A fully funded degree can change more than one life. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP is now open for 2027, giving eligible African students a rare chance to study with tuition, accommodation, living support, books, medical aid and leadership development all covered.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP is now open for the 2027 intake, offering fully funded support for eligible African students pursuing undergraduate, honours and master’s studies. Successful candidates receive tuition support, accommodation, a monthly stipend, books and supplies, medical aid, and leadership-focused development.
For many students, the real challenge is not ability. It is access.
That is why this opportunity stands out. It is built for academically strong young Africans facing economic and social barriers, while also backing students who show leadership potential, community commitment and a desire to help transform the continent.
This is more than a scholarship. It is a launchpad for future African leaders.
Why is this scholarship attracting so much interest?
The University of Pretoria has offered the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program since 2014, and the programme has expanded in its current phase to support more young people across the continent. It is designed to help talented students complete quality higher education while building the values, skills and confidence needed for long-term impact.
This matters because the support goes beyond the classroom.
Students are developed academically, professionally and personally through structured mentoring, leadership activities, community engagement and internship exposure. That makes the programme especially attractive to applicants who want their degree to lead to something bigger than graduation day.
What does the scholarship cover?
Selected scholars receive broad financial and wraparound support. UP’s programme pages list tuition fees, campus room and board, a monthly stipend, books and school supplies, student health insurance, and support linked to leadership development and academic success.
The programme also includes mentoring, tutoring, counselling support and a one-time Africa-based summer internship with related support.
That combination can remove the biggest barriers that stop talented students from staying in university and thriving there.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
The programme targets academically talented African students who face significant socio-economic barriers. UP also highlights support for refugees, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities.
For the current undergraduate cycle, the official application form says the scholarship is open to African students with a grade point average of at least 70%, and applicants must not already hold an undergraduate qualification. They must also be entering their first year of study in 2027 and be registered for a full-time degree, not an extended or non-degree programme.
UP’s live scholarship page also states that applications are open to undergraduate, honours and master’s students who have applied to and been accepted by the university.
Which study areas are included?
UP’s application page lists eligible study opportunities across several faculties, including Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Humanities, Engineering, Built Environment and IT, Law, and Education.
That wide faculty spread gives the scholarship strong appeal.
Students interested in science, business, law, education, technology and social impact fields all have a realistic entry point, provided they meet the programme and faculty requirements.
How does the application process work?
The process starts with admission to UP.
Applicants must first submit their university application through the official UP online application portal. UP says the university application cycle opens on 1 April of the year before study and closes on 30 June of the year before study. After submission, the relevant faculty evaluates the application and informs the student whether they have been admitted.
Once admitted, applicants must then move into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars process. UP states that admitted students should contact the programme and proceed with the relevant scholarship application documentation. The live scholarship page also says eligible candidates can apply until 30 June 2026 for the current 2027 intake.
Where should candidates submit their application?
Applications must begin through the University of Pretoria online application portal, because a student number is required before the scholarship process can move forward.
After admission, candidates can continue with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application process and review the full How to Apply guidance. Applicants who need the official documents can also use the undergraduate application form or the programme application page to access the relevant study and application information.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Start with your UP admission immediately and prepare your supporting documents early. Many applicants focus only on the scholarship form, but the real bottleneck is usually getting admitted first and then submitting a complete scholarship application without missing documents.
What can make an application stronger?
Strong marks matter, but they are not the whole story.
UP places clear emphasis on leadership, community service and a commitment to making a difference. Applicants who show academic consistency, real financial need, meaningful involvement in service or school activities, and a clear plan to contribute back to their communities are likely to present a stronger overall profile.
Good grades open the door. Purpose helps an application stay memorable.
Why does this opportunity matter beyond funding?
This scholarship is built around long-term impact. UP describes the programme as a leadership initiative aimed at developing graduates who contribute to social and economic transformation across Africa. Scholars are expected to remain connected to the continent and give back after completing their studies.
That makes the opportunity especially meaningful for students who want more than financial aid.
It offers a chance to study, grow, build networks and return home with skills that can create real change.
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Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP remains one of the strongest fully funded study opportunities currently open to African students. With funding, accommodation, living support, mentoring and leadership development wrapped into one programme, it offers a serious path forward for students with strong academic potential and a clear desire to serve. The smartest move is to begin with the official UP online application portal and then continue through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application steps while the current cycle is still open.
