Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape: Applications Now Open for 2025 for Fully-funded Undergraduate and Masters

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to announce that applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2025 academic year are now open. As a valued partner of the Mastercard Foundation since 2012, UWC is committed to empowering the next generation of transformative leaders. This global initiative supports highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily from Africa, who face significant economic and social barriers to accessing higher education.

Program Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to cultivate leadership potential among young people, focusing on inclusivity for young women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and those living with disabilities. The program offers fully-funded opportunities for both undergraduate and master’s degree qualifications at UWC.

Fields of Study

Undergraduate Qualifications

• Arts & Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies
• Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Sciences, and Public Administration
• Education: Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
• Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences

Master’s Degree Qualifications

• Arts & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
• Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
• Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences, and Migration Studies
• Law: Governance and Human Rights
• Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Applicants

• Must be no older than 26 years
• Meet UWC’s minimum admissions requirements
• Be prepared to register for full-time undergraduate study in January 2025
• Provide evidence of social and economic barriers to education
• Cannot be registering for a second undergraduate degree

Master’s Degree Applicants

• Must be no older than 30 years
• Meet UWC’s minimum admissions requirements
• Be prepared to register for full-time master’s degree study in January 2025
• Provide evidence of social and economic barriers to education
• Cannot be registering for a second master’s degree

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Admission to UWC

Interested candidates must first submit an academic application to UWC for the 2025 academic year. Visit UWC Admission and Financial Aid for details and deadlines. Only those with a valid UWC application number can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

After obtaining a UWC application number, candidates should complete the online application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. For assistance, email ssganda@uwc.ac.za (master’s) or qmhlauli@uwc.ac.za (undergraduate).

Application Deadline: Friday, 30 August 2024

Support and Benefits

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UWC will receive comprehensive support including:

• Tuition fees coverage
• Housing in a UWC residence
• Monthly stipend and meal allowance
• Medical aid
• Laptop and study materials allowance
• Pre-arrival support and an on-boarding program
• Personalized support throughout their studies
• Holistic wrap-around support programs

Important Notes

• Only complete and singular applications will be considered.
• The program is exclusive to full-time students at UWC.
• Scholars are not allowed to hold another full-cost scholarship concurrently.
• Participation in wrap-around support programs is mandatory.
• Master’s students may engage in a work-study program for a maximum of 20 hours per month.

Communication and Selection

All communication will be via email and phone. Ensure contact details are accurate and active. Successful candidates will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview. Providing false information or attempting to influence the selection process will result in disqualification.

For more information and to apply, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM AT UWC