Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape – Academic Year 2026
🎓 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape – Academic Year 2026
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to host the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2026 academic year, offering fully funded undergraduate and master’s scholarships for talented young Africans facing social or financial barriers. This opportunity is tailored to empower the next generation of service-driven leaders across the continent. (UWC)
✅ Who Can Apply?
Undergraduate Applicants
- Must be 26 years or younger by January 1, 2026
- Citizens of South Africa or any African country
- Must provide evidence of academic exclusion due to social or economic circumstances
- Cannot have a previous undergraduate degree
Master’s Applicants
- Must be 30 years or younger by January 1, 2026
- Must hold or be in final year of a bachelor’s degree
- Those with international degrees must obtain SAQA equivalency recognition (uwc-cdn.co.za)
📘 Eligible Fields of Study
Undergraduate Programs:
- Arts & Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s & Gender Studies
- Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Science, Public Administration
- Education: Mathematics & Science, Foundation Phase
- Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical & Physical Sciences (Jotform)
Master’s Programs:
- Arts & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
- Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
- Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences
- Law: Governance & Human Rights
- Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical & Physical Sciences (uwc-cdn.co.za)
💼 What’s Included in the Scholarship
- ✓ Full tuition coverage for duration of study
- ✓ On-campus housing, meal allowance, and monthly stipend
- ✓ Medical aid, a laptop, and study materials
- ✓ Pre-arrival orientation, academic guidance, leadership development, and wraparound support programs (WASP) (Opportunities for Youth, doctorsonlinee.com)
Scholars must sign a scholarship agreement and maintain good academic standing throughout their study. (uwc-cdn.co.za)
📅 How to Apply
- Apply for admission to UWC for 2026
- You will receive a UWC application number, which is required to proceed
- Complete the online Mastercard Foundation application form
- Includes sections: Personal & Academic Info, Family, Narrative Essays, Community Engagement, Certification
- Upload required documents (e.g., income proof, recommendation letters, transcripts)
✔️ Only one complete application accepted. Duplicates will result in disqualification.
📅 Important Dates
- Closing Date: Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 16:30 CAT
- Selection emails sent by mid‑December 2025
- Start of Program: January 2026
🌍 Why Apply?
- Join a transformative cohort from across Africa, particularly women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and persons with disabilities
- Access full financial support and leadership development tools
- Build skills and networks to enact community and continental impact
- Benefit from personalised academic, social, and career support
📲 Stay Connected and Get Support
Planning to apply? Join our Youth Career Nexus community for help with essays, interviews, and application tips:
- Telegram: https://t.me/youthcareernexus
- WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6atO51SWst4vMCxW0N
