Pursue your education in South Africa! Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship are currently open. In this article, we will explain in detail about this scholarship program, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fully funded scholarship for undergraduate and master’s studies for international students. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) targets academically brilliant yet economically deprived young people in Africa. The program aims to develop future leaders who will contribute to the transformation of the continent through their knowledge, attitudes, skills, and values, demonstrated by their leadership.
Community service and internships are key components of the program. The MCFSP provides a full scholarship to students who have been provisionally admitted to study a postgraduate degree at the University of Pretoria (UP). Graduates are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies and give back to their communities. Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree or qualification.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters
- Institution(s): University of Pretoria
- Study in: South Africa
- Opportunity Focus Areas: See the list below
- Program Period: Depends on the selected course
- Deadline: 30 September 2025
Courses Offered
- Faculty of Engineering – continuing students are eligible to apply
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Agricultural Economics / Business Management
- Animal Science
- Plant Pathology
- Applied Plant and Soil Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Humanities PolSci (Political Studies)
- PolSci (International Studies)
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Accounting Sciences
- Financial Sciences
- Economics
- Informatics
- Agribusiness Management
Scholarship Coverage
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for African students. It will cover the following:
- Accommodation and meals in a University of Pretoria (UP) residence or UP-accredited accommodation
- Full tuition fees
- A modest monthly stipend
- Medical aid cover for the duration of the study
- Textbooks and printed materials
- Visa costs
- Leadership development opportunities
- Reasonable travel costs (including flight ticket) to and from your home
- Academic advising and counseling support
Eligibility Criteria for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: African countries
- Admission Requirement: You must have been admitted into a degree program at the University of Pretoria (UP). You will need your student number to complete the MCFSP application, which must be accompanied by your academic records and other supporting documents.
- Target Group: Open to young Africans interested in studying at postgraduate levels.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Please follow the following application instructions to avail Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:
(1) You may apply online here.
- To use the online Application system, you will need Internet access and an email address that you can access regularly. As soon as you submit your online application, a student number (EMPLID) will be sent to this email address as confirmation of receipt.
- Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of your application form to the following address:
University of Pretoria
Student Service Centre, Hatfield
Pretoria 0028, South Africa
(2) The application will be evaluated by members of the relevant faculty and you will be informed of the outcome. Postgraduate applicants are required to have their certificate verified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Please visit www.saqa.org.za
(3) Download application forms for the MCFSP from below links:
Application inquiries can be directed to:
mcfsp@up.ac.za
Tel: 012 420 4297
To know more about Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, please visit the official websites: