African graduates facing financial and social barriers can apply for the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 for selected taught postgraduate qualifications at the University of Cape Town.
At a glance
Host: University of Cape Town
Partner: Mastercard Foundation
Study level: Eligible postgraduate diploma, honours or coursework Master’s degree
Eligible faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science
Scholarship deadline: 31 October 2026
High-value notes
- Eligible postgraduate study includes a Health Sciences postgraduate diploma, an honours degree in any UCT faculty or a coursework Master’s degree in any UCT faculty.
- Research-only qualifications, a Master’s by dissertation and PhD study are excluded.
- Postgraduate applicants must complete both the relevant UCT academic application and the separate scholarship application.
- UCT faculty and programme deadlines vary and may fall before the scholarship deadline.
About the program
The partnership between UCT and the Mastercard Foundation supports academically talented African students whose access to higher education is constrained by significant social and economic barriers. Scholars join a development programme centred on learning, leadership and community impact.
What the scholarship provides
The award combines scholarship support with mentoring, leadership development, academic and life-skills assistance, career development and preparation for employment or entrepreneurship.
Eligibility requirements
- Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa.
- Apply for an eligible taught postgraduate programme at UCT.
- Demonstrate academic talent and commitment to excellence.
- Face significant financial, social or economic barriers to higher education.
- Show potential for ethical and transformative leadership.
- Be committed to serving your community and contributing to positive change.
The program does not support part-time study, research-only qualifications, a Master’s by dissertation or PhD study.
Documents to prepare
Check both the UCT academic application and scholarship form for their exact requirements. Prepare identity documentation, complete academic transcripts, qualification certificates, programme-specific academic documents and evidence supporting your financial circumstances, leadership and community involvement.
Closing date
The postgraduate scholarship application closes on 31 October 2026. Check the applicable UCT faculty deadline first, because academic applications follow programme-specific dates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a research-only Master’s or a PhD, which the program does not cover
- Completing the scholarship form but not the separate UCT academic application
- Assuming every faculty accepts applications until 31 October
- Failing to connect academic goals with leadership and community impact
How this opportunity was verified
Last checked on 26 August 2026 using UCT’s current Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application and academic-process pages. These confirm the eligible postgraduate routes and 31 October 2026 scholarship deadline.
How to apply
- Choose an eligible taught postgraduate programme and check its faculty deadline.
- Submit the required UCT academic application.
- Open the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
- Complete the scholarship form and submit it by 31 October 2026.