University of Western Cape MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

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  • The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program targets young people who are unable to access higher education due to economic and social barriers. 
  • This program specifically targets refugees, forcibly displaced youth, young women, and persons with disabilities. 

scholarship Overview

  • The MasterCard Scholars Program at the University of Western Cape supports academically talented youth from South Africa and the African continent. 
  • These youth are equipped with the tools and education they need to impact their communities and countries positively. 

Host School(s)

  • University of Western Cape, South Africa

Fields of Study

  • Undergraduate Programs:
    • Arts and Humanities 
    • Economic & Management Sciences 
    • Education 
    • Natural Sciences 
  • Postgraduate Programs
    • Art & Humanities 
    • Community & Health Sciences 
    • Economic & Management Sciences 
    • Law 
    • Natural Sciences 

What does the scholarship cover?

  • Tuition fees
  • A monthly stipend and meal allowance
  • Medical aid
  • Accommodation in a UWC residence on campus
  • Personalized study support
  • Laptop
  • Study materials allowance

How many scholarships are given?

Which countries are targeted?

  • Students from South Africa and the African continent. 

Am I Eligible to Apply?

Undergraduate students should:

  • be no older than 26 years at the time of application;
  • meet the University’s minimum admissions requirements and must have applied for academic admission to the University for 2026;
  • be prepared to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2026;
  • apply for exemption through Universities South Africa to determine if they meet South Africa’s minimum higher education admission requirements;
  • provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic barriers.

Postgraduate students should:

  • be no older than 30 years at the time of application;
  • meet the university’s minimum admission requirements;
  • must have applied for academic admission to the University for 2026;
  • be prepared to begin their first year of registration for full-time master’s degree study in January 2026;
  • Provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic barriers.

How Do I Apply – Next Steps

  • First, apply for admission at UWC for the 2026 academic year. The application link is provided on the website indicated below. 
  • Once you have successfully submitted your application and received a UWC application number, you can apply for the scholarship. Note that the application number is required to complete the scholarship form. 
  • Next, apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC by completing the online application form on the website. 

Required Documents

  • Proof of parental income e.g. payslips or social grant letters. 
  • A letter of unemployment if no proof of income is available or if the individual is unemployed. 
  • A copy of refugee or internally displaced documentation. 
  • If no proof of income is available or if unemployed, a letter of unemployment from the Department of Labour must be provided.

Closing Date

How Do I Get More Information?