Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape
Fully funded undergraduate and master's study at UWC for young people from South Africa and the rest of Africa who face economic and social barriers.
Am I eligible?At a glance
Study level
Undergraduate, Master’s
Destination
South Africa
Funding
Tuition fees, housing in a UWC residence, monthly stipend and meal allowance, medical aid, a laptop, a study materials allowance, and pre-arrival, onboarding and wraparound support.
Eligible applicants
Young people from Africa facing economic and social barriers
Photo: Danmichaelo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape is offered by University of the Western Cape · Mastercard Foundation for Undergraduate, Master’s study in South Africa. Confirm the current cycle on the official page before applying.
What this scholarship covers
Tuition fees
Included
Residence housing
Included
Monthly stipend and meal allowance
Included
Medical aid
Included
Laptop
Included
Tuition fees, housing in a UWC residence, monthly stipend and meal allowance, medical aid, a laptop, a study materials allowance, and pre-arrival, onboarding and wraparound support. Award components, amounts, and exclusions can change by intake, programme, nationality, or host institution, so confirm them on the official provider page.
Are you eligible?
Eligibility review
Based on the provider’s published information
International students
See official criteria
Domestic students
See official criteria
Scholarship scope
Foundation scholarship
Last eligibility check
October 13, 2026
Who can apply
- Citizenship
- South Africa and the African continent.
- International eligibility
- International undergraduates must apply for exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf); master's applicants' qualifications must meet SAQA requirements.
- AgeRequired
- No older than 26 (undergraduate) or 30 (master's).
Academic requirements
- Academic recordRequired
- Meet UWC minimum admission requirements.
- Minimum grades / GPANot published
- No fixed minimum grade is listed for this scholarship. Check the provider’s current call for academic requirements.
Experience and personal requirements
- Financial needRequired
- Evidence that social and economic barriers impede access to university study.
Study restrictions and coverage
- Countries
- South Africa
Official eligibility summary
Open to applicants from South Africa and the African continent who meet UWC's minimum admission requirements and have applied for admission. Age limit is 26 for undergraduate and 30 for master's. Applicants must show that social and economic barriers impede access, and anyone registering for a second undergraduate or master's degree is ineligible.
Applicant profile
- Young people from Africa facing economic and social barriers
Study route
- Undergraduate, Master’s study in South Africa
Current-cycle criteria
- Open to applicants from South Africa and the African continent who meet UWC's minimum admission requirements and have applied for admission. Age limit is 26 for undergraduate and 30 for master's. Applicants must show that social and economic barriers impede access, and anyone registering for a second undergraduate or master's degree is ineligible.
What to confirm for this cycle
Scholarship details can change from one application cycle to the next. Check these points on the official page before you apply.
- Current eligibility rules
- Current funding and benefits
- Current deadline and application route
Required documents
- Proof of parental income or unemployment letter
- Refugee or displaced person documentation
How to apply
- 1
Apply to study at UWC and obtain an application number
- 2
Complete the online scholarship application (separate undergraduate and master's forms)
- 3
Submit one complete application with supporting documents
Application timeline
Application cycle
The page says the programme is not accepting applications until further notice. The only deadline listed was 31 August 2025 for the 2026 academic year.
Confirm the current dates on the provider’s official page.
Always confirm the latest deadline on the official provider website.
Official source
University of the Western Cape · Mastercard Foundation
Official scholarship source
Last checked October 13, 2026
Your next steps
- 01Read the official programme guidance.
- 02Confirm eligibility, funding, and the deadline.
- 03Check the current application cycle.
- 04Apply through the official provider.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next deadline?
No exact deadline is listed here. Check the official provider page for the next application cycle.
Why do some details vary?
Scholarship conditions can differ by intake, study programme, nationality, and host institution. The official provider page is the source of the current rules.