic ability and commitment to excellence.
- Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
- Demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership.
- Show a commitment to serving their communities and contributing to positive change.
The programme also encourages applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced young people and others whose access to educational opportunities has been affected by significant social or economic barriers.
Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection. Applicants should therefore pay close attention to the university’s application instructions and demonstrate clearly how their academic goals, circumstances, leadership potential and community aspirations align with the programme.
Available Fields of Study
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides opportunities across several academic faculties.
Eligible fields include:
- Commerce
- Engineering & the Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
At postgraduate level, eligible applicants may apply for selected programmes, including postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees and coursework master’s programmes.
The programme does not cover part-time studies or qualifications that are research-only, including master’s degrees by dissertation or PhD programmes, according to the UCT information supplied for the 2027 intake.
UCT also identifies additional development opportunities connected to areas such as climate and health. Students admitted to specified programmes may be eligible for consideration under the Scholars Program.
Selection Criteria
The selection process goes beyond academic performance.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic talent, determination and a genuine commitment to completing their education. However, the programme also considers financial circumstances and leadership potential.
A strong candidate should be able to demonstrate how their education could contribute to their community and broader society.
Applicants should therefore approach the application as an opportunity to explain their academic ambitions, personal circumstances, leadership experience and commitment to social impact rather than simply listing academic achievements.
This emphasis reflects the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which seeks to build a network of young people capable of contributing to inclusive and equitable socioeconomic development in Africa.
How to Apply
Applicants interested in the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program should follow the university’s application process carefully.
Step 1: Review UCT Study Options
First, prospective applicants should review the University of Cape Town’s available programmes and admission requirements to identify an appropriate course of study.
Step 2: Apply to UCT
Applicants must submit an application to the University of Cape Town through the university’s designated admissions system.
Step 3: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Application
Applicants must then submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application through the UCT programme.
It is important to complete all required stages of the process. Applicants should also ensure that information provided across their university and scholarship applications is accurate and consistent.
The Mastercard Foundation itself advises prospective scholars to first identify an institution that can support their academic goals and provides application guidance and tips through its official Scholars Program resources.
Important Application Deadlines
Applicants should take note of the different deadlines for undergraduate and postgraduate applications.
Undergraduate applicants:
30 September 2026
Postgraduate applicants:
31 October 2026
Because scholarship and university admission processes can involve multiple stages, prospective applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to begin their applications.
Applicants should also verify the latest requirements directly through UCT before submitting their application, as programme requirements and application procedures can change.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is structured around more than financial access to education. The Foundation says the programme seeks to help young people access relevant education, transition into dignified and fulfilling work and develop as transformative leaders.
The programme has also established a large alumni community. The Foundation reports more than 20,000 Scholars Program alumni, while its wider programme has committed more than 58,000 scholarships.
For eligible African students, this makes the UCT opportunity particularly relevant to those looking for both higher-education access and a broader leadership and professional development experience.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 at the University of Cape Town provides an opportunity for academically talented young Africans who face significant barriers to higher education.
Applicants should carefully review the academic admission requirements, scholarship eligibility criteria and application procedures before applying. Strong applications should communicate academic potential while clearly demonstrating leadership, community commitment and the circumstances that make financial support important.
Prospective undergraduate applicants should take note of the 30 September 2026 scholarship deadline, while eligible postgraduate applicants have until 31 October 2026.
The Mastercard Foundation emphasizes that its Scholars Program is a community as well as a scholarship initiative, with a wider objective of supporting young people to become leaders and contributors to Africa’s socioeconomic development.
Official application information: Prospective applicants should use UCT’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application channels and consult the Mastercard Foundation’s official programme information for additional guidance.
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