Fully Funded Undergraduate and Master’s Scholarships at the University of the Western Cape – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) invites applications for the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2026 academic year. This program provides fully funded scholarships for eligible students to pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees at one of South Africa’s leading universities.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Established in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of ethical and transformative African leaders. The program supports talented young people facing social and economic barriers to access higher education. It strongly encourages applications from young women, refugees and displaced youth, and persons with disabilities.

Why Study at UWC through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

As an implementing partner, UWC supports academically gifted students from South Africa and across the African continent. Scholars receive a world-class education along with the tools and support needed to create positive social and economic impact in their communities and countries.

For the 2026 academic year, selected scholars will benefit from full financial support to pursue an undergraduate or master’s qualification in approved fields of study.

Eligible Degree Programmes

Undergraduate Degrees:

• Arts and Humanities (History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies)

• Economic and Management Sciences (Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration)

• Education (Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase)

• Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)

Master’s Degrees:

• Arts and Humanities (Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development)

• Community and Health Sciences (Public Health)

• Economic and Management Sciences (Development Studies, Information Sciences)

• Law (Governance and Human Rights)

• Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)

Eligibility Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants:

• Must be 26 years old or younger at the time of application

• Must meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements and apply for academic admission for 2026 (www.uwc.ac.za)

• International applicants must apply for exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf) (https://usaf.ac.za/facilitating-entry-to-sa-universities/)

• Must plan to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2026

• Must show evidence of facing social and economic barriers to higher education

Master’s Applicants:

• Must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application

• Must meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements and apply for academic admission for 2026 (www.uwc.ac.za)

• International applicants must verify their qualifications through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (https://www.saqa.org.za/)

• Must plan to register for full-time master’s degree study in January 2026

• Must show evidence of facing social and economic barriers to higher education

Note: Applicants applying for a second undergraduate or master’s degree are not eligible.

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply for admission to study at UWC for the 2026 academic year. A valid UWC application number is required to complete the scholarship application. o apply, please use the following link: admission-and-financial-aid/apply. Take note of the application closing dates for the desired programme/discipline.

Step 2: Once you have applied for admission, submit an application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program via UWC’s online scholarship portal.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Pre-arrival support and orientation

• On-campus accommodation

• Monthly living stipend and meal allowance

• Medical aid

• Laptop and study materials allowance

• Ongoing academic and social support to ensure successful transition to meaningful employment

Conditions of the Scholarship

Successful applicants must sign a scholarship agreement and maintain good academic standing throughout their studies. Scholars are expected to follow all university regulations and contribute positively to campus life.

Apply Now

If you are a dedicated, high-achieving young leader who faces financial or social barriers to higher education, don’t miss this opportunity to pursue a fully funded degree at the University of the Western Cape through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

For detailed information and to start your application, visit:
https://www.uwc.ac.za/study/partnerships/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program