Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria are currently open to academically gifted African Students who wish to pursue either an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree. The scholarship is open to courses in the following faculties: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT), Faculty of Law (Undergraduates: SADC, Post Graduates: All African Countries), Faculty of Education.
The University of Pretoria (UP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation has been offering scholarships for high-achieving African students who studied undergraduate and postgraduate levels since January 2014. The Foundation will be entering into a new phase in January 2024 and it will target academically talented, yet economically disadvantaged young people living with disability in Africa; and internally displaced/refugees; that will contribute to the transformation of the continent through their knowledge, skills, attitudes and values evidenced by their leadership. Community service and internships are essential components of the Program. The Foundation offers a full scholarship to selected students who have been admitted to study towards a postgraduate degree at UP. Graduates must return to their home countries upon completion of their studies and give back to their communities.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a seven-campus public university with its largest campus in the heart of Hatfield, the picturesque diplomatic hub of South Africa’s capital city. We’re proud to stand among the world’s leading research universities.
Nestled in the purple haze of Pretoria’s iconic jacaranda trees, UP offers a high quality of teaching, learning and research expertise across all nine faculties, including South Africa’s only Faculty of Veterinary Science, and Africa’s top Faculty of Law and business school. We firmly believe that our success is measured not only by what we have already achieved, but how the actions we take today impact on our future and the future of the continent as a whole
Study Programme: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Eligible Countries: African Students
Country Host: South Africa
Scholarship Reward: Fully Funded, stipend
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
- Applicant must be an African and domiciled in Africa
- Applications are open to Undergraduate, Honours and Masters students that have applied and have been accepted to the University of Pretoria. Eligible candidates can apply until the 30th of September 2024.
- The program Is aimed at African youths facing significant socio-economic challenges, including refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities, seeking to pursue a higher education.
- Applicants must exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to community service through involvement in projects, school activities, or religious organizations, demonstrating a dedication to making a difference.
- Scholars must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, maintaining a high academic average as a critical component of the Program’s expectations
Benefits of the Scholarship
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a UP residence
- Meals
- Books and printed material
- A modest monthly stipend
- Medical aid
- Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period)
- Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.
Required Documents
- Proof of your provisional admission letter from the University of Pretoria (Undergraduate)
- Academic transcript from previous degree qualification (Postgraduate)
- Proof of gross income (pay slip(s)/pension advice(s)/financial statements/allowances, maintenance) not older than 3 months for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse/applicant’s source of income.
- If no proof of income or if unemployed, the source of income/maintenance/allowance must be provided per individual by means of an affidavit. House Executive/housewives must confirm any source of income by means of an affidavit.
- If a biological/adoptive parent is single or never married, an affidavit confirming marital status and maintenance – also if not receiving any financial assistance.
- If biological/adoptive parent(s) are deceased – death certificate(s).
- If biological/adoptive parent(s) are divorced, the decree of divorce and affidavit confirming maintenance (also if not receiving any financial assistance).
- If a legal guardian is appointed by a court, the court order or an affidavit must be provided supporting this. The guardian must declare a monthly allowance to the applicant by means of an affidavit.
- Certified copy of ID/Passport.
- ID/passport for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse.
- IDs/passport and birth certificates for both applicant and siblings.
- Proof of enrolment of all siblings at tertiary institution(s).
- A copy of refugee identity document (where applicable)
- Any proof of disability (registration document or certified copy of a doctor’s report)
[ALSO CHECK]: Fully Funded Scholarship for Postgraduate Study at University of South Australia
Application Process
Step 1: To initiate the application process, download and complete the hard copy of the relevant application form
Step 2: Submit your application electronically to [email protected].
Step 3: Post-submission, your application will undergo a review process. You will be notified of the outcome afterward. If you do not hear back from us, please assume your application was not successful.
Step 4: Prior to admission into the Program, all eligible candidates will undergo an interview as part of the selection process.
For further information about the scholarship and to apply, please CLICK HERE to visit the official website
Application Deadline
September 30, 2024
