Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application for 2026/2027. Are you a high-achieving, economically disadvantaged student from South Africa or another African country seeking fully funded support to study at a top university? The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is a world-class opportunity designed to empower academically talented young people—especially youth from underserved communities—with access to quality higher education, leadership development, and career mentorship. Backed by the globally respected Mastercard Foundation, this prestigious scholarship aims to build the next generation of ethical leaders who will drive social and economic change across Africa.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in a wide range of fields such as Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Education, and Technology. The scholarship typically covers full tuition fees, accommodation, meals, learning materials, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and comprehensive support services including academic guidance and leadership training at partner universities in Africa and abroad.

This article provides a complete guide to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, partner universities, supported programmes, how to apply, required documentation, and key closing dates. Whether you are a recent matriculant or a current university student, this fully funded scholarship could open the door to global education and long-term impact.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading for answers to question like “Mastercard Foundation Scholarship requirements 2026,” “how to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship,” and “fully funded African scholarships for 2026.”

About Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative launched in 2012 with the mission of supporting talented but financially disadvantaged youth, especially from Africa, to access higher education and reach their full potential as leaders.

The program offers comprehensive financial, academic, and social support to help students succeed in their studies and careers. Applications are managed by the program’s partner universities and NGOs, which handle both selection and administration.

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme at UWC – 2026/2027

Fields of Study

In partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Mastercard Foundation is offering fully-funded scholarships for the 2026 academic year to academically gifted young Africans.

Fields of Study:

Undergraduate Degrees

Economic & Management Sciences (Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration)
Education (Mathematics & Science, Foundation Phase)
Humanities & Arts (History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s & Gender Studies)
Natural Sciences (Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Sciences)

Postgraduate Degrees (Masters)

Community & Health Sciences (Public Health)
Economic & Management Sciences (Development Studies, Information Sciences, Migration Studies)
Humanities & Arts (Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development)
Law (Governance and Human Rights)
Natural Sciences (Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Sciences)

What the Scholarship Covers

Undergraduate: Full funding for up to 4 years (3-year degree + 1-year Honours or 4-year degree)
Postgraduate (Masters): Full funding for up to 2 years

The scholarship includes tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and additional support.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews (in-person or virtual), and final decisions will be communicated by 17 November.

Eligibility Criteria for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application 2026/2027

Undergraduate Applicants:

Must be a citizen of South Africa or another African country
Must not be older than 26 years
Must have applied to UWC for the 2026 academic year
Must meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements
Must plan to study full-time starting January 2026
Must have a strong academic track record
Must demonstrate financial need
Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Must agree to the conditions outlined in the Call for Applications

Postgraduate (Masters) Applicants:

Must be a citizen of South Africa or another African country
Must not be older than 30 years
Must have applied to UWC for the 2026 academic year
Must meet UWC’s admission requirements
Must plan to begin full-time studies in January 2026
Must have a strong academic record
Must show financial need
Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Must agree to the conditions outlined in the Call for Applications

How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027

Step 1: Apply to UWC

First, submit your admission application to UWC. Once you receive your Student Number, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship

Choose the correct application link: Click here to access the application portal.

Required Supporting Documents (Upload as PDFs)

Undergraduate Applicants:

Certified copy of ID or Passport (with visa or permit if applicable)
Cover letter: your background, financial situation, reasons for choosing UWC, and future goals
Matric certificate or recent results
Letter of recommendation from school principal or deputy (signed and stamped)
1 passport-size photo

Postgraduate (Masters) Applicants:

Certified copy of ID or Passport (with visa or permit if applicable)
Cover letter: your background, financial situation, reasons for choosing UWC, and future plans
Certified copies of all academic records and certificates
Letter of recommendation from supervisor or head of department (signed and stamped)
1 passport-size photo

Closing Date for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application 2026/2027

Application Deadline: 13 October.

Late applications will not be considered. Submit early to avoid missing out.

Contact Details of Mastercard Foundation

For any questions, please reach out via the UWC Contact Page: https://www.uwc.ac.za/contact