The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is now open for applications for the 2025 academic year.
This initiative is designed to assist young people who face economic and social obstacles in accessing higher education.
The program is particularly focused on supporting young women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and individuals living with disabilities. We strongly encourage these groups to apply.
About the Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at UWC aims to support academically gifted young people from South Africa and other African countries.
For the 2025 academic year, the program will offer fully-funded opportunities for selected scholars to pursue undergraduate or master’s degree qualifications.
Scholarship Overview
- Host: MasterCard Foundation and the University of the Western Cape.
- Location: Africa
- Categories: Scholarships for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Master’s studies.
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Benefits: Full Scholarship, Accommodation, Monthly Stipends, Laptop, and Travel Costs.
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Application Deadline: August 30, 2024
Fields of Study
Master’s Studies:
- Arts and Humanities: (Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development)
- Community & Health Sciences (Public Health)
- Economic and Management Sciences: (Development Studies, Information Sciences, and Migration Studies)
- Law (Governance and Human Rights)
- Natural Sciences: (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)
Undergraduate Studies:
- Arts and Humanities: (History, Linguistics, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies)
- Economic and Management Sciences: (Economics, Information Sciences, and Public Administration)
- Education (Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase)
- Natural Sciences: (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at UWC provides comprehensive support beyond tuition fees. This includes:
- Pre-arrival Support: An official welcome program to help scholars settle in.
- Accommodation: Housing in a UWC residence on campus.
- Personalized Support: Ongoing assistance throughout the scholars’ studies to ensure they have a fulfilling experience.
- Monthly Stipend and Meal Allowance: Financial support for daily living expenses.
- Medical Aid: Health insurance coverage.
- Laptop and Study Materials: Provision of essential study tools and materials.
- Holistic Support Programs: Wrap-around support to address various needs.
Eligibility Criteria
For Master’s Degree Applicants:
- Must be 30 years old or younger.
- Applicants must meet the university’s minimum admission requirements and have applied for academic admission for 2025.
- Should be ready to start their first year of full-time master’s degree studies in January 2025.
- Must provide evidence that social and economic barriers hinder their access to university studies.
For Undergraduate Applicants:
- Must be 26 years old or younger.
- Applicants must meet the university’s minimum admission requirements and have applied for academic admission for 2025.
- Should be prepared to register for full-time undergraduate studies in January 2025.
- Must demonstrate that social and economic challenges prevent them from accessing higher education.
Application Process
Step 1: Apply for Admission to UWC
Prospective students must first submit an academic application to UWC for the 2025 academic year. It’s important to note the application closing dates for the chosen program or discipline.
Only those who have successfully submitted their academic application and received a UWC application number can proceed to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Once you’ve applied to study at UWC, the next step is to fill out the online application form for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Online Application: This is the preferred method. Complete the online application to be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Email Application: If online application is not possible, download the application form and email the completed form and supporting documents to mcfsp-applications@uwc.ac.za. Ensure that the form and documents are sent in one email.
Important Note: Duplicate applications (both online and email submissions) will be automatically disqualified.
Application Deadline
Make sure to submit your application by August 30, 2024.
For further details and to apply, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
This scholarship program presents a significant opportunity for young Africans to pursue higher education and overcome barriers that hinder their academic and professional development.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at UWC is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in Africa by providing comprehensive support and resources.