Are you an aspiring African student seeking a life-changing opportunity to study in South Africa? The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 offers fully funded undergraduate and master’s degree scholarships for talented students facing social and economic barriers. This prestigious scholarship not only covers academic fees but also provides holistic support to ensure a fruitful educational journey.

Basic Information about the Scholarship

The UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to empower academically talented youth from South Africa and other African countries. It particularly encourages applications from young women, refugees, people with disabilities, and those facing significant economic and social challenges.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Academic Year: 2026
Scholarship Coverage: Fully funded undergraduate and master’s degree studies
Location: University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

University/Institution Details

The University of the Western Cape, founded in 1959, is a public research university located in Bellville, South Africa. It is committed to academic excellence and social transformation with a ranking among the top global universities. UWC implements the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to nurture the next generation of leaders by providing accessible quality education to outstanding African students.

Available Study Areas (Programs)

Applicants can apply for undergraduate or master’s programs in the following fields:

Undergraduate Programs:

Arts & 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

Master’s Degree Programs:

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, Physical Sciences.

UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Benefits

The UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides comprehensive support which includes:

Full tuition fees coverage
o Pre-arrival support and an official on-boarding welcome programme;
o Housing in a UWC residence on campus;
o Personalised support throughout their studies, ensuring that every Mastercard Foundation
Scholar has the best possible experience at UWC;
o A monthly stipend and meal allowance;
o Medical aid;
o Laptop;
o Study materials allowance; and
o Holistic wrap around support programmes.
Personalized holistic support throughout the academic journey
Access to career development and mentorship programs

Benefits Not Included

While this scholarship is highly comprehensive, some costs may not be covered such as:

Travel expenses outside of initial arrival or official program activities
Personal discretionary spending beyond the provided stipend
Study abroad or exchange program fees (if any)
Additional family or dependent costs not related directly to the student.

Eligibility Criteria for UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

For Undergraduate Applicants:

Must be 26 years old or younger
Must have applied for academic admission to UWC for the 2026 academic year
Must meet the University’s minimum admission requirements
Must provide evidence of social and economic barriers affecting access to higher education
International applicants must apply for exemption through Universities South Africa (USAf).

For Master’s Degree Applicants:

Must be 30 years old or younger
Must have applied for academic admission to UWC for the 2026 academic year
Must meet UWC’s minimum admission standards and SAQA requirements for international qualifications
Must provide evidence of social and economic barriers
Must be prepared to begin full-time master’s degree studies in January 2026.

Required Documents for the Application

Academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of parental income or financial status (e.g., payslips, social grant letters)
Letter of unemployment if applicable
Refugee or internally displaced documentation (if applicable)
Proof of meeting UWC admission criteria
Passport or valid national identification documents
Completed application forms for both UWC admission and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
There are six main sections that will need to be completed in the application form:
- Personal Information
- Academic Information
- Family Information
- Short Narratives
- Community Engagement
- Certification

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UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application Process: Step-By-Step Guide

Apply for Admission at UWC: Submit your academic application for admission to UWC for the 2026 academic year via the official UWC website.
Receive UWC Application Number: You must obtain this number as it is required to proceed with the scholarship application.
Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application: Access the online application form via the UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage.
Submit Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents including proof of financial need.
Complete All Sections in the Application Form: These include personal information, academic history, family information, short narratives, community engagement, and certification.
Submit Application Before Deadline: Ensure your application is complete and submitted on or before September 30, 2025.
Await Feedback: Due to the volume of applications, feedback will generally be sent by mid-December. If no response is received, consider the application unsuccessful.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start your application early to gather all required documents properly.
Provide detailed, honest narratives that highlight your social and economic barriers.
Showcase your academic achievements and leadership potential.
Ensure all parts of the application form are completed without error.
Obtain letters of recommendation or testimonials if possible.
Proofread your application for clarity and completeness.
Contact scholarship support emails if you face difficulties during submission.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)

When budgeting for your stay in South Africa at UWC, the monthly living expenses in USD are approximately:

Accommodation (on-campus): $150 – $300
Food & groceries: $100 – $150
Transportation: $30 – $50
Miscellaneous/personal: $50 – $100
Health insurance (covered by scholarship)

Estimated Total Monthly Living Expenses: $330 – $600, which is largely covered by the scholarship’s stipend and meal allowance.

Why Choose This Scholarship? Top 5 Reasons

Fully Funded Opportunity: Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, health, and study materials.
Leadership Development: Provides mentorship and career preparation to shape future leaders.
Focus on Underrepresented Groups: Strong emphasis on women, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
Prestigious University: Study at UWC, a respected institution committed to social justice and transformation.
Comprehensive Support: From pre-arrival onboarding to holistic academic and personal support, ensuring student success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2026 academic year is September 30, 2025.

Q2. Who is eligible to apply?
African students who meet age, academic, and financial need criteria are eligible. Young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged.

Q3. Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
Yes, it provides a monthly stipend and meal allowance, accommodation, and medical aid.

Q4. Can international students apply?
Yes, but international applicants must meet South African university admission requirements through USAf or SAQA.

Q5. What programs can I study under this scholarship?
Programs include Arts, Humanities, Economic Sciences, Education, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, and Law for undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Q6. How do I apply?
First, apply for admission to UWC, then apply separately for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with your UWC application number.

Q7. When will I hear back about my application?
Applicants typically receive feedback by mid-December after the application deadline.

Official Link:

This scholarship is a transformative chance for talented African students to pursue higher education without financial barriers while developing leadership skills to impact their communities positively. Prepare your documents and apply before the deadline to seize this life-changing opportunity at the University of the Western Cape in 2026.

UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 in South Africa: Comprehensive Guide