University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Open for 2027 Intake

The University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program represents one of the most comprehensive equity-driven funding mechanisms on the African continent. Explicitly designed to dismantle structural barriers in higher education, the program prioritizes academically gifted African youth facing severe financial hardship, with dedicated eligibility pathways for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and scholars living with disabilities.

For health professionals and science graduates across Africa who have already secured or applied for postgraduate admission at UP, this scheme provides a fully covered, wraparound educational experience designed to foster transformative leadership.

Call for Applications Overview

University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2027 Postgraduate Intake)

• Funding Bodies: The Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the University of Pretoria (UP).

• Target Candidates: Young African scholars (first-year Master’s and Honours applicants) who demonstrate high academic performance (at least a 70% GPA equivalent), leadership potential, and commitment to community service.

• Priority Groups: Explicitly foregrounds applications from refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals living with disabilities.

• Eligible Faculties & Programmes:

  • Support is restricted to specified full-time postgraduate programmes.

  • Eligible faculties currently include the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Faculty of Humanities (Political Studies or International Studies only), and Faculty of Engineering (for continuing students).

  • Critical Note: Applicants MUST verify that their specific target programme appears on UP’s official MCFSP prioritization list before applying. We do not assert that clinical health fields are included without verification against this list.

• Scholarship Value & Coverage:

  • Financial Support: Full tuition fees, campus room and board, monthly living stipend, books and learning supplies allowance, first-year start-up funds, student health insurance (medical aid), and study visa fees.

  • Career & Leadership Support: Dedicated academic tutoring, psychological counseling, leadership seminars, community service projects, and a funded 1-time Africa-based summer internship (including flights and stipend).

  • Exclusions: Does NOT cover extended study periods beyond standard degree duration, summer school, personal loan repayments, late registration fees, laptop replacements, professional conferences, passport issuance fees, or SAQA verification costs.

• Deadlines & Application Rules:

  • Official application link: https://www.up.ac.za/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/how-apply

  • Postgraduate Scholarship Closing Date: 30 September 2026 .

  • Undergraduate Status: The undergraduate application route closed on 31 August 2026 and is no longer accepting new submissions.

  • Binding Constraint: Applicants must already possess a valid UP student number and a provisional admission letter (or evidence of an active UP postgraduate admission application submitted by the faculty deadline).

Strategic Implementation Insights for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Sequencing is everything when applying for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Because a valid UP student number and provisional admission offer are required to complete the scholarship application, this opportunity primarily serves applicants who already have a live or approved UP postgraduate application in the system.

When completing the application form, ensure all supporting documentation—including proof of gross household income, affidavits, certified ID/passport copies, academic transcripts, and residency details—is merged into a single PDF document submitted to mcfsp@up.ac.za in exact accordance with UP instructions. Candidates applying under refugee or IDP status should clearly highlight their official documentation, as these circumstances are explicitly foregrounded during selection panel reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program before applying for admission to the university?

No. You must apply for academic admission to the University of Pretoria first to obtain a UP student number. Scholarship forms submitted without a valid UP application or provisional acceptance letter will not be processed.

Are medical and clinical health science programmes covered under the scheme?

Eligible study fields are strictly limited to specified faculties approved under the UP partner agreement (such as Natural & Agricultural Sciences and Economic Sciences). Applicants must check UP’s official MCFSP prioritization list to confirm whether their target health-related degree is included for the 2027 intake.