Fully Funded 2026 University Of The Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
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Do you know you can participate in the 2026 University of Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that aims to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by giving highly talented, young Africans the opportunity to pursue their education and cultivate their leadership potential.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program targets young people who face challenges accessing higher education due to economic and social barriers. The Program places a particular emphasis on reaching young women, refugees and forcibly displaced youth, and persons with disabilities, who are encouraged to apply
The aim of the Program is to equip young people with the necessary tools and education to drive transformative change, which will positively impact their communities and countries
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape UWC) supports academically talented youth from South Africa and other parts of the African continent.. For the 2026 academic year, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape UWC will provide fully-funded opportunities for young scholars to study for undergraduate qualifications or master’s degree qualifications.
Who Can Apply For The Fully Funded 2026 University Of The Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme?
Undergraduate Qualification
Arts and Humanities (History, Linguistics, Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies)
Economic & Management Sciences (Economics, Information Sciences and Public Administration)
Education (Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase)
Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences)
Postgraduate Qualification: Master’s Degree
Art & Humanities (Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development)
Community & Health Sciences (Public Health)
Economic & Management Sciences (Development Studies, Information Sciences)
Law (Governance and Human Rights)
Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences)
Eligibility criteria for the fully funded 2026 University of the Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
Undergraduate Studies:
Be no older than 26 years for undergraduate studies;
Meet the University’s minimum admissions requirements and must have applied for academic admission to the University for 2026;
International applicants must apply for exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf) to determine if they meet South Africa’s minimum higher education admission requirements.
Be prepared to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2026.
Provide evidence that access to university studies is disrupted by social and economic barriers.
Master’s Degree Studies
Be no older than 30 years for the master’s degree studies;
Meet the University’s minimum admissions requirements and must have applied for academic admission to the University for 2026;
International applicants must ensure that their qualifications meet the requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Be prepared to begin their first year of registration for full-time master’s degree study in January 2026;
Provide evidence that social and economic barriers impede access to university studies.
Benefits Of The Fully Funded 2026 University Of The Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
In addition to providing support for tuition fees, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC provides a range of specialised resources to support Mastercard Foundation Scholars to facilitate their transition into dignified and fulfilling work. In particular, Mastercard Foundation Scholars will be provided with:
- Pre-arrival support and an official on-boarding welcome programme;
Housing in a UWC residence on campus; - Personalised support throughout their studies, ensuring that every Mastercard Foundation Scholar has the best possible experience at UWC;
- A monthly stipend and meal allowance, Medical aid, and a Laptop
- Study materials allowance, and Holistic wrap-around support programmes.
How To Apply For Fully Funded 2026 University Of The Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
Step One
Apply For Admission To Study At UWC
Applicants intending to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC must first submit an academic application to study at UWC for the 2026 academic year.
Only applicants who have successfully submitted their academic application and obtained a UWC application number are eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC, as a UWC application number is required to complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.
Step Two
Apply For The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program At UWC
Once you have successfully submitted your application to study at UWC, apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by completing the online application
Application Deadline:
The deadline to apply for the fully funded 2026 University of the Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme is 30 September 2025.