MASTERCARD SCHOLARSHIP 2026- University of Pretoria

If you are a young African student with academic talent, financial need, and a genuine commitment to transforming your community — this scholarship was built for you.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 at the University of Pretoria is one of the most comprehensive, fully funded scholarship opportunities available to African students today. It does not just pay your tuition fees. It covers your accommodation, meals, flights, medical insurance, monthly stipend, study materials, and provides leadership training, mentoring, internships, and a pan-African community of scholars committed to driving change across the continent.

This is not just a scholarship. It is a complete transformation programme.

This guide covers everything: what the scholarship offers, who qualifies, which programmes are eligible, the full application process, and exactly what gives candidates the best chance of being selected.

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) is a global initiative by the Mastercard Foundation — one of the largest private foundations in the world — designed to develop Africa’s next generation of leaders through education.

The programme partners with leading universities across Africa and beyond, providing fully funded scholarships to academically talented young Africans who face significant economic and social barriers to higher education. The University of Pretoria has been a partner institution since January 2014, and in December 2023, the university and the Mastercard Foundation entered a Phase 2 agreement to support even more young people across the continent.

The programme targets students who are not only academically strong but who demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and a clear vision for how their education will contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development.

In January 2026, a new cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars began their studies at the University of Pretoria — continuing a tradition of developing African leaders who return home and give back.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP)
Host Institution	University of Pretoria (UP)
Host Country	South Africa
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded
Study Levels	Undergraduate, Honours, and Master’s
Eligible Applicants	African students
Programme Start	January 2026
Application Deadline	30 June 2026
Application Email	mcfsp@up.ac.za
Official Website	up.ac.za/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program

Why the University of Pretoria?

The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s most prestigious and research-intensive universities, with campuses in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Here is why it is the right place to build a career that will shape the continent.

Africa’s Leading Research University

The University of Pretoria is a multi-faculty, research-intensive institution consistently ranked among Africa’s top universities. Its academic programmes are internationally recognised, and its research output contributes meaningfully to global knowledge in fields from agriculture and engineering to public health and economics.

Multiple Campuses and Faculties

UP operates across several campuses — including Hatfield, Groenkloof, Mamelodi, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Johannesburg. This gives scholars access to a wide range of academic environments, specialist facilities, and industry connections across South Africa’s most economically active regions.

Partnership with Industry and Government

The University of Pretoria maintains strong relationships with South African industry, government institutions, and international organisations. For Mastercard Foundation Scholars, this translates into internship opportunities, networking events, and career pathways that go well beyond the classroom.

A Community Built for African Leaders

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at UP, you are not studying alone. You join a community of high-achieving African scholars from across the continent — all committed to the same vision of transformative leadership. This peer network, built across cohorts and countries, is one of the most valuable and lasting outcomes of the programme.

What Does the Scholarship Cover? Full Breakdown

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Pretoria is fully funded — meaning it removes virtually every financial barrier to your education. Here is exactly what is included:

Financial Coverage

✅ Full tuition fees — all academic costs covered
✅ Accommodation — on-campus university residence (applicants must apply to a UP residence as part of the process)
✅ Meals — food costs covered throughout your studies
✅ Monthly stipend — personal living allowance
✅ Medical insurance — comprehensive health coverage
✅ Study materials and textbooks — all academic resources provided
✅ Visa costs — immigration documentation support
✅ Travel expenses — including flights to and from South Africa

Programme Benefits Beyond Funding

🎯 Leadership development programmes — structured training to develop your capacity as a future leader
🎯 Internship opportunities — real-world professional experience embedded in the programme
🎯 Academic mentoring and counselling — dedicated support for your academic journey
🎯 Entrepreneurship training — tools and skills to build and sustain enterprises
🎯 Community service requirements — structured engagement that builds civic responsibility
🎯 Pan-African scholar network — connections with Mastercard Foundation Scholars at partner universities across the world

Important note: Students who are awarded this scholarship may not hold other bursaries concurrently, with the exception of UP’s own funding where applicable. Declare all existing funding sources honestly in your application.

Who Is Eligible?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP targets a specific and clearly defined group of young Africans. Read these requirements carefully before applying.

✅ You Are Eligible If You:

Are a citizen of an African country
Have applied to and been accepted (or provisionally accepted) into an eligible programme at the University of Pretoria
Are applying for a full-time programme — not extended or non-degree programmes
Are starting your first year of study in 2026 (for undergraduate applicants)
Demonstrate outstanding academic performance — a high academic average is a core programme requirement
Face significant socio-economic challenges — this scholarship is specifically for students who cannot afford to study at a tertiary institution without support
Demonstrate leadership qualities — including commitment to community service through involvement in projects, school activities, or community organisations
Are committed to returning to your home country after graduation and contributing to its development

Postgraduate-Specific Requirements:

Must not already hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification
Must be applying for a master’s programme at UP

Inclusive Access:

The programme specifically welcomes applications from:

Students living with disabilities
Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Students from disadvantaged rural or urban communities

❌ You Are NOT Eligible If You:

Have previously registered or studied at a university (for undergraduate applicants)
Are applying for a part-time, extended, or non-degree programme
Can afford to study without financial assistance — this programme is explicitly for students who cannot
Already hold a master’s degree (for postgraduate applicants)
Have a relative who is a staff member at the University of Pretoria — this must be declared in your application

Eligible Faculties and Programmes

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UP is available across several major faculties. You must apply to one of these faculties and be admitted before your scholarship application can be considered.

Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

Industrial Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
Mining Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Science and Informatics
Information Technology

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Food Science and Technology
Agricultural Economics
Animal and Wildlife Sciences
Plant Pathology
Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Microbiology and Plant Pathology

Faculty of Humanities

Political Sciences
International Relations
Communication Pathology
Social Work

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

Accounting
Economics
Financial Sciences
Informatics
Agribusiness Management
Business Management

Faculty of Health Sciences (Selected Programmes)

Check the official UP website for current eligible health science programmes

Always confirm your specific programme’s eligibility directly on the official University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page before applying.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UP involves two parallel processes — applying to the university for admission, and applying separately for the scholarship. Both must be completed.

Step 1 — Apply to the University of Pretoria for Admission

Visit the University of Pretoria’s online application portal and submit an application for your chosen eligible programme. Apply as early as possible — the admission deadline is 30 June 2026, and scholarship consideration requires confirmed or provisional admission.

Ensure all supporting academic documents are submitted with your university application. Missing documents at this stage will delay your admission and therefore your scholarship eligibility.

Step 2 — Receive Your Student Number (EMPLID)

Once you submit your online application to UP, you will receive a student number (EMPLID) via email. This number is required to complete your Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application. Keep it safe — you cannot proceed without it.

Step 3 — Apply to a University Residence

All Mastercard Foundation Scholarship applicants must apply to a University of Pretoria residence for accommodation as part of their application. Visit up.ac.za/student-accommodation for information about Hatfield residences and the application process.

Step 4 — Download and Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Download the appropriate MCFSP application form from the official UP website:

Undergraduate form — for first-year undergraduate applicants
Postgraduate form — for Honours and Master’s applicants

Complete the form carefully and honestly. The application includes written questions about your community engagement, how you have overcome challenges, and your vision for contributing to Africa’s development. These questions are as important as your academic record.

Step 5 — Gather Your Supporting Documents

Compile all required documents into a single combined PDF file before submitting. Typical documents required include:

Academic transcripts (in English)
School or university certificates
National identity document or passport
Proof of financial need (income or means declaration)
Proof of provisional acceptance from UP
Any relevant supporting documents (disability verification, refugee documentation if applicable)

All documents must be submitted in English. Ensure every document is authentic — falsification of any document results in immediate disqualification and potential disciplinary action.

Step 6 — Submit Your Application

Email your completed application form and all supporting documents as a single PDF file to:

📧 mcfsp@up.ac.za

Alternatively, hard copy applications may be submitted to:
University of Pretoria Student Service Centre, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa

Step 7 — Application Review and SAQA Verification

After submission, your application is evaluated by members of the relevant faculty. Postgraduate applicants are required to have their qualifications verified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) at saqa.org.za. This is an additional step that takes time — factor it into your timeline if you are applying for a master’s.

Step 8 — Shortlisting and Interviews

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews and further assessments. Prepare to speak clearly about your academic background, your financial situation, your community involvement, and your vision for impact after graduation.

Step 9 — Final Decision

Successful applicants will be informed of the outcome after the full review process is complete.

Application Timeline

Action	Recommended Date
Research eligible programmes	Now — immediately
Apply to UP for admission	As early as possible
Apply to UP residence	At the same time as admission
Receive EMPLID student number	After admission application
Complete SAQA verification (postgraduate)	As soon as admission is submitted
Compile all supporting documents	March–May 2026
Submit scholarship application	Before 30 June 2026
Final deadline	30 June 2026

What the Selection Panel Looks For

Understanding the selection criteria gives you a significant advantage. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not select purely on grades — it selects on a combination of academic performance, financial need, and character.

Academic Excellence

You must demonstrate outstanding academic performance. The programme has a high academic average as a core expectation — not just for entry, but for maintaining your scholarship throughout your studies. Strong, consistent grades across your academic career are essential.

Genuine Financial Need

This programme exists specifically for students who cannot afford higher education without support. The application explicitly states: do not apply if you can afford to study at a tertiary institution. Your financial situation must be real, demonstrable, and honestly declared. Providing false information about your financial circumstances is grounds for immediate disqualification.

Leadership and Community Commitment

The programme is built around developing leaders — not just degree holders. The selection panel looks for evidence of leadership in any context: community projects, school activities, religious organisations, youth groups, or family responsibility. You do not need a formal title. You need to show that you take initiative, inspire others, and are committed to making a positive difference.

Vision for Africa’s Development

Strong applicants can clearly articulate how their education will benefit their home country and contribute to Africa’s broader development. This is not about grand statements — it is about specific, honest, thought-through plans for how your skills will be used after graduation.

About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is one of the world’s largest private foundations, with a mission to enable young people to access dignified and fulfilling work. Through its Young Africa Works strategy, the foundation aims to enable 30 million young Africans — particularly young women — to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of its flagship initiatives, having supported thousands of young Africans through partnerships with leading universities on the continent and globally. Every scholar who graduates carries a responsibility — not just to themselves, but to the communities and countries that the programme is committed to transforming.

Final Thoughts

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 at the University of Pretoria is one of the most genuinely transformative fully funded opportunities available to African students. It removes every financial barrier, surrounds you with a community of future leaders, develops your character and skills alongside your academic knowledge, and asks only one thing in return: that you go home and give back.

If you are academically talented, facing real financial barriers, and genuinely committed to contributing to Africa’s development — this scholarship was created for you.

Apply to the University of Pretoria today. Gather your documents. Submit your MCFSP application before 30 June 2026.

For official information and application forms, visit:
👉 up.ac.za/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program

For application inquiries, contact:
📧 mcfsp@up.ac.za