Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Pretoria

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a full scholarship to selected students who have been admitted to study towards a postgraduate degree at The University of Pretoria.

The foundation targets academically talented young people facing economic and social barriers inclusive of those living with disability in Africa; and internally displaced/refugees; who will contribute to the transformation of the continent through their knowledge, skills, attitudes and values evidenced by their leadership. Community service and internships are essential components of the Program.

Mastercard foundation scholars must return to their home countries upon completion of their studies and give back to their communities.

Summary of The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Proram at UNiversity of Pretoria

Host Country: South Africa
Category: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships
Eligibility: All African countries
Benefits: Tuition-free | Accommodation | Visa | Travel costs
Deadline: September 30th
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The University of Pretoria (UP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation has been offering scholarships for high-achieving African students who studied undergraduate and postgraduate levels since January 2014.

Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria

Full tuition fees
Accommodation in a UP residence
Meals
Books and printed material
A modest monthly stipend
Medical aid
Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period)
Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.

Eligibility Criteria (Requirements)

Applications are open to Undergraduate, Honours and Masters students that have applied and have been accepted to the University of Pretoria.
The program is aimed at African youths facing significant socio-economic challenges, including refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities, seeking to pursue a higher education.
Applicants must exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to community service through involvement in projects, school activities, or religious organisations, demonstrating a dedication to making a difference.
Scholars must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, maintaining a high academic average as a critical component of the Program’s expectations.

Application Documents required for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Documents required for Undergraduate application are:

Proof of your provisional admission letter from the University of Pretoria.
Proof of gross income (pay slip(s)/pension advice(s)/financial statements/allowances, maintenance) for the last 3 months (when submitting your application) for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse/source of income.
If no proof of income or if unemployed, the source of income/ maintenance/ allowance must be provided per individual by means of an affidavit. House executives/housewives must confirm any source of income by means of an affidavit.
If a biological/adoptive parent is single or never married, an affidavit confirming marital status and maintenance – also if not receiving any financial assistance.
If biological/adoptive parent(s) are deceased – death certificate(s).
If biological/adoptive parent(s) are divorced, the decree of divorce and affidavit confirming maintenance (also if not receiving any financial assistance).
If a legal guardian is appointed by a court, the court order must be provided or an affidavit supporting this. Guardian must declare a monthly allowance to the applicant by means of an affidavit.
ID/passport for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse.
ID/passport and birth certificate for both applicant and siblings.
Proof of enrolment of all siblings at tertiary institution(s).
A copy of refugee identity document (where applicable).
Any proof of disability (registration document or certified copy of a doctor’s report).

Documents required for Postgraduate application are:

Academic transcript from previous degree qualification
Proof of gross income (pay slip(s)/pension advice(s)/financial statements/allowances, maintenance) not older than 3 months for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse/applicant’s source of income.
If no proof of income or if unemployed, the source of income/maintenance/allowance must be provided per individual by means of an affidavit. House executive/housewives must confirm any source of income by means of an affidavit.
If a biological/adoptive parent is single or never married, an affidavit confirming marital status and maintenance – also if not receiving any financial assistance.
If biological/adoptive parent(s) are deceased – death certificate(s).
If biological/adoptive parent(s) are divorced, the decree of divorce and affidavit confirming maintenance (also if not receiving any financial assistance).
If a legal guardian is appointed by a court, the court order or an affidavit must be provided supporting this. The guardian must declare a monthly allowance to the applicant by means of an affidavit.
Certified copy of ID/Passport.
ID/passport for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse. x) IDs/passport and birth certificates for both applicant and siblings.
Proof of enrolment of all siblings at tertiary institution(s).
A copy of refugee identity document (where applicable)
Any proof of disability (registration document or certified copy of a doctor’s report)

Application Process

Students who are interested in studies at the University of Pretoria and wish to apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program must follow the application process.

You must apply to The University of Pretoria first to initiate the application process.
Submit your application electronically to [email protected]
Post-submission, your application will undergo a review process. You will be notified of the outcome afterwards. If you do not hear back from us, please assume your application was not successful.
Prior to admission into the Program, all eligible candidates will undergo an interview as part of the selection process.

Are you interested in continuing your education pursuit with support from the Mastercard Foundation scholars program? Click the button below to Apply.