The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2026-27 in Africa offers fully funded postgraduate opportunities for academically talented African youth facing economic and social barriers, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and students with disabilities. Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation since 2013, the University of Pretoria provides comprehensive support covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, books, travel, and wraparound services like mentoring, leadership training, internships, and community engagement for Honours and Master’s degree programs.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
- Scholarship name: University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2026-27.
- Host country: South Africa.
- Institution: University of Pretoria (UP).
- Study levels: Honours (4th year) and Master’s degrees.
- Target group: African youth facing economic/social barriers, refugees/IDPs, persons with disabilities.
- Application deadline: 30 June 2026 for 2027 intake.
- Provisional admission required: Must secure UP program acceptance first.
- Funding type: Fully funded (all costs covered).
- Partnership between Mastercard Foundation and University of Pretoria
- Started in 2014, Phase 2 began in 2024
- Supports high-achieving African students (undergraduate, honours, masters)
- Targets:
- Economically disadvantaged students
- Students with disabilities
- Refugees / internally displaced persons
- Focus on leadership, education, and community impact
University/Institution Details
The University of Pretoria (UP) ranks among Africa’s leading research-intensive universities, hosting over 56,000 students across its Pretoria campuses and Johannesburg sites. As South Africa’s first Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner, UP has supported thousands of young Africans through holistic development that combines academic excellence with leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. The program targets transformative leaders committed to continental impact, distinguishing itself through structured career preparation and alumni networks spanning 22+ African countries.
Vision
- Develop future African leaders
- Help students:
- Get quality education
- Find good jobs or start businesses
- Build skills, values, and knowledge
- Encourage positive community and economic impact
Study Areas
1. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & IT:
2. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences:
3. Faculty of Education:
4. Faculty of Health Sciences:
5. Faculty of Humanities:
6. Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences:
7. Faculty of Veterinary Science:
University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship Benefits
- First year:
- Start-up funds
- Visa fees
- Annual support:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation & food (campus)
- Books & study materials
- Health insurance
- Extra benefits:
- One summer internship in Africa (flight + stipend)
- Leadership training & seminars
- Counselling & psychological support
- Mentorship & tutoring
- Community service opportunities
- Support from advisors & international office
Benefits not included
- Passport fees
- SAQA / USAf fees
- No loans
- Not all medical/dental costs covered
- No job/internship guarantee
- Pre-university language training.
- Post-graduation employment placement.
- Doctoral/PhD funding (Honours/Masters focus).
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship
- African citizenship: All African nationals eligible.
- Candidates seeking a postgraduate degree can apply.
- A candidate must be a bachelor’s degree holder no later than September 2026.
- Economic/social barriers: Financial need, refugee/IDP status, disability.
- Provisional UP admission: Must secure acceptance to Honours/Masters program first.
- Leadership potential: Community service, extracurricular involvement.
- Return commitment: Plan to contribute to African development post-graduation.
- Full-time study: Cannot hold concurrent major scholarships.
Scholar Responsibilities 🎓
- Maintain good academic performance
- Follow all university rules
- Report academic problems on time
- Participate in:
- Program activities
- One approved internship in Africa
- Stay connected to Africa
- Return to home country after studies
- Contribute to community development (give back)
Required Documents for the Application
- Provisional admission letter from University of Pretoria.
- Completed MCFSP application form.
- Academic transcripts (all prior qualifications).
- Degree certificates.
- Motivation letter (career goals, leadership aspirations).
- Two reference letters (academic + professional/community).
- Proof of financial need (affidavit, family income documents).
- Disability/refugee documentation (if applicable).
- CV/Resume highlighting leadership/community service.
University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship Application Process
- Step 1: Apply and secure provisional admission to UP Honours/Masters program.
- Step 2: Download MCFSP application form from UP website.
- Step 3: Complete application with all supporting documents.
- Step 4: Email completed application to [email protected].
- Step 5: Submit by 30 June 2025.
- Step 6: Scholarship Committee review (July-August 2025).
- Step 7: Successful candidates notified (September 2025).
- Step 8: Pre-departure orientation; commence studies January 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Secure admission first: Provisional UP letter mandatory.
- Financial need proof: Strong documentation differentiates applicants.
- Leadership evidence: Include specific community impact examples.
- African return focus: Demonstrate clear post-graduation plans.
- Early application: 30 June deadline competitive.
- Quality references: Academic + employer/community leaders.
- Holistic profile: Academic excellence + leadership + need = winning combination.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Pretoria advantage: Affordable African academic hub.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Comprehensive funding – tuition, living, travel, laptop, insurance.
- Africa-focused – builds continental leadership capacity.
- 177 scholars annually – substantial cohort creates community.
- Wraparound support – mentoring, internships, entrepreneurship.
- Top African university – UP consistently ranks #1 continent-wide.
- Disability/refugee inclusive – barrier-breaking access.
- Proven alumni impact – thousands transformed since 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions about the scholarship
Fully funded?
Yes – tuition, accommodation, stipend, travel, laptop, insurance.
Undergraduates eligible?
Postgraduate only – Honours (4th year) + Masters.
Application deadline?
30 June 2025 for 2026 intake.
UP admission first?
Yes – provisional acceptance letter required.
All Africans eligible?
Yes – 22+ countries represented.
Family accompaniment?
No – scholars only.
PhD funding?
No – Honours/Masters focus.
Application Deadline:
The last date to apply for University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2026-27 in Africa is 31th August 2026.
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