University of Cape Town MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town, applicants must be:

• Academically talented, must value learning and be driven to complete their education.
• Economically disadvantaged and facing significant financial barriers to accessing education.
• Committed to giving back to their own communities once studies are completed, to return to their home countries and take a leadership role in promoting social and economic improvement.
• Future leaders committed to embracing ethical leadership to improve the lives of others.
• Commitment to community service through previous and/or past engagements with community outreach activities
• Citizens and residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Wanting to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level (Masters by research and coursework or research Masters, only). Honours applicants will be considered from 2016.
• Applying to study in the fields of Commerce, Engineering and Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law or Sciences at the University of Cape Town.
• All prospective Scholars must first be admitted to the University of Cape Town to be considered for the Scholarship. Although each academic department has its own criteria, a minimum of 60% for the Honours, or equivalent degree is the overall academic criterion required for entry into the Masters’ degree.
• Preference will be given to ‘first-generation’ students, i.e. those who are the first ones in their families to go to university.

The scholarships are considered to be full-cost and will include full cover for the following:

• Visa costs
• Transport costs to and from South Africa
• Full tuition and international student fees
• Full accommodation, subsistence and living expenses
• Research costs as approved or recommended by UCT and the Foundation
• Access to internship opportunities and cover of related costs
• Medical aid