The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria (UP) is a transformative partnership designed to nurture academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young Africans. Based in South Africa, this fully funded scholarship program focuses on developing next-generation leaders by providing access to world-class higher education alongside leadership training, mentorship, and community service initiatives.
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📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsoring Body | Mastercard Foundation & University of Pretoria |
| Host Institution | University of Pretoria, South Africa |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Honours, & Master’s Degrees |
| Coverage Type | Fully Funded (Comprehensive Wraparound Support) |
| Target Audience | Young African Citizens, Refugees, IDPs, and Persons with Disabilities |
| Annual Support | Full Tuition + Monthly Allowance + Boarding + Travel |
| Application Window | Open now for 2027 Academic Year intake |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Dual Process: University Online Portal & Direct Email to Program Office |
📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP goes beyond basic academic funding. It provides a holistic environment including academic support, career development, life skills training, and psycho-social support services. Scholars are expected to commit to returning to their home communities or contributing to social and economic progress across Africa after graduation.
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🏛️ Eligible Faculties at University of Pretoria
The scholarship covers specific full-time degree programs within the following faculties:
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences HeySuccess
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences HeySuccess
- Faculty of Humanities (specifically BPolSci Political Studies / International Studies, and relevant Honours/Master’s options) HeySuccess
- Faculty of Engineering, Building Environment and IT HeySuccess
💰 What Does It Cover?
- 🎓 Full Tuition Fees: 100% of university tuition fees covered for the duration of the degree.
- 🏠 Accommodation & Meals: Full campus room and board in university residences.
- 💵 Monthly Living Stipend: Allowance for personal living expenses. Opportunities For Africans
- 📚 Books & Supplies: Complete coverage for required textbooks and learning materials. HeySuccess
- 🏥 Medical Insurance: Comprehensive student health coverage (Medical Aid). Opportunities For Africans
- ✈️ Travel Costs: Flights/travel allowance to South Africa at start of program and return upon graduation.
- 💼 Internship Support: One-time African-based summer internship grant. HeySuccess
👤 Who Can Apply?
- Nationality: Citizens of any African country. UAPPLY | Discover African Higher Education
- Target Groups: Priority given to academically high-achieving youth facing socio-economic barriers, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons living with disabilities. University of Pretoria
- Academic Merit: Must maintain high academic averages. University of Pretoria
- Leadership Profile: Proven record of community engagement, leadership, and volunteer work. University of Pretoria
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes. Nigerian graduates and secondary school leavers who meet the academic performance standards and can demonstrate significant financial need are fully eligible to apply.
UAPPLY | Discover African Higher Education
✅ Eligibility Requirements
- Admission to UP: Must apply to and receive a provisional or firm offer of admission from the University of Pretoria first.
- Financial Need: Candidates must prove that they or their families cannot afford full university tuition and living costs. HeySuccess
- Age & Program Type: Applies exclusively to full-time prospective students entering their first year of a new degree program. Scribd
📅 Important Application Deadlines (2027 Intake)
- UP University Admissions: Recommended to apply early (by June/July).
- MCFSP Scholarship Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 University of Pretoria
- Selection Interviews: Conducted for shortlisted candidates following document review. University of Pretoria
- Academic Intake Starts: January / February 2027
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Apply to University of Pretoria First
Submit an official online application for full-time study at the University of Pretoria via the UP Study Portal to obtain a valid UP Student Number.
Step 2: Download & Complete the Scholarship Form
Visit the official UP Mastercard Foundation webpage to download the hard-copy PDF form (undergraduate-application-2027 or postgraduate-application-2027).
University of Pretoria
Step 3: Submit via Email
Combine your completed scholarship application form along with all required supporting documentation into a single PDF file and email it to mcfsp@up.ac.za before September 30, 2026.
🔗 Official Application Link
🔗 Official Webpage: University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation How To Apply University of Pretoria- 📧 Program Inquiries Email:
mcfsp@up.ac.za - 📅 Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 University of Pretoria
Disclaimer: Scholarship policies, selection procedures, and award criteria are governed by the University of Pretoria and the Mastercard Foundation. Always confirm details on the official university
📄 Documents to Prepare
- Official High School Results or University Transcripts
- UP Provisional Admission Letter / Proof of UP Application (with UP Student Number) HeySuccess
- Proof of Income for parents/guardians/spouse (Pay slips, pension advices, or 3-month bank statements) Scribd
- Official Affidavits for non-working, single, or informal income parents/guardians Scribd
- Copy of Passport or National ID Document
- Death certificates or divorce decrees (if applicable) Scribd
- Supporting documents verifying leadership or community involvement University of Pretoria
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
- Zero Financial Burden: Covers tuition, housing, health, travel, and personal expenses entirely. HeySuccess
- World-Class Infrastructure: University of Pretoria is consistently ranked among Africa’s top research universities.
- Transformative Leadership: Access to career mentoring, psychological counseling, and leadership networks across the continent. HeySuccess
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the scholarship without a UP Student Number?
No. You must apply for admission to UP first to generate a UP student number, which is required on the scholarship application form.
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Does the scholarship support medical degrees or law programs?
No. The scholarship is restricted to specific programs in Natural & Agricultural Sciences, Economic & Management Sciences, Humanities (Political/International Studies), and Engineering/IT.
HeySuccess
How will I know if my application was successful?
Eligible applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for a selection interview. If you do not receive communication after the review cycle, assume your application was unsuccessful.
University of Pretoria
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- Apply for university admission as early as possible to secure your student number well before the September 30 deadline.
- Ensure all financial proof (pay slips, bank statements, affidavits) is clearly documented; incomplete financial sections lead to automatic rejection.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting the scholarship application without attaching the official UP student number.
- Emailing documents as separate attachments instead of combining everything into a single PDF file.
- Applying for non-eligible degree faculties or part-time/distance learning programs. HeySuccess