Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Pretoria – Master's
Mastercard Foundation fully funded scholarship for academically strong African students with financial barriers to pursue master's postgraduate study at the University of Pretoria (South Africa).
Am I eligible?At a glance
Study level
Undergraduate, Master’s
Destination
South Africa
Funding
Fully funded: tuition fees, room and board, monthly stipend, start-up fund, visa fees, health insurance, and internship placement. Exact amounts confirmed by UP each academic year.
Eligible applicants
Young Africans (Sub-Saharan Africa) with demonstrated financial need and leadership; accepted or applying to UP; includes refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities
Photo: JMK, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Pretoria – Master's is offered by University of Pretoria / Mastercard Foundation for Undergraduate, Master’s study in South Africa. Details were checked against the provider’s official page on October 11, 2026.
Application checklist
What you’ll need
The confirmed essentials for this application. Always check the official source before applying.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 Master's application formRequired
- Academic transcripts/resultsRequired
- UP admission application or acceptance letterRequired
- Proof of citizenship/identityRequired
- Financial need documentationRequired
What this scholarship covers
Full tuition fees
Included
Room and board
Included
Monthly stipend
Included
Start-up fund
Included
Health insurance
Included
Visa fees (international students)
Included
Internship placement
Included
Fully funded: tuition fees, room and board, monthly stipend, start-up fund, visa fees, health insurance, and internship placement. Exact amounts confirmed by UP each academic year. Award components, amounts, and exclusions can change by intake, programme, nationality, or host institution, so confirm them on the official provider page.
Are you eligible?
Eligibility review
Checked against the official criteria on October 11, 2026
International students
Conditional
Domestic students
Conditional
Scholarship scope
University-specific
Last eligibility check
October 11, 2026
Who can apply
- Citizenship
- Young Africans from Sub-Saharan Africa or the wider African continent; includes refugees and IDPs
- International eligibility
- Open to citizens of Young Africans from Sub-Saharan Africa and the African continent, subject to the current call’s country list.
Academic requirements
- Academic recordRequired
- Strong academic record (high academic average required); must have applied for or been accepted to UP
- Minimum grades / GPANot published
- No fixed minimum grade is listed for this scholarship. Check the provider’s current call for academic requirements.
Experience and personal requirements
- LeadershipRequired
- Demonstrated leadership and commitment to community service through activities, school projects, or community organisations
- Financial needRequired
- Demonstrated socio-economic barriers to education; financial need is a key criterion
Study restrictions and coverage
- Countries
- South Africa
Official eligibility summary
Admission to UP plus financial need, academic merit, leadership/community commitment
Applicant profile
- Young Africans (Sub-Saharan Africa) with demonstrated financial need and leadership; accepted or applying to UP; includes refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities
Study route
- Undergraduate, Master’s study in South Africa
Current-cycle criteria
- Admission to UP plus financial need, academic merit, leadership/community commitment
What to confirm for this cycle
Scholarship details can change from one application cycle to the next. Check these points on the official page before you apply.
- Current eligibility rules
- Current funding and benefits
- Current deadline and application route
Required documents
The required documents are summarized above. Confirm the final checklist with the official provider before you apply.
How to apply
- 1
Apply for admission to the University of Pretoria at up.ac.za
- 2
Download the 2027 Master's application form from the MCFSP page at up.ac.za/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program
- 3
Complete the form and email it with supporting documents to the programme address by the deadline
Application timeline
Application cycle
2027 intake: Master's deadline 2026-09-30. Must apply to UP first at up.ac.za, then complete and email the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program form.
The listed deadline is September 30, 2026. Confirm it on the provider’s official page.
Always confirm the latest deadline on the official provider website.
Official source
University of Pretoria / Mastercard Foundation
Official scholarship source
Last checked October 11, 2026
Your next steps
- 01Read the official programme guidance.
- 02Confirm eligibility, funding, and the deadline.
- 03Check the current application cycle.
- 04Apply through the official provider.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next deadline?
The listed deadline is September 30, 2026. Confirm that it remains current on the official provider page.
Why do some details vary?
Scholarship conditions can differ by intake, study programme, nationality, and host institution. The official provider page is the source of the current rules.