Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria

• Tuition fees.
• Campus room and board; all undergraduate applicants must apply for UP residence for the duration of the degree.
• Monthly stipend and annual support; first-year start-up funds and visa fees.
• School supplies and books.
• Student health insurance (medical aid).
• One summer internship in Africa (flight and stipend).
• Leadership courses and seminars, counselling and psychological services, a dedicated student services advisor, tutoring and mentoring, and volunteer and community service opportunities.
• Funding runs for the standard 8 semesters for undergraduates and 2 years for postgraduates.
• Not covered: funding beyond the standard period (including summer school), loans, late fees and lost items, professional development funds, job placement, and SAQA, USAf and passport fees.
• Scholars sign a bursary agreement with UP and the Programme, must make academic progress, complete one pre-approved summer internship in Africa, and return to their home country or region after their studies.

• Undergraduate applications for 2027 study: 31 August 2026 (late submissions are not accepted); apply to UP for admission by 30 June 2026.
• Postgraduate applications: 30 September 2026.

1. Apply for admission to UP first and obtain your UP student number.
2. Download and complete the 2027 undergraduate or postgraduate Mastercard Foundation application form.
3. Combine the form and all supporting documents into one PDF and email it to [email protected] (tel +27 12 420 4297).
4. The application is reviewed and the outcome communicated; if you hear nothing, the application was unsuccessful.
5. Eligible candidates are interviewed before admission to the programme.

Official how-to-apply page

• Provisional UP admission letter if admitted before 31 August 2026.
• Copy of high school results.
• Proof of gross income for the last 3 months for parents, guardian or spouse (pay slips, pension advice, financial statements, allowances or maintenance); an affidavit stating the source of income where there is no proof or the person is unemployed.
• Affidavit confirming marital status and maintenance if a parent is single or never married.
• Death certificate(s) if a parent is deceased; decree of divorce and maintenance affidavit if parents are divorced.
• Court order or affidavit for a court-appointed guardian, with the guardian's monthly allowance declaration.
• ID or passport of parents, guardian or spouse; ID or passport and birth certificate of the applicant and siblings.
• Proof of enrolment of siblings at tertiary institutions.
• Refugee identity document where applicable (refugees in South Africa need a valid Section 24 permit).
• Proof of disability (registration document or certified doctor's report), where applicable.

Applications are screened on academic performance, financial need, leadership and community service. The form includes short essays (up to 300 words each) on career plans, responsibility to the community, overcoming obstacles and why the applicant should be selected, and a school principal or referee endorsement. Eligible candidates are interviewed, and the selection committee's decision is final.