Overview
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Postgraduate (Honours and Master’s)
Description
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Postgraduate (Honours and Master’s)
Doctoral studies (limited cases through progression)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a citizen of an African country
Be academically talented with strong academic records
Come from an economically or socially disadvantaged background
Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community service
Be admitted or applying for admission to the University of Pretoria
Be willing to return to their home country after graduation to contribute to development
Be available to participate in leadership training, internships, and community engagement
Additional Information
Degree Level
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Postgraduate (Honours and Master’s)
Doctoral studies (limited cases through progression)
Available Subjects
Scholars can study in any approved academic program, including:
Engineering and Technology
Health Sciences
Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Business, Economics and Management
Humanities and Social Sciences
Law and Governance
Education
Data Science, AI, and IT
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship that provides comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support.
The program covers:
Full tuition fees
Campus accommodation and meals
Monthly living stipend
Books and learning materials
Start-up allowance (first year)
Visa and study permit fees
Medical insurance
Travel support
One funded African-based summer internship
Leadership training and personal development programs
Counseling and psychological services
Academic mentoring and tutoring
Career guidance and professional workshops
Eligible Nationalities
African countries
Priority is given to:
Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
Students living with disabilities
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a citizen of an African country
Be academically talented with strong academic records
Come from an economically or socially disadvantaged background
Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community service
Be admitted or applying for admission to the University of Pretoria
Be willing to return to their home country after graduation to contribute to development
Be available to participate in leadership training, internships, and community engagement
What The Program Expects From Scholars
Selected scholars must:
Maintain strong academic performance
Participate in leadership and development activities
Complete a pre-approved African-based summer internship
Engage in community service
Follow University's rules and regulations
Return to their home country after graduation to contribute to Africa’s development
Application Procedure
There is no single central application for this scholarship. Students must apply through a partner university.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
Choose a partner institution from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program list
Apply for admission to your chosen university
Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship through that university’s scholarship page
Submit required documents (academic records, financial background, personal statement, etc.)
If shortlisted, attend interviews or additional assessments
Selected candidates will receive full scholarship offers
Important:
Application deadlines, eligibility rules, and requirements vary by university.
Why Choose The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This is more than just a scholarship — it is a leadership and impact-driven program. Scholars receive mentorship, career training, and support networks that help them become agents of change in Africa. The program aims to support 100,000 scholars by 2030, building a powerful network of future African leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funded? Yes. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP is fully funded and covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, books, travel, medical insurance, and leadership training.
Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship? The program is open to academically talented African students who face economic or social barriers, including refugees and students with disabilities.
Do Mastercard Foundation Scholars have to return to their home countries? Yes. Scholars are required to return to their home countries after graduation to contribute to Africa’s economic and social development.
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Funding
Fully Funded
Degree
Masters, PhD, Bachelor, Undergraduate
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students, Domestic Students
Country
Worldwide
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.