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| MasterCard foundation scholarship at the university of Pretoria |
Fully-funded MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at the University of Pretoria for Undergraduates and Master's
Another cycle of the University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation scholarship program is currently open for interested and qualified applicants to submit applications online to be considered for selected undergraduate and master's programmes.
Over the years, from 2014 to date, the University of Pretoria (UP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has been offering scholarships for high-achieving African students who studied at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The good news is that UP and the MasterCard Foundation will be starting a new partnership in January 2024. This new partnership aims to offer scholarships to young Africans who are academically talented and are suffering economic and social barriers, in addition to people with disabilities and refugees/displaced individuals on the African continent, whose leadership demonstrates their knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and ideals in order to help improve the continent. Internships and community service are crucial elements of the program. Selected candidates who have been accepted to UP to pursue a postgraduate degree are eligible to receive a full scholarship under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. After completing their education, graduates are required to return home and support their communities.
All applicants are expected to meet the full requirements of the University of Pretoria. Applicants are also expected to have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 70%
Note that undergraduate applicants should not already have obtained an Undergraduate Degree/ qualification, and Master's applicants should not already have obtained a master's degree/ qualification.
Benefits of the MasterCard Scholarship
All successful applicants will enjoy the following benefits:
- Meals
- Books and printed material
- A modest monthly stipend
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a UP residence
- Medical aid
- Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period)
- Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.
Note to International Applicants: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not cover costs associated with USAf verification and passport applications. You must cover that by yourself.
Eligible Programmes that qualify for the Scholarship
1. Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
2. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
3. Faculty of Humanities
4. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT)
5. Faculty of Law (Undergraduates: SADC, Post Graduates: All African Countries)
6. Faculty of Education
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, apply to your programme of choice at UP
- Arrange to send your documents to the university
- You will need your University student number to complete the Mastercard application form. But if you have studied at UP before, kindly disclose this in your application.
- Only students in full-time degree programmes and not for extended or non-degree purposes are eligible for this Program.
- Applicants must be starting their first year of study in 2026.
- No late submissions will be accepted
- All applicants are required to apply to the University of Pretoria residences for accommodation for the duration of their degree.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
- Undergraduate honors and master's students who have applied to and been admitted to the University of Pretoria are eligible to apply. Until June 30, 2025, qualified applicants may submit their applications.
- The initiative targets African youngsters who want to continue higher education but are facing major socioeconomic obstacles, such as refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and people with disabilities.
- Through participation in projects, school events, or religious organizations, applicants must demonstrate leadership abilities and a dedication to community service, showcasing a desire to make a difference.
- A key element of the Program's requirements is that scholars maintain a high academic average and exhibit exceptional academic performance.
Recommended:
- Fully-funded DAAD EPOS Scholarships for Master's and PhD
- University of Auckland International Students Excellence Scholarship in New Zealand
- Fully Funded McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University
- Achieve by Petra Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in Ghana (Fully-funded)
- Fully-funded PhD Scholarships at Makerere University for 2025/2026
Application Procedure
Undergraduate and master's applicants who are interested in studying at the University of Pretoria and wish to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program must follow the application process below.
Step 1
APPLICANTS MUST APPLY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE PROGRAMMES FIRST to initiate the application process. Then download and fill out the hard copy of the relevant application form provided below:
Undergraduate application form
Step 2
Applicants should then submit their applications electronically to mcfsp@up.ac.za.
Step 3
After you submit your application, your application will then undergo a holistic review process. You will be notified of the outcome after the review is completed. If you do not hear back from the team, just assume your application was not successful.
Step 4
Before you are admitted into the Program, all eligible candidates will undergo an interview as part of the selection process by the scholarship management.
If you have any inquiries, kindly contact the Mastercard Foundation team on +27 (0)12 420 4297 or via email at mcfsp@up.ac.za. Ensure that all required supporting documentation is included with your submission.
Supporting Documents you need to send with your application
- If a biological/adoptive parent is single or never married, an affidavit confirming marital status and maintenance, and also if not receiving any financial assistance.
- If biological/adoptive parent(s) are deceased, death certificate(s).
- If biological/adoptive parent(s) are divorced, the decree of divorce and affidavit confirming maintenance (also if not receiving any financial assistance).
- If a legal guardian is appointed by a court, the court order must be provided or an affidavit supporting this. The guardian must declare a monthly allowance to the applicant through an affidavit.
- ID/passport for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse.
- ID/passport and birth certificate for both the applicant and siblings.
- Proof of your provisional admission letter from the University of Pretoria if admitted before the 31st of August 2025.
- Proof of gross income (pay slip(s)/pension advice(s)/financial statements/allowances, maintenance) for the last 3 months (when submitting your application) for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse/source of income.
- If no proof of income or if unemployed, the source of income/maintenance/allowance must be provided per individual by means of an affidavit. House executives/housewives must confirm any source of income by means of an affidavit.
- Proof of enrolment of all siblings at tertiary institution(s).
- A copy of the refugee identity document (where applicable). NB: Refugee students living within South Africa must have a Section 24 valid permit provided by the South African Department of Home Affairs
- Any proof of disability (registration document or certified copy of a doctor’s report)
- Copy of high school results
Timeline for application
Interested applicants should submit their application by 30 June 2025