The University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa has announced applications for its fully-funded Bachelor’s and Master’s degree scholarships for the 2026 academic year.
The initiative is offered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and targets academically gifted young Africans, particularly those facing economic and social barriers to higher education.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders.
It focuses on enabling young, service-oriented Africans to access higher education, build leadership skills, and create lasting community impact.
For 2026, the program will provide full funding for undergraduate and master’s degrees in specific disciplines. Scholars will receive:
UWC stated that the aim of the Program is to equip youth with the necessary tools and education to drive transformative change, which will positively impact their communities and countries.
Applications are restricted to the following fields of study:
For undergraduate qualifications
For post graduate qualifications
For Undergraduate Studies:
For Master’s Degree Studies:
Applicants intending to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC must first submit an academic application to study at UWC for the 2026 academic year.
To apply, please use the following link: admission-and-financial-aid/apply. Take note of the application closing dates for the desired programme/discipline.
Only applicants who have successfully submitted their academic application and obtained a UWC application number are eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC, as a UWC application number is required to complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.
Once you have successfully submitted your application to study at UWC, apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by completing the online application available via study/partnerships/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program.
Successful applicants will be required to sign a scholarship agreement upon acceptance. To retain the scholarship, scholars must maintain the required academic standards and comply with the rules and regulations of the University as stipulated in its calendar.
Successful applicants will be required to sign a scholarship agreement upon acceptance. To retain the scholarship, scholars must maintain the required academic standards and comply with the rules and regulations of the University as stipulated in its calendar.