Verified by ProvidiaSouth Africa · PostgraduateUpdated 26 Sep
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT — Postgraduate 2027
UCT's Mastercard Foundation programme pays the full cost of study for talented Africans who could not otherwise afford it. For Nigerian graduates it is a route to a funded honours or master's degree at one of Africa's top-ranked universities.
Providia Editorial · Checked against the official sourceResearched with AI assistance and reviewed by Providia Editorial · Reviewed 26 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Last verified 26 Sep 2026
Who it’s for
- Citizens of any African country, including Nigeria
- Graduates applying to a UCT honours degree or coursework master's
- Applicants to eligible Health Sciences postgraduate diplomas
- Students facing significant economic barriers to higher education
What you get
Full cost of study: fees, accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a laptop, visa costs and annual travel, plus mentoring, leadership and career support.
Requirements
- Separate application/offer for a UCT postgraduate programme
- Academic transcriptsCheck the official page
- Evidence of financial needCheck the official page
- Proof of African citizenshipCheck the official page
How to apply
- Pick an eligible full-time UCT postgraduate programme (not PhD or research-only)
- Apply to UCT for the programme via applyonline.uct.ac.za
- Complete the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars application at uct.ac.za/mastercardfdn
- Submit both before 31 October 2026
Timeline
- Closes31 Oct
Tips from past applicants
Apply to UCT for admission early; the scholarship application depends on it. Explain your financial situation honestly and show how you plan to give back to your community.
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