University of Western Cape MasterCard Scholarship 2026: Are you an ambitious African student with a thirst for knowledge and dreams of pursuing higher education?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Western Cape (UWC) presents an incredible opportunity to transform your educational journey.
This fully-funded undergraduate and master’s scholarship program is designed to empower promising African students by providing them access to quality education and invaluable support.
The UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living stipends, travel costs, study materials, including a laptop for all selected candidates.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of this life-changing scholarship program, the eligibility criteria, application procedure, and the incredible benefits it offers to deserving students.
MasterCard Foundation Scholarship at UWC Abstract
- Scholarship Host: MasterCard Foundation
- Category: Scholarships || Study Abroad || Study-In-Africa || Undergraduate Scholarships || Postgraduate Scholarships || Masters Scholarships
- Benefits: Full Scholarship
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Living Stipends
- Laptop
- Meals
- Visa + Airfare Ticket
- Medical Insurance
- Eligibility: Africa
- Deadline: August 30, 2025
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University of Western Cape MasterCard Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UWC offers a comprehensive scholarship package that covers every aspect of your educational journey:
- Tuition Coverage
The complete cost of tuition is covered, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of your pursuit of higher education. This means that you can focus entirely on your studies without the burden of tuition fees.
- Accommodation
Enjoy the convenience of university accommodation, fostering a conducive learning environment where you can thrive academically. Living on campus provides you with a sense of community and easy access to academic resources.
- Laptop and Other Essential Technology
Access to essential technology is provided to support your academic endeavors. You will receive a laptop, ensuring that you have the necessary tools to excel in your studies and stay connected with your coursework.
Hassle-Free Travel
Travel expenses are taken care of, making your journey to UWC hassle-free. Whether you are traveling from within South Africa or from another African country, you can focus on your studies, knowing that your travel costs are covered.
- Nutritious Meals
Nutritious meals are provided, ensuring that you are well-nourished and ready to excel in your academic pursuits. A balanced diet is essential for your overall well-being and academic success.
- Visa Assistance
Visa expenses are covered to facilitate your enrollment at UWC. The scholarship program aims to remove administrative hurdles from your path, making it easier for you to start your academic journey.
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance is provided to ensure your well-being throughout your academic journey. Your health is a priority, and this coverage offers peace of mind in case of any medical emergencies.
- Leadership and Mentorship
Benefit from leadership and mentorship training, which will enhance your personal and professional growth. This aspect of the scholarship equips you with valuable skills and guidance, preparing you to make a positive impact in your community and beyond.
About the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Western Cape
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Western Cape (UWC) is committed to supporting academically talented youth from South Africa and various parts of the African continent.
For the 2025/26 Academic Year, this program is offering fully funded opportunities for young scholars to pursue undergraduate or master’s degree qualifications.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) proudly serves as an implementing partner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Since its initiation in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program has been a global initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders.
This is achieved by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young individuals, primarily from Africa, to access higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship UWC Requirements
To be eligible for the undergraduate Mastercard Scholarship at UWC, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Limit
Applicants must be no older than 26 years to pursue undergraduate studies. This age limit ensures that the scholarship program supports young and motivated individuals on their educational journey.
- Admission Requirements
Meet UWC’s minimum admissions requirements and have applied for academic admission to the University for 2025. Academic excellence is a crucial factor in the selection process.
- Enrollment
Be prepared to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2025. Full-time enrollment is a requirement to make the most of the academic opportunities offered by the scholarship.
- Socioeconomic Barriers
Provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic barriers. The scholarship program aims to support students facing challenges in accessing higher education.
The Scholars Program places a particular emphasis on reaching young women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and young people living with disabilities who face challenges in accessing higher education.
Explore more scholarship opportunities below.
For postgraduate Mastercard Scholarship eligibility, consider the following:
- Age Limit for Postgraduate Studies
Applicants must be no older than 30 years to pursue master’s degree studies. This age limit ensures that the scholarship program continues to support young leaders in their academic pursuits.
- Admission and Enrollment
Similar to undergraduate applicants, postgraduate candidates must meet UWC’s minimum admissions requirements and have applied for academic admission to the University for 2024. Full-time enrollment is also a requirement for postgraduate scholars.
- Socioeconomic Barriers
As with undergraduate applicants, postgraduate candidates must provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic barriers. The scholarship program aims to make higher education accessible to all.
Available Programmes for Western Cape MasterCard Scholarship 2026
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at UWC are open to students pursuing a wide range of academic disciplines. These include:
Undergraduate Courses:
- Humanities & Arts (History, Linguistics, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies)
- Economic & Management Sciences (Economics, Information Sciences, and Public Administration)
- Education (Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase)
- Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)
Postgraduate Courses:
- Humanities & Arts (Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development)
- Community & Health Sciences (Public Health)
- Economic & Management Sciences (Development Studies, Information Sciences, and Migration Studies)
- Law (Governance and Human Rights)
- Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)
Required Documents for UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026
To apply for the UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Scholarship Application letter: Share your personal background, why you chose USIU-Africa, and your vision for the future after graduation.
- Copies of academic documents (final high school certificates)
- Recommendation letter from your high school teacher, head teacher, or sponsoring organization
- One recent passport-size photograph
- A copy of your birth certificate, national identity card, passport, or refugee travel document
- A copy of your refugee identity document (where applicable)
- A copy of disability registration document/card (where applicable)
How To Apply forUniversity of Western Cape MasterCard Scholarship 2026
The application procedure involves applying for study at the University for 2026 and applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted before the deadline.
- Apply for undergraduate or master’s study to the University for 2025 (admission-and-financial-aid/apply, take note of application closing dates)
- Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by completing the online application (preferred method)
- Click here to apply online (Masters).
- Click here to apply online (Undergraduate).
- If you are unable to apply online, you may download the application form and email the completed form and supporting documentation to mcfsp-applications@uwc.ac.za (the completed form and supporting documents must be submitted as one email).
- Begin your application by clicking on the button below
Important Dates
- Application deadline: August 30, 2025
- Interview invitations: After the selection process, successful applicants will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview conducted by independent panels.
