Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) 2026 | Fully Funded
The Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) 2026 is calling for applications for the 2026 academic year. This prestigious opportunity offers fully funded scholarships to African students who are ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) supports academically talented young people who face economic or social challenges in accessing higher education. This program offers fully funded undergraduate and master’s scholarships to students from South Africa and other African countries who want to register for full-time study at UWC in 2026.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, university accommodation, a monthly stipend, medical aid, a laptop, study materials, travel support, and additional academic and personal development services. To be considered, you must first apply for admission to an eligible full-time programme at UWC before submitting your scholarship application. The deadline for both the university admission and scholarship application is August 31, 2025.
Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026 Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Morgan Stanley Human Capital Management Internship |
| Host Country ⇒ | South Africa |
| Study Level ⇒ | Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships |
| Benefits ⇒ | Full Scholarship coverage | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Laptop | Travel Costs |
| Funded By ⇒ | MasterCard Foundation | University of the Western Cape |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All African Countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | August 31, 2025 |
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About the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026
Founded in 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative that aims to raise the next generation of ethical, inclusive, and transformative leaders. UWC is a proud partner in this mission, offering opportunities for African youth who are passionate about creating change in their communities.
For the 2026 academic year, students can apply to study full-time undergraduate or master’s degree programmes in the following eligible fields:
Eligible Undergraduate Fields:
- Arts and Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies
- Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration
- Education: Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
- Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
Eligible Master’s Fields:
- Arts & 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
Please note: Applicants registering for a second undergraduate or master’s degree are not eligible.
Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must meet these criteria based on the degree level you are applying for:
For Undergraduate Applicants:
- Must be 26 years old or younger
- Must meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements and must have applied for admission for 2026
- International applicants must apply for exemption via Universities South Africa (USAf)
- Must be willing to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2026
- Must show proof of financial or social obstacles to accessing higher education
For Master’s Applicants:
- Must be 30 years old or younger
- Must meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements and must have applied for admission for 2026
- International applicants must verify their qualifications through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) requirements.
- Must be willing to register for a full-time master’s degree study in January 2026
- Must show proof of financial or social obstacles to accessing higher education
What the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape Covers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC covers everything a scholar needs to thrive:
- Full tuition fees
- Free accommodation in a UWC campus residence
- Monthly stipend and meal allowance
- Medical aid
- Laptop and study materials allowance
- Onboarding and pre-arrival support
- Dedicated academic and personal support
- Holistic wrap-around programmes to prepare students for meaningful work after graduation
Required Documents for the Scholarship
When applying, make sure to have these documents ready:
- Proof of parental income (payslips, social grant letters, or NSFAS funding letter)
- If no income: unemployment letter from the Department of Labour
- Refugee or displaced person documentation (if applicable)
- UWC application number (must be obtained before applying for the scholarship)
How to Apply for the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape (Step-by-Step)
Follow these two important steps to apply:
Step 1: Apply for Admission to UWC
- Go to UWC’s official website and apply for academic admission for 2026
- Make sure to apply to an eligible programme/discipline before its closing date
- After successful submission, you’ll receive a UWC application number
Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Once you have your UWC application number, visit these links to complete the scholarship application
- Undergraduate scholarship application form
- Master’s scholarship application form
- Fill out the six parts of the online form:
- Personal Information
- Academic Information
- Family Information
- Short Narratives
- Community Engagement
- Certification
Need help? Email:
- Postgraduate applicants: [email protected]
- Undergraduate applicants: [email protected]
Important: Only one complete application is allowed. Duplicate or incomplete applications will be rejected.
Application Deadline
Sunday, 31 August 2025
The deadline to apply for both the UWC academic admission and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. If you don’t hear from the university by mid-December 2025, your application was not successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, a monthly stipend, meal allowance, medical aid, a laptop, study materials, travel support, and academic and personal development throughout your studies.
2. Who can apply for the Mastercard Scholarship at UWC?
The scholarship is open to students from all African countries applying for eligible full-time undergraduate or master’s degree programmes at the University of the Western Cape. Applicants must also demonstrate financial or social barriers to accessing higher education.
3. What are the age requirements for the scholarship?
Undergraduate applicants must be 26 years old or younger, while master’s applicants must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application.
4. Can I apply if I already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree?
No. The scholarship does not accept applicants who are registering for a second undergraduate degree or a second master’s degree.
5. Do I need admission to the University of the Western Cape before applying?
Yes. You must first submit your application for admission to an eligible programme at UWC and obtain a UWC application number before completing the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
6. What documents are required for the application?
Applicants should prepare proof of parental income or financial support, an unemployment letter if applicable, refugee or displaced person documentation where relevant, and their UWC application number before applying.
7. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for both the University of the Western Cape admission application and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application is Sunday, August 31, 2025.
8. Can international students apply?
Yes. Students from African countries outside South Africa are eligible to apply. International undergraduate applicants must apply for qualification exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf), while master’s applicants must have their qualifications verified through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape website as of July 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape
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