Fully Funded Verified against official source Applications closed

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – University of Pretoria

Offered by Mastercard Foundation / University of Pretoria

A fully funded University of Pretoria scholarship for high-achieving African students facing economic and social barriers. The latest scholarship round is closed.

Current status

Applications closed

The latest University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application window for the 2027 study cycle is closed. The scholarship application deadline was 30 June 2026.

Last verified: 22 September 2026

Next review: 1 March 2027

Historical details: Clearly marked below where applicable.

Quick facts

Current statusApplications closed
Study destinationSouth Africa
Degree levelMaster's, Undergraduate
FundingFully Funded
DeadlineApplications closed
DurationUp to 8 semesters undergraduate or 2 years graduate under current support rules
Study subjectsAgriculture & Forestry, Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Education, Engineering & Technology, Law, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
Last checked22 September 2026

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Is the University of Pretoria Mastercard scholarship open?

No. The latest scholarship application deadline was 30 June 2026.

What does the programme cover?

It covers tuition, stipend, campus room and board, books, health insurance, visa fees and extensive student support.

What costs are not covered?

Passport, SAQA/USAf costs and several personal or extended-study costs are excluded.

What does this scholarship actually cover?

A comprehensive fully funded scholarship and wraparound support programme for high-achieving African students facing socio-economic barriers.

TuitionFull
Living stipendNot confirmed
AccommodationFull
TravelPartial
Health insuranceFull
Visa costsVisa fees covered; passport and SAQA/USAf fees are not covered

Other verified benefits

Tuition, monthly stipend, books and school supplies, health insurance, campus room and board, first-year start-up support, visa fees, leadership development, mentoring and one approved Africa-based summer internship with flight and stipend.

Costs not confirmed or not covered

Passport fees, SAQA/USAf costs, funding beyond standard programme duration, guaranteed all medical/dental expenses, late fees and individual conference/professional-development funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be African students with strong academics, leadership and community-service evidence, significant financial need or social barriers, and admission to an eligible University of Pretoria programme.

The programme is specifically for African youth. Pakistani applicants are not eligible unless they separately qualify through an African nationality/status route defined by UP.

Prior educationSecondary school for undergraduate; bachelor's degree for postgraduate
Minimum gradePostgraduate applicants typically need at least 70% under current UP criteria
ExperienceLeadership and community service expected
Age ruleProgramme-specific
Gender requirementNo restriction
IELTSDepends on host/course
Host institution requiredYes
Supervisor approvalConditional
Admission before applicationYes

Eligible countries

African students facing significant economic and social barriers, including refugees, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities.

Language requirements

University of Pretoria programme requirements apply.

Which documents were historically required?

This is a historical checklist, not a current application checklist.

  • Admission/offer letter
  • Academic transcripts
  • Degree certificate
  • Statement of purpose

Which documents may be required conditionally?

  • Passport/ID

What should you do next?

  1. Apply to the University of Pretoria first.
  2. Secure admission to an eligible programme.
  3. Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program form.
  4. Submit all supporting documents within the next published scholarship window.

Frequently asked questions

Is the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. UP lists tuition, monthly stipend, books, health insurance, campus room and board, visa fees, start-up support and internship-related support among the core benefits.