About this opportunity
A comprehensive scholarship and leadership-development programme for academically talented young Africans who face significant social and economic barriers to higher education. Support covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a laptop, visa support and annual travel where applicable. Scholars also receive academic and peer support, mentorship, leadership development, career preparation, entrepreneurship training and access to a lifelong alumni network. Undergraduate scholarship applications close 30 September 2026. Eligible postgraduate diploma, honours and coursework master’s applications close 31 October 2026.
Who should consider it
Applicants must be citizens of an African country, including South Africa, and must first apply for academic admission to UCT. Eligible study includes a first bachelor’s degree, a Health Sciences postgraduate diploma, an honours degree in any UCT faculty, or an eligible coursework master’s programme. Applicants must demonstrate academic talent, significant financial or social barriers, ethical and transformative leadership potential, and commitment to community service. Part-time study, research-only master’s degrees and PhD programmes are not covered. Undergraduate academic applications for 2027 are already closed, so the undergraduate scholarship route is only relevant to applicants who already applied to UCT.
Africa, scholarship, Mastercard Foundation, University of Cape Town, undergraduate, postgraduate, leadership, education