1.1 About Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at University of Cape Town
1.2 Scholarship Benefits
1.3 Required Documents
1.4 Scholarship Selection Criteria
1.5 Steps on How to Apply
1.6 Application Process
1.7 Deadline

About Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Mastercard Foundation have launched the Scholars’ Program, which provides economically disadvantaged young individuals in Africa with the opportunity to pursue a high-quality university education. Through full-cost scholarships, academically talented African students can enroll in undergraduate and postgraduate programs, gaining internationally recognized qualifications and practical skills. The program emphasizes social justice and civic engagement, empowering scholars to make a positive impact in their local communities and pursue careers aligned with these principles.

Recipients of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT receive scholarships that cover their entire study period and are renewable annually based on satisfactory academic performance and active participation in program activities. In addition to financial support, the program encourages scholars to return to their home countries and utilize their education and expertise to contribute to social and economic development. UCT and the Mastercard Foundation aim to provide a platform for underprivileged African students to access exceptional education, fostering a new generation of graduates who will drive positive change and contribute to the advancement of their countries.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship covers:

• Visa applications 
• Travel expenses
• Tuition fee
• Living expenses
• Medical aid 
• Accommodation
• Academic and peer mentor support
• Cultural and transition support and training
• Career and internship opportunities
• Leadership development and training

Required Documents

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the following documents are required:

1. Certified copies of identity documents, passports, or refugee papers.
2. Proof of address.
3. Current and previous post-secondary transcripts.
4. Proof of completion or current enrollment in a degree program.
5. Curriculum vitae (CV).
6. Essay (a specific topic or prompt may be provided).
7. Declaration and signatures.
8. Affidavit declaration.

Please ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready for submission when applying for the program.

Scholarship Selection Criteria

The screening process for candidates in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program takes into account the following criteria:

1. Academic Talent: Candidates are expected to value learning and demonstrate a strong motivation to complete their education successfully.
2. Economic Disadvantage: Consideration is given to candidates who face significant financial barriers that hinder their ability to pursue and complete their education.
3. Commitment to Giving Back: Candidates are evaluated based on their willingness to invest in their communities and utilize the skills and knowledge they acquire to contribute to the betterment of their local environments.
4. Future Leadership: Emphasis is placed on candidates who exhibit a commitment to ethical leadership and have a genuine desire to bring about positive change in their home communities.

It is important to note that the application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program differs from the academic application process for UCT. Prospective scholars are advised to first submit an academic application to UCT and subsequently apply separately for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Steps on How to Apply

In order to apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must:

1. First apply to the University of  Cape  Town  for  academic  study  and  placement. Consult the faculty concerned directly in order to find out what is required for the course or degree that you want to take. Please refer to the 2024 Directions for Postgraduate Applicants and faculties for the relevant closing dates and information on courses at UCT.
2. Submit an application for a Mastercard Foundation scholarship. 

Note: Only applicants, who have applied for academic study and placement at UCT, can submit an application for a Mastercard Foundation scholarship. 

Application Process

Part 1: Applying for academic study and placement at the University of Cape Town

Applying for academic study and placement at the University of Cape Town

Step 1: Academic application

Refer to various resources for guidance. UCT’s postgraduate prospectus provides information on courses at UCT, how to apply to the university, and support structures available for postgraduate students at the university. For any further enquiries on how to apply to UCT, please contact the relevant faculty postgraduate / admissions office.

Step 2: Collate the necessary supporting documents to strengthen your academic application

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the relevant postgraduate faculty handbook for more information and should ensure that when submitting these documents online, each document is scanned and uploaded as a single document. Documents must be legible and clear.

Step 3: Apply online for academic study and placement at UCT.

Additional Information for International Applicants

International applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT are required to obtain a study visa to enter the Republic of South Africa and for purposes of registering at UCT. To apply for a study visa, applicants will need the following:

1. An official passport which must be valid for at least 30 days after the end of the proposed stay in South Africa, otherwise the permit will only be granted for the period of up to 30 days before the expiry date. It should also have at least one unused page left when arriving in South Africa. Passports should not be endorsed or extended;
2. A Department of Home Affairs application form (BI-1738);
3. An official letter from UCT confirming acceptance at the institution for the duration of the course.
4. In the event of persons under the age of 21, UCT will appoint guardian’s and proof of consent in liaison with the parents of such applicants;
5. A police clearance certificate (less than 6 months old);
6. A medical and radiological reports (less than 6 months old);
7. A relevant certificate if married, widowed, divorced or separated;
8. A yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through yellow fever endemic area;
9. Proof of medical cover (which will be arranged by The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program staff members at UCT for successful applicants);
10. Proof of accommodation (which will be arranged by The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program staff members at UCT for successful scholarship applicants).
11. Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, maintenance and incidental costs (this will be confirmed in the letter of award to successful scholarship applicants).

The responsibility is on visa applicants to check with the South African embassy or High Commission that these are the only requirements for the application, as the relevant authorities have the discretion to ask for additional documents. For more information on the South African High Commission or embassy located nearest to you, please visit: www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/sai.htm. 

Step 4: Await the outcome of your academic application

Part 2: Mastercard Foundation scholarship at the University of Cape Town

Step 1: Part 2: Mastercard Foundation scholarship at the University of Cape Town www.uct.ac.za/mcfsp

Step 2: Create a profile on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program site

Step 3: Complete the eligibility quiz

Step 4: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholarship application form

Step 5: Upload certified copies of your documents

Click ‘Upload Files’ and upload the above mentioned supporting documentation. Once the scholarship application is uploaded, it can be amended by the applicant prior to the official scholarship closing date. Only complete applications for a Mastercard Foundation scholarship uploaded onto the online scholarship application site will be considered. NO documents will be accepted by email, hard copy or other methods.

Step 6: Identify two recommenders

Insert the details of two (2) academics, who have taught or supervised the applicant during secondary and/or tertiary level of study, to support the scholarship application. The reference must be provided directly by the recommenders who have agreed to provide references. Applicants will not be able to review the contents of the recommendations received.

Deadline

31 July 2023