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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) 2026

  • Writer: Omran Aburayya
    Omran Aburayya
  • Aug 14
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 2

If you are an ambitious, service-oriented young scholar from South Africa or elsewhere in Africa—especially young women, refugees or displaced youth, or persons with disabilities—excellent news awaits! The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year, offering fully-funded undergraduate and master’s scholarships.

Here’s a a complete guide to help you seize this life-changing chance.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

  • Location: University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa

  • Host Institution: University of the Western Cape (UWC)

  • Study Levels:

    • Undergraduate

    • Master’s degree

  • Target Group:

    • Academically talented youth from South Africa and other African countries

    • Priority to young women, refugees/displaced youth, persons with disabilities

  • Fields of Study:

    • Undergraduate: Arts & Humanities (History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s & Gender Studies); Economic & Management Sciences (Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration); Education (Mathematics & Science, Foundation Phase); Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical & Physical Sciences)

    • Master’s: Arts & Humanities (Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development); Community & Health Sciences (Public Health); Economic & Management Sciences (Development Studies, Information Sciences); Law (Governance & Human Rights); Natural Sciences (Same as above)

  • Value & Coverage: Fully funded – covers tuition, on-campus housing, a monthly stipend, meals, medical aid, laptop, study materials, and holistic wrap-around support

  • Duration: For the full duration of the registered degree program

  • Application Deadline: 31 August 2025 

  • Start Date: Full-time registration begins January 2026

  • Eligible To:

    • Undergraduates ≤ 26 years; Master’s applicants ≤ 30 years

    • Must meet UWC’s admissions requirements and apply to UWC for 2026

    • International applicants: must seek exemption via Universities South Africa (USAf) for undergraduates, or meet SAQA standards for master’s

    • Must demonstrate social and economic barriers to higher education

    • Applicants for a second undergraduate or master's degree are ineligible 

⭐ Scholarship Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, launched globally in 2012, is dedicated to developing the next generation of transformative leaders, particularly from Africa. UWC joined as a partner to deliver these scholarships, making higher education accessible to underserved yet academically gifted youth .

At UWC, over seven years, the program aims to support 500 scholars—250 undergraduates and 250 master’s students—with a strong focus on inclusion:

  • 70% of scholarships go to young women

  • 25% reserved for refugees and displaced youth

  • 10% for persons with disabilities

  • 20% for international students from the rest of Africa


Scholars receive comprehensive support beyond funding—pre-arrival orientation, on-campus housing, personalized academic and psychosocial care, mentorship, leadership development, and integration into a robust community network .

✅ Benefits

  • Full financial coverage: tuition, housing, stipend, meals, medical aid, laptop, study materials

  • Holistic academic and personal support: pre-arrival orientation, wrap-around support, mentorship

  • Peer & alumni network: inclusive community and leadership development

  • Empowerment focus: expect to become a transformative leader equipped to uplift your community and continent

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Applicants:

  • Age: ≤ 26 years at application time

  • Academic: Must meet UWC’s admission requirements and have applied for 2026 admission

  • International: Must apply for exemption via USAf

  • Other: Must show that social and economic barriers have impeded access to university

  • Commitment: Be ready for full-time study starting January 2026

  • Note: Prior undergraduate degree disqualifies eligibility


Master’s Applicants:

  • Age: ≤ 30 years

  • Academic: Must meet UWC’s admission requirements and have applied for 2026 admission

  • International: Must ensure credentials meet SAQA standards

  • Other: Must demonstrate social and economic disadvantage

  • Commitment: Be ready for full-time study starting January 2026

  • Note: Prior master’s degree disqualifies eligibility

📝 Application Procedure

Step 1: Apply to UWC


Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC


📂 Documents Required:

  • Proof of parental income (payslips, social grants, or financial aid letters)

  • If no income, submit a letter of unemployment from Department of Labour

  • If applicable, refugee or internal displacement documentation

  • Application form sections include: Personal Information; Academic Information; Family Information; Short Narratives; Community Engagement; Certification


ℹ️ Important:

  • Submit one complete application only—duplicates or incomplete applications will be rejected

  • If you haven’t heard back by mid-December, assume your application was unsuccessful


🤔 For assistance:




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