Apply Now: Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 At The University Of Pretoria
A Transformative Partnership: Since January 2014, the University of Pretoria (UP) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP), providing exceptional African students with access to undergraduate, honours, and master’s degrees.
In December 2023, UP entered into Phase 2 of this impactful partnership, welcoming a new set of scholars in early 2024. These cohorts—often living with financial hardships, disabilities, or displacement—are selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. This holistic approach combines academic support with real-world leadership experiences, fostering transformative impact across the continent.
Vision & Mission
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to cultivate Africa’s next generation of leaders who will contribute to social and economic transformation. The program helps academically talented youth, often excluded due to economic or social barriers, complete quality education and access opportunities for entrepreneurship or further studies.
Through wraparound support—mentoring, internships, community service, and leadership training—the program prepares scholars not only for personal success but also for broader societal impact. Scholars commit to giving back to their communities, reinforcing a cycle of sustainable development.
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What the Scholarship Offers
MCFSP offers a fully-funded package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage for eligible programs.
- Accommodation in UP residences.
- A modest monthly stipend to support living expenses.
- Books and learning materials.
- Medical aid for the duration of study.
- Return travel costs for international students and visa coverage.
- Access to workshops and events that foster leadership and personal development.
Through this support, scholars can focus on academic excellence while engaging with transformative experiences aimed at empowering their communities.
Eligible Faculties & Disciplines
Scholarships are available to students admitted into several faculties at UP:
- Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities (e.g. Political Studies, International Studies)
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & IT
- Faculty of Law (undergraduate for SADC citizens; postgraduate open to all Africans)
- Faculty of Education
This breadth ensures that scholars can pursue programs aligned with personal interests and local needs across disciplines.
Who Can Apply
MCFSP targets high-achieving African youth who are:
- Facing socio-economic hardship, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities.
- Demonstrating academic excellence, typically with an average of 70% or above.
- Engaged in community service, leadership initiatives, or social entrepreneurship.
- Committed to returning to their home countries post-study to contribute socially and economically.
Application Process & Key Dates (2026 Cohort)
Step 1 – Apply to UP: Submit an application through UP’s official portal and secure provisional admission to your desired program.
Step 2 – Prepare Scholarship Application: Download the MCFSP form (undergraduate or postgraduate) from the UP page.
Step 3 – Bundle Documents: Include your admission letter, academic transcripts, proof of need, leadership evidence, identity documents, and any other required items.
Step 4 – Submission: Send your complete application package to [email protected] before 30 June 2025.
Step 5 – Interview & Selection: Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed between August and October 2025. Final awardees will be notified starting November, and orientation begins in January 2026.
Undergraduate admission deadlines run until 31 August 2025, while postgraduate applicants can apply until 30 September 2025.
Why This Scholars Program Matters
1. Full-Funding Eases Barriers
Covering tuition, accommodation, books, medical aid, and travel, the scholarship removes financial constraints and empowers scholars to focus on learning and leadership.
2. Holistic Growth Structure
Beyond academics, the program offers mentorship, internships, and leadership training—nurturing graduates equipped not only with knowledge but with the capacitation to drive change.
3. Pan-African Impact
Alumni are positioned to return home and leverage their skills for transformation, multiplying the program’s influence across communities.
4. Prestigious Academic Environment
UP is a leading research institution with a wide academic portfolio and a rich multicultural landscape, ideal for academic and personal development.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria is an unrivaled opportunity for ambitious African students who are academically excellent, community-minded, and resilient. From tuition to travel, the scholarship clears the path for scholars to focus on becoming changemakers.
If you’re passionate about transforming your community and excited by transformative support, start your UP admission process early, prepare your documents meticulously, and apply before 30 June 2025. This is more than a scholarship—it’s a leadership launchpad.
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