Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at University of Cape Town 2023/2024 (Fully-funded)

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2023–2024 is now accepting applications. Any student from any country may apply. A fully funded scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral study in the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. The Mastercard Foundation scholarship is open to applicants from more than 150 countries, although each has its own application process.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program 2023/2024 Application Details.

A system for online applications is available for the 2023–2024 scholarship programme. To apply online, follow the directions provided below. For additional information, click the official advertisement link provided below:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships for Postgraduate study, applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:

• Applicants must be a citizen of an African country
• Be admitted to a postgraduate Masters study programme and preparing to commence with their first year of registration in the Engineering and the Built Environment, Commerce, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, or Sciences faculties at UCT
• Be from an economically disadvantaged background, demonstrate financial need, and leadership potential
• Applicants who intend to register for a second Masters postgraduate degree at the same level are ineligible to apply for this scholarship
• Applicants who have previously registered for Masters postgraduate degree at any higher learning institution are ineligible to apply for this scholarship
• Only applicants who have applied to the relevant academic department at UCT are eligible to apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town awards.
• The comments on the academic abilities of the applicant by the academic referees will form part of the academic criteria for this scholarship.
• Successful applicants will be required to produce the original academic transcripts on arrival and registration at UCT.
• Applicants will be required to produce translated copies of all academic transcripts where English is not the primary language. 
• Scholarship Benefits

  Successful applicants for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships for Postgraduate study, will receive the following benefits:

  • Reimbursement of costs incurred for visa application processing
  • An economy class air ticket to Cape Town South Africa for awardees
  • Full tuition fees and international student fees
  • Accommodation in a student residence managed by the UCT Student Housing Admissions and Advocacy Services at UCT
  • Meals through the student housing system at UCT
  • Medical cover with a recommended medical aid service provider
  • A living stipend; to be used to cover ad hoc expenses pertaining to awardees’ studies
  • A book allowance to purchase the prescribed textbooks required for the degree programme
  • Costs related to community activities as prescribed by The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town
  • Access to an internship opportunity, career development and job placement assistance
  • An economy class air ticket home upon completion of studies, for awardees who are: (i) citizens of and/or residents of an African country other than South Africa or (ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town.

How to Apply For Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

Application Deadline: Not Specified

Visit the Official Website for Further Details

• Frequently Asked Questions:

How many scholarship awards are given each year?

Depending on the amount of funds that is available, different scholarships may be awarded each year. Each year, the program typically grants 200 to 300 scholarships.

Who is eligible for Scholarship Program?

The eligibility criteria for a scholarship program can vary depending on the specific scholarship, its sponsor, and its purpose. However, some common factors that are often considered when determining eligibility for most scholarship programs include:

1. Academic achievement: Many scholarships require applicants to have a certain level of academic excellence, such as a high GPA or specific standardized test scores.
2. Financial need: Some scholarships are specifically designed to support students who come from low-income backgrounds or families with financial limitations.
3. Field of study: Certain scholarships may be limited to students pursuing a particular field of study or major.
4. Citizenship or residency: Some scholarships are available only to citizens or permanent residents of a specific country or region.
5. Demographic criteria: Certain scholarships are targeted at individuals belonging to specific demographics, such as gender, race, ethnicity, or disability status.
6. Extracurricular activities and community involvement: Some scholarships value applicants who have demonstrated leadership skills, involvement in community service, or participation in extracurricular activities.
7. Essay or interview: Many scholarship applications require an essay or interview to assess the candidate’s communication skills and motivation.
8. Enrollment status: Some scholarships may be limited to students who are currently enrolled or accepted at a specific educational institution.

Can I apply for the scholarship if I already have student loans?

In general, having student loans may not automatically disqualify you from applying for a scholarship, but it could affect your chances of being selected, as some scholarships prioritize students with financial need. Having existing student loans might indicate that you already have some financial assistance, which could be a factor considered during the selection process.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

The general stages to applying for a scholarship are as follows:

• Research Scholarships
• Check Eligibility
• Gather Required Documents
• Fill Out the Application Form
• Meet Deadlines
• Submit the Application
• Follow Up
• Be Patient:

Remember, each scholarship application is unique, so carefully review the instructions provided by the scholarship provider and tailor your application accordingly. Be proactive, well-organized, and sincere in presenting your qualifications and aspirations. Good luck with your scholarship application!

• What does the scholarship cover?

The coverage and benefits of a scholarship can vary significantly depending on the organization or institution offering it and the specific terms and conditions of the scholarship. Generally, scholarships are financial aid awards given to students to help cover the costs of their education. Here are some common elements that scholarships may cover:

1. Tuition Fees: Scholarships often cover all or part of the tuition fees required for attending a college, university, or other educational institution.
2. Books and Supplies: Some scholarships provide funds to cover the cost of required textbooks, study materials, and other necessary supplies.
3. Room and Board: In some cases, scholarships can include allowances for housing and meals if the student is living on campus or has specific living expenses.
4. Transportation: Certain scholarships may offer transportation stipends to help students with travel expenses related to their education.
5. Miscellaneous Expenses: Scholarships can sometimes provide a general allowance for miscellaneous expenses, such as personal expenses or extracurricular activities.
6. Research or Study Abroad Opportunities: Certain specialized scholarships might fund research projects or study abroad experiences.

It is essential to carefully review the scholarship’s terms and conditions or contact the scholarship provider directly to understand precisely what expenses it covers and what requirements the recipient must meet to maintain the scholarship throughout their academic tenure. Additionally, some scholarships are renewable, meaning they can be received for multiple years, while others are one-time awards.