The University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers comprehensive scholarship support to academically talented African students facing significant economic and social barriers. The program supports eligible undergraduate, Honours and Master’s students with tuition, accommodation, stipends, books and additional academic and leadership support.
The University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 provides an opportunity for talented young Africans to pursue higher education in South Africa with comprehensive financial and non-financial support.
The program is offered by the University of Pretoria (UP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and is designed for academically strong African students who face significant economic and social barriers. The program also includes young people living with disabilities and internally displaced persons or refugees.
For the 2027 intake, the University of Pretoria has published dedicated undergraduate and postgraduate application forms, and the current application page states that eligible candidates must first apply to and be accepted by the university.
Background & Scholarship Description
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria has supported high-achieving African students since 2014. Under its current phase, the program continues to focus on academically talented young people who experience financial and social barriers to accessing higher education.
The program is broader than tuition assistance alone. It provides what UP describes as wraparound support, combining financial assistance with academic guidance, mentoring, counselling, leadership development, community engagement and other services.
The program aims to develop young African leaders who can use their education and skills to contribute to the social and economic development of their communities and the continent. Scholars are also expected to participate in community service, internships, and entrepreneurship-related activities.
What the Scholarship Covers
The University of Pretoria describes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as providing comprehensive support.
According to the university’s current program information, scholarship support includes:
- Tuition fees
- Campus accommodation and room and board
- Monthly stipend
- Books and school supplies
- Student health insurance or medical aid
- Visa fees
- Start-up funds during the first year
- Transportation support
- Academic support
- Leadership courses and seminars
- Counselling and psychological services
- Mentoring and tutoring
- Community-service opportunities
- Dedicated student support and advising
- A one-time Africa-based summer internship, including flight and stipend
The program design also includes entrepreneurship skills, leadership development, experiential learning and alumni connections.
This makes the scholarship substantially broader than a tuition-only award.
However, applicants should understand that the university specifies certain expenses that the program does not cover. These include funding beyond the standard eight semesters for undergraduate students or two years for graduate students, guaranteed coverage of all medical or dental expenses, professional development funds such as conference costs, internship or job placement, and certain administrative fees.
Study Levels
The University of Pretoria’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports selected students at the following levels:
- Undergraduate
- Honours
- Master’s
The university’s program page states that it has been supporting undergraduate and postgraduate Honours and Master’s students.
Applicants should therefore check that their intended UP program falls within the programs supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Eligible Fields of Study
The University of Pretoria currently identifies several faculties and areas in which Mastercard Foundation Scholars may study.
These include:
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Education
Applicants should confirm that their particular degree is among the programs eligible for the 2027 scholarship before completing the scholarship application.
Eligibility Requirements
The program is aimed primarily at African citizens who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
The university’s published eligibility criteria indicate that applicants should:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Come from an economically disadvantaged background.
- Demonstrate significant financial need.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Have a record of giving back through community, school, religious, or other activities.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
The program specifically includes young Africans facing socio-economic barriers, including people living with disabilities and internally displaced persons or refugees.
Academic excellence is an important part of the selection process, and scholars are expected to maintain strong academic performance throughout their studies.
Admission to the University of Pretoria
One of the most important requirements is that applicants must first apply to the University of Pretoria.
The current 2027 application instructions state that candidates must apply to UP first and then complete the relevant Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application once they have been provisionally accepted.
This means the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application should not be treated as a substitute for the normal University of Pretoria admission application.
For the 2027 academic year, UP’s general application information states that applications opened on 1 April 2026. The general deadline was 30 June 2026 for most undergraduate programs, with Veterinary Science closing earlier on 31 May.
2027 Scholarship Deadlines
The current Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application page gives separate deadlines for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants:
Undergraduate: 31 August 2026
Postgraduate: 30 September 2026
The university advises applicants to first obtain admission to UP and then complete the scholarship process.
The 2027 postgraduate application form also states that applicants should ensure the university receives the required documentation no later than 30 September 2026, while the UP admission application should be made by 30 June 2026 to the relevant faculty.
Because the general UP admission deadline has already passed for most undergraduate programs, prospective undergraduate applicants should carefully check their admission status and whether their intended program is still accepting applications before relying on the scholarship deadline.
Required Documents
The 2027 postgraduate scholarship application instructions require supporting documentation to demonstrate academic background and financial circumstances.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, documentation can include:
- Academic transcripts
- Certified ID or passport
- Proof of household or personal income
- Affidavits where income documentation is unavailable
- Parents’ or guardians’ identification documents
- Relevant birth certificates
- Proof of enrolment of siblings at tertiary institutions
- Refugee documentation, where applicable
- Disability documentation, where applicable
The 2027 application form specifically states that supporting documents must be submitted with the scholarship application and that only students admitted to the University of Pretoria will be considered.
Applicants should carefully follow the current application form because documentary requirements may differ depending on whether they are applying at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
How to Apply
The application process generally follows these stages:
Step 1: Apply to the University of Pretoria
Applicants must first identify an eligible degree and submit an application for admission to UP.
Step 2: Obtain Admission
The scholarship is intended for students who have applied to and been accepted into one of the specified University of Pretoria programs.
Step 3: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Application
After provisional admission, applicants should download the appropriate 2027 undergraduate or postgraduate application form provided by the University of Pretoria.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants should gather their academic records, identification documents, and evidence supporting their financial-need circumstances, along with any other documents specified on the application form.
Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application
The current UP instructions state that completed applications and supporting documents should be submitted electronically to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program office.
Eligible candidates may subsequently be invited to an interview as part of the selection process.
Selection Process
Selection is competitive. Academic achievement is important, but the program also looks for applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to their communities.
The program is designed for young people who can use their education to contribute to Africa’s transformation. Community service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning are therefore important elements of the program.
Applicants should make sure that their application clearly demonstrates both academic strength and their involvement in activities that benefit others.
Responsibilities of Scholars
Being selected comes with responsibilities beyond attending classes.
Scholars are expected to maintain academic progress, participate in program activities, engage in community service and internships, and comply with University of Pretoria policies.
The program also expects scholars to maintain connections with the African continent and, upon completion of their academic program, return to their home country or region and contribute to their communities.
Important Information
Applicants should not confuse the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with a general scholarship available to every student admitted to the University of Pretoria.
The program is highly targeted toward academically talented African youth facing significant socio-economic barriers. Financial need, leadership potential, and academic performance are central to the program’s objectives.
Applicants should also avoid submitting inaccurate financial or academic information. The current 2027 postgraduate application form states that inaccurate or falsified information may result in exclusion from consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The program provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, stipend, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation and other services. The exact coverage is subject to the program’s conditions and exclusions.
Who can apply?
The program targets African youth who are academically talented and face significant economic or social barriers, including eligible refugees, internally displaced persons and people living with disabilities.
Do I need to apply to UP first?
Yes. Applicants must first apply to the University of Pretoria and be admitted or provisionally accepted before being considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
What is the 2027 deadline?
The current scholarship page lists 31 August 2026 for undergraduate applicants and 30 September 2026 for postgraduate applicants.
Which study levels are supported?
The program supports undergraduate, Honours, and Master’s studies, subject to the eligible programs specified by the University of Pretoria.
Final Thoughts
The University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is a major opportunity for academically talented African students who face financial or social barriers to higher education.
Unlike scholarships that only pay tuition, the program provides a broader package of financial, academic and personal support, including tuition fees, accommodation, stipends, books, health support, mentoring, leadership development and experiential learning.
The selection process is competitive, so applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance alongside leadership, community involvement and genuine financial need.
Most importantly, prospective applicants should remember that admission to the University of Pretoria comes first. Candidates should therefore carefully check their UP admission status, confirm that their chosen degree is eligible, prepare the required documentation, and submit the Mastercard Foundation application before the applicable 2027 deadline.
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