Fully-Funded MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at the University of the Western Cape for Master's and Undergraduate Students

How I Managed to Find This 

I never once believed in a lifetime, not even once, until the day when I scrolled past one about 3 a.m. in the morning. My eyes were bleary and sleepy, but all that seemed to disappear when I stumbled upon an opportunity too good to be true. I was still browsing a website looking for a scholarship opportunity until a click sent me to a website where I found out about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MFSP) at UWC. I am glad I did the digging and reviewed the details, talked to friends who knew more about it, and checked the official websites. 

Here is what I found. And in plain language, I will help you to make the final decision whether you want to apply.

Why choose this scholarship in the first place? 

When a scholarship offers you a fully funded accommodation, plus a laptop, plus a monthly stipend,   plus meals, and other supports, why wouldn't you for it?

But here are the details of why you should choose this opportunity:

• Tuition fees are covered, and you do not need to spend anything.
• You are given housing on campus without having to make any payment.
• You are given monthly meal allowances plus daily meals.
• You are given a laptop, your medical conditions are covered, and allowances for study materials are covered as well.
• You are given full-time support. No one turns you around in times of hardship.

The interesting thing about this scholarship is that it supports you both academically and personally.

In case you are wondering who is behind it. 

This scholarship is fully funded by the Master Foundation. It is an international charitable organization that has the sole aim of supporting students from Africa and some indigenous communities in Canada. I wouldn't, therefore, say that it is a fly-by-night scholarship company. It has partnered with UWC, which is established in South Africa, to award this scholarship. 

What is the aim of their program?

Their program is not all about a degree. It is stated clearly in their visions to make a change in communities, countries, and continents. 

Who can apply? Are there rules?

Yes, there are rules. 

For undergraduates

• The maximum age required to apply as an undergraduate is 26 years. Anything above that, you are not qualified.
• You must begin a full-time undergraduate study at UWC by January 2026.
• You must meet the minimum requirement for UWC admission and have applied for admission.
• You must prove that you are facing financial challenges and submit documents of your background.

Please note that if you already have this scholarship or are in the second year, third, or final year, you are not eligible to apply.

For Master's Applicants

• You must be no older than 30 years.
• You must also meet the UWC admission requirements and apply for the master's program starting January 2026.
• You must prove that you are facing financial challenges before you are selected.

The fields of study they support.

The good news here is that they cover a wide area of study.

Fields for undergraduates include:

• Education that takes into consideration mathematics, science, and the foundation phase)
• Natural science, which includes biology, computing, mathematics, and physical sciences.
• Arts and Humanities where linguistics, sociology, women and gender studies, etc, are considered.
• Economic and Management Sciences, where you can think of economics, information sciences, public administration, etc.

Fields for master's include:

• Law: talking of governance and human rights
• Natural sciences, which are the same as above.
• Arts and Humanities (applied linguistics, migration studies, gender justice, and more).
• Community and Health Sciences (public health)
• Economics and Management Sciences (for development studies: development studies, information sciences, etc.)

The Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply.

1. First: Make sure to apply for admission to UWC for the 2026 academic year. Select a program of your choice during the application. Please make sure that you meet the minimum requirements and get your UWC admission number.  

Click "Apply" to start the application for UWC Admissions.

2. Then, after you have received your UWC application number, apply for the Mastercard Guardian's Foundation Scholars Program at UWC by using the online form.  Please note also that you will need the UWC number to proceed.

3. Prepare your required documents. Below are the ones you will need.

• Proof of your parents or guardian's income. They might request their pay-slips, social grants, etc. Or if your parent or guardian is unemployed, you will submit a letter of unemployment.
• This section is not compulsory, but if applicable, refugee or displacement documentation.
• Other standard documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of identity, admission results, narrative essays about your background, and community engagement, are all needed requirements.

4. Submit only one application and one only. Duplicate or incomplete submissions will be rejected.

5. Deadline to remember: Sunday, 31 August 2025. After submission, if you don't hear anything by mid-December, then consider your application unsuccessful.

Click " Apply" to start your application process.

Tips to boost your application - from someone who has been reading the fine print.

• Tell your story. No lies, no fakes, just an honest, true story about yourself.
• Make sure the field you are applying to appears on the supported list. Going outside the list will disqualify you. 
• Apply once, not twice and thrice. Don't submit multiple applications.
• Have your financial proof ready. Do not say you are waiting for interviews; they will be needed before that. 
• Apply early. Even though the deadline is August, you will still want time to gather your documents and write your strong narratives.

Why you should apply - and also why you should think carefully.

The "should apply" reasons.

• Apply if you are an African student facing financial challenges and social barriers, but are good at academics.
• The mentoring, laptop, stipends, and all the different pushes you to become successful.
• Being part of a team of scholars gives you the room to make connections.

The "think carefully" caveats:

• Many will apply, and only some will get. It is competitive.
• You will need to meet the eligibility criteria. Age limits and the unsupported fields of study.
• It is full-time and only for a first degree or a first master's.
• You have to be committed to studies as part of a scholarship.

Found Yourself Stuck Deciding? You can check the Opportunities Below:

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