Deadline:
October 30, 2024
Location(s)
South Africa
Cape Town
Overview
Do you have what it takes to be a Mastercard Foundation Scholar? The University of Cape Town is looking for the next generation of leaders to join this unique scholarship program. Until 2024, over 400 African students will be awarded full scholarships to UCT as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The initiative provides students with a top-level education, as well as leadership and career development, mentorship and access to a global alumni network.
Details
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars’ Program: an educational initiative that provides academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate or postgraduate (honours and master’s) degree-seeking applicants. The scholarships ensure a premium educational package that will produce graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable, and whose transition into the workforce is underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice.
These scholarships cover the full period of study and are renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance and participation in the activities and opportunities offered by the programme. Successful candidates will be required to commit themselves to returning to their home countries and to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic growth.
Studying at UCT
Students start classes in January of each consecutive year until about the second week in December. Each semester consists of two terms and each term ends in a mid-term break. English is the language of instruction. There are no restrictions placed on the course of study by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT. However, applicants must fulfil all the requirements to study at UCT, including any special requirements for a particular course of study such as early deadlines, additional documentation, and additional selection processes. Like any university, UCT receives many more applications for admission than it has space to offer places to study. The application process is highly competitive and applicants should ensure they provide all the correct information on time so their application has the best possible chance.
How to apply
UCT opens its annual call for applications to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program between July and September. Apply for your place from July each year.
Note that application to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not the same as an academic application for UCT. Prospective scholars are advised to submit an academic application to UCT first, and then apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Selection criteria:
- Academically talented – value learning and are driven to complete their education.
- Economically disadvantaged – facing significant financial barriers to completing their education.
- Committed to giving back – investing in their communities, using the skills and knowledge that they have acquired.
- Future leaders – committed to embracing ethical leadership and making a positive change in their home communities.
The Mastercard Foundation specifically targets students from the lower economic quintiles in their countries. The Scholars Program is open to students from Africa and is open only to new applicants who have not yet commenced a degree programme. The Scholars Program is not open to African refugees living outside Africa due to the desire for Scholars to return and give back to their home communities. Students completing their Postgraduate diploma or doctoral study are not eligible for this Scholars Program. The Program is not intended for work permit holders due to the desire for Scholars to return and give back to their home communities
Dates
Deadline: October 30, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
The scholarship includes:
- Comprehensive financial assistance with visa applications, travel, tuition, living expenses, medical aid and accommodation.
- A relevant and recognised education through academic curricula aimed at producing graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable.
- Academic and peer mentor support – to ensure that each Scholar successfully progresses academically.
- An array of cultural and transition support and training aimed at academic and professional enrichment and assisting in the challenges facing university going students.
- Career and internship opportunities in Africa, service learning, experiential learning – career guidance and support for transition to further study or the workforce.
- Leadership development and training.
- Alumni networks for further support.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
