University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Postgraduate Awards
University of Cape Town
Fully funded 2027 postgraduate study at the University of Cape Town for eligible African citizens. The current call covers honours, coursework master’s and selected Health Sciences postgraduate diplomas; applications close 31 October 2026.
The University of Cape Town is accepting applications for the 2027 postgraduate round of its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This opportunity supports academically strong students from African countries who have faced significant social or economic barriers and have shown leadership and community service potential.
Eligible study routes are full-time honours degrees in UCT’s six faculties, coursework master’s degrees in those faculties, and qualifying Health Sciences postgraduate diplomas. Research-only master’s degrees, PhDs and part-time study are outside this call.
Start by applying for admission to an eligible UCT programme. Once UCT gives you an applicant number, complete the separate Scholars Program form and upload the required evidence. Programme admission deadlines can differ, so check your chosen degree as well as the scholarship deadline. The postgraduate scholarship form closes on 31 October 2026.
Source and verification
Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: October 12, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
UCT states that support covers tuition, a laptop, campus accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a study visa where applicable, and annual travel to and from UCT. Academic, peer, leadership and career development support is also provided. The award covers the UCT programme and is renewed annually subject to the programme’s performance, conduct and participation conditions. No monetary amount is published.
Eligibility summary
Citizens of an African country, including South Africa, who apply for an eligible full-time UCT postgraduate programme. Applicants should demonstrate academic talent, significant social or economic barriers, ethical leadership potential and commitment to their communities. Qualifying programmes are a Health Sciences postgraduate diploma, an honours degree in any of UCT’s six faculties, or a coursework master’s degree in those faculties. Research-only degrees and part-time study are excluded.
Requirements
Apply to the relevant UCT postgraduate programme first and obtain a UCT applicant number. Check that programme’s own admission requirements and deadline. Then submit a separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application by 31 October 2026. A UCT offer of admission is required for scholarship eligibility.
Documents required
UCT applicant number; proof of home address; evidence of household financial circumstances; CV or résumé of up to three pages; a postgraduate leadership and community service essay of up to 2,000 words; and a recommendation letter with the referee’s name and contact details. See the form for file formats and limits.
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Verified 12 October 2026 against the official UCT 2027 call, application form and programme benefits page. Postgraduate deadline 31 October 2026. Undergraduate application round already closed; this listing covers postgraduate routes only.
Listing-board disclaimer
Prime Scholarship Alerts is an independent listing board, not the scholarship provider, university or funder. We do not select applicants, collect provider application fees or guarantee an award. Verify requirements, deadlines, funding, fees and application instructions through the current provider page before applying.