The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offering fully funded study opportunities to talented young Africans. As an active partner in this global initiative since 2012, UWC joins the Mastercard Foundation in its mission to empower the next generation of leaders through access to higher education.
This prestigious program supports young individuals—particularly young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth—whose academic ambitions are challenged by financial and social barriers. The Scholars Program focuses on fostering leadership and driving positive transformation across the African continent.
Available Study Opportunities
For the 2026 academic year, the program offers fully funded support for both undergraduate and master’s degree qualifications in selected disciplines.
Undergraduate Fields of Study:
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Arts and Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies
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Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration
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Education: Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
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Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
Master’s Degree Fields of Study:
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Arts & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
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Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
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Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences
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Law: Governance and Human Rights
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Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
Who Can Apply?
Undergraduate Applicants:
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Must be 26 years or younger.
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Must meet UWC’s minimum academic admission requirements and apply for admission to a 2026 program. visit www.uwc.ac.za
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International applicants must seek exemption from Universities South Africa (USAf) to validate qualifications for entry. (For exemption applications and additional information, please visit https://usaf.ac.za/facilitating-entry-to-sa-universities/).
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Must commit to full-time study beginning January 2026.
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Must demonstrate that economic and social barriers limit their access to higher education.
Master’s Applicants:
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Must be 30 years or younger.
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Must fulfill UWC’s admission criteria and apply for a 2026 academic program. visit www.uwc.ac.za
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International qualifications must be verified through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). For verification, visit https://www.saqa.org.za/;
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Must plan to enroll in full-time master’s studies in January 2026.
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Must provide evidence of limited access to education due to social and financial constraints.
Program Benefits
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support, including:
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Full tuition coverage
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On-campus housing at UWC
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Monthly living stipend and meal allowance
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Medical aid
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Laptop and study materials allowance
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Pre-arrival orientation and welcome program
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Ongoing academic and personal support
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Holistic support services throughout the study period
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply to UWC
Start by submitting your academic application to the University of the Western Cape for 2026. Applications must be submitted through the university’s official application portal. To apply, please use the following link: admission-and-financial-aid/apply. Take note of the application closing dates for the desired programme/discipline.
Step 2: Apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Once you have your UWC application number, complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application online. Only candidates with a valid UWC application number will be considered.
Deadline for Applications: 30 September 2025
For further details and to begin your application, visit the official webpage of the UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a transformative network of changemakers across Africa.