Tag Archives: MASTERCARD

Opportunities, Scholarships, master's

MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

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Application Deadline: January 5, 2027

LOCATION: England

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge enables talented young Africans to pursue a master’s degree and grow their leadership potential. The institution is pleased to announce that applications for the 2027/2028 academic year are now open.

If you are a passionate, ambitious young African committed to creating impact and driving positive change, they encourage you to apply and take the next bold step in your academic and leadership journey.

ELIGIBILITY:

The programme themes are climate resilience and sustainability. Recognizing the wide range of expertise required to address these complex challenges, prospective Mastercard Foundation Scholars can apply for any full-time one-year postgraduate courses at the University, excluding: 

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Corporate Law (MCL)

Master of Finance (MFIN)

Master of Accountancy (MACC)

To be eligible, you must:

Be a citizen of an African country. 

Be a resident in an African country, unless you can show temporary absence for study or work (exception—if you identify as an internally displaced person or have refugee status). 

Meet the academic requirement of the course you’re applying for. 

The first step is to explore master’s courses available at the University of Cambridge using the Postgraduate Study Course Directory. 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application is built into the course application. You’ll be asked to submit a scholarship statement, covering your career / education history, leadership potential, how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals, and how you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.

Please visit our ‘How to apply’ page for more information.

They’re holding a series of webinars during the application period—an opportunity to find out more about the programme and how to apply. 

Tuesday, 22 September, 11am (UK): Sign up now

Tuesday, 6 October, 11am (UK): Sign up now

More sessions to be added

The programme supports diversity in all its forms and actively encourages women, refugees, internally displaced people, and people with disabilities to apply.

BENEFIT:

The institution aims to cover everything students need to thrive in Cambridge, including full tuition costs and a monthly maintenance allowance.

APPLY
bachelor's, master's, Opportunities, Scholarships

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM

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Application Deadline: 31 October 2026

LOCATION: South Africa

Become part of a community of young African leaders creating lasting change. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town is more than a scholarship; it is an opportunity to unlock your potential, grow as an ethical leader, and join a lifelong network of changemakers.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants should:

Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa;

Be applying for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible taught postgraduate programme at UCT including:

A postgraduate diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences;

An honours degree offered by any of UCT’s six faculties; or 

A coursework master’s programme offered by any of UCT’s six faculties;

Demonstrate academic talent and a commitment to excellence;

Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education;

Demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership; and

Be committed to serving their communities and contributing to positive change.

You should be:

Academically talented with a demonstrated commitment to learning and a drive to complete your education.

Limited in your ability to access education owing to significant financial barriers.

Committed to investing in your community through the skills and knowledge that you acquire.

A future leader committed to ethical transformation and making a positive contribution to your community and broader society.

Fields of study at UCT: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. 

For applicants to a UCT bachelor’s degree, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is 30 September 2026.

For applicants to an eligible postgraduate diploma in the Faculty of Health Sciences or an honours degree or master’s programme at UCT, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application deadline is 31 October 2026.

BENEFIT:

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is considered to be full-cost and will include full cover for the following (for awardees) as recorded in the Terms of Reference and Conditions of Award document available on The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT website:

Reimbursement of costs incurred for visa application processing

An economy class air ticket to Cape Town South Africa for awardees who are i) citizens and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town

Full tuition fees and international student fees

Accommodation in the student housing system at the University of Cape Town

Meals through the student housing system at the University of Cape Town

Medical cover with a recommended medical aid service provider

A living stipend to be used to cover ad hoc expenses pertaining to your studies

A book allowance to purchase the prescribed textbooks required for your 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

An economy class air ticket home upon completion of studies, for awardees who are i) citizens of and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town

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