The University of Pretoria (UP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offers scholarship opportunities for academically talented young Africans who face economic or social barriers to higher education.
The programme supports students pursuing selected undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours and Master’s) degrees at the University of Pretoria and combines financial support with broader academic, leadership and career-development opportunities.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria has been running since January 2014. The university entered a second-phase partnership agreement with the Mastercard Foundation in December 2023, with a new Phase 2 cohort beginning studies in January 2024.
The programme is designed for young Africans who are academically talented but face economic and social barriers. The university specifically includes young people living with disabilities as well as internally displaced persons and refugees among its target groups.
Scholars are expected to contribute to Africa’s transformation through their knowledge, skills, values and leadership. Community service, internships and entrepreneurship are important components of the programme.
What the Programme Aims to Achieve
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program seeks to develop the next generation of leaders who can contribute to social and economic transformation.
Through comprehensive support, scholars gain opportunities to develop:
- Academic knowledge
- Professional skills
- Leadership abilities
- Values and attitudes needed for success
- Entrepreneurship skills
- Community engagement experience
The programme also seeks to help young people transition into dignified and fulfilling employment, further education or entrepreneurship after completing their studies.
Study Levels Available
The University of Pretoria programme supports eligible scholars pursuing:
Undergraduate Degrees
The programme provides scholarship opportunities for selected undergraduate programmes at the University of Pretoria.
Postgraduate Degrees
The programme also supports selected:
- Honours degrees
- Master’s degrees
Applicants should consult the official programme information and application materials to determine which specific academic programmes are eligible for the relevant intake.
Who Is the Programme For?
The programme targets young Africans who are academically talented and face economic and social barriers to higher education.
The University of Pretoria also identifies the following groups among its target beneficiaries:
- Young Africans facing financial barriers
- Young Africans facing social barriers
- Young people living with disabilities
- Internally displaced persons
- Refugees
Successful scholars are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to their communities and the wider African continent.
What the Scholarship Programme Covers
The University of Pretoria states that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is intended for students who have applied to and been accepted into one of the specified programmes at the University of Pretoria.
The programme goes beyond academic study by providing wraparound support designed to help scholars succeed during and after their university education.
The programme’s broader model includes:
- Learning opportunities
- Leadership development
- Community service
- Internships
- Entrepreneurship
- Career preparation
- Support for transition into employment, further education or entrepreneurship
The exact financial components and coverage should be checked against the relevant University of Pretoria application information for the 2027 intake.
Leadership and Community Service
Leadership is a central element of the programme.
Scholars are expected to use their education and experience to contribute to social and economic development. Community service is therefore an essential component rather than simply an additional extracurricular activity.
The programme also emphasizes giving back after graduation, with alumni committing to contribute to the economic growth and social development of their communities and the continent.
Entrepreneurship and Career Development
The programme recognizes that higher education should lead to multiple career pathways.
Scholars can be supported toward:
- Employment
- Further education
- Entrepreneurship
- Community leadership
Internships and entrepreneurship form part of the programme design, giving scholars opportunities to connect their academic development with practical experience.
How to Apply for the 2027 Intake
The University of Pretoria’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website provides separate application resources for the 2027 intake.
Applicants can access:
- Undergraduate Application Form
- Postgraduate Application Form
- Application guidance
- Programme information
- Information about what the scholarship covers
University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Applicants should carefully review the relevant application form and instructions before submitting their application.
Important Application Point
One important requirement highlighted by the University of Pretoria is that applicants must apply to and be accepted into one of the specified University of Pretoria programmes associated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Therefore, prospective applicants should not treat the scholarship application as completely separate from the university admission process.
Why Students Should Consider the Programme
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can provide more than access to university education.
For successful scholars, the programme combines academic development with opportunities to build leadership, professional and entrepreneurial capabilities.
It is particularly relevant to young Africans who have strong academic potential but face barriers that could otherwise prevent them from accessing higher education.
Final Takeaway
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria is a major higher-education opportunity for talented young Africans facing economic and social barriers.
The programme supports selected undergraduate, Honours and Master’s students, while providing broader opportunities involving leadership, community service, internships and entrepreneurship.
Students interested in the 2027 intake should review the official University of Pretoria application information carefully, identify an eligible programme and follow the university’s application procedures.
Apply and View 2027 Application Information
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