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.
Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026 Summary
- Host Country: South Africa
- Study Abroad: Study in Africa
- Host: MasterCard Foundation | University of the Western Cape
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship coverage | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Laptop | Travel Costs
- Deadline: August 31, 2025
Scholarship Categories to Explore on ScholarWaka— Here are some key scholarship opportunities you should check out on ScholarWaka:
- Study Abroad: Study in USA | Study in Canada | Study in UK | Study in Europe | Study in Asia | Study in Australia | Study in Africa
- Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Competitions | High School Scholarships | Internships Scholarships | Training | Fellowships
Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026 Details
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.
Also, check out this Mastercard Foundation B.Sc. scholarship opportunity on our YouTube Channel:
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
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Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026 Benefits
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
Apply for this Mastercard scholarship in Canada. Watch full details on our YouTube Channel:
Required Documents for the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026
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)
Explore more Mastercard Scholarship opportunities in different fields – full details on our YouTube Channel:
How to Apply for the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape 2026 (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.
Confused About Where and How to Start Securing Scholarships Abroad:
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Here is an easy-to-follow guide for starting your scholarship application and crafting a compelling personal statement:
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Deadline
Sunday, 31 August 2025
The deadline to apply for both the UWC academic admission and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Note: If you don’t hear from the university by mid-December 2025, your application was not successful.
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