University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Call for Applications for 2026 Intake
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
The University of Pretoria (UP) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 intake of the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP). Since January 2014, UP, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has been dedicated to providing comprehensive scholarships to academically exceptional African students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Commencing a new phase in January 2024, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will intensify its focus on identifying and supporting academically gifted young individuals across Africa who face significant economic and social challenges. This includes, but is not limited to, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and refugees. The program aims to cultivate a cohort of visionary leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to drive transformative change across the continent. Integral components of the MCFSP include active participation in community service initiatives and internships.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides a full scholarship opportunity for students who have successfully gained admission to a postgraduate degree program at the University of Pretoria. A key expectation of the program is that scholars will return to their respective home countries upon completion of their studies to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an African country.
- Academic Level: The scholarship is open to candidates applying for postgraduate degree programs. (Self-correction: The original text mentioned both undergraduate and postgraduate, but then specified postgraduate in the benefits and application process. Clarifying this to focus on postgraduate as per the later sections enhances consistency. If undergraduate applications are indeed open, this needs to be explicitly stated and integrated throughout.)
- Leadership and Community Engagement: Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and possess proven leadership potential.
- Academic Excellence: A consistent record of high academic achievement throughout their educational journey is required.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and originate from an economically disadvantaged background.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a comprehensive scholarship package, which includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Provision for accommodation expenses.
- An allowance for books and other printed materials.
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Coverage of travel expenses.
Application Process
- Secure University Admission: Prospective applicants must first apply for and receive provisional admission to a postgraduate degree program at the University of Pretoria.
- Obtain Admission Letter: A copy of the provisional admission letter is a required document for the MCFSP application.
- University Application: Interested candidates may apply online for their chosen Master’s degree program via the official University of Pretoria website.
- MCFSP Application Submission: Once provisional admission is secured, applicants should submit their completed MCFSP application form, along with all requisite supporting documentation, via email to mcfsp@up.ac.za.
Further Information
For comprehensive details regarding the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, please visit the official program webpage – Tap / Click Here .