Introduction
If you are a young student in Africa dreaming of higher education but struggling with financial barriers, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Pretoria (UP) could be the chance that changes your life. This program is more than a scholarship. It is a journey of growth, leadership, and community service.
The Mastercard Foundation works with top universities across Africa, and the University of Pretoria is one of its proud partners. Through this partnership, hundreds of talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds are given a full opportunity to study, grow, and later give back to their countries.
This guide will take you through all the details: eligibility, application steps, deadlines, documents, benefits, and practical tips. By the end, you’ll know how to prepare and apply with confidence.
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UP?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded program designed for students who cannot afford to study at world-class universities but have the talent and determination to succeed.
At UP, the program covers not just the financial side of education but also provides mentorship, leadership training, and community service projects. The aim is to create future leaders who can solve Africa’s biggest challenges poverty, health issues, education gaps, and more.
The scholarship pays for:
100% tuition fees
Accommodation and meals
A living stipend
Books, laptops, and study tools
Health insurance
Career support (internships, mentorship, job placement)
It is not only about getting a degree. It’s about gaining the skills to lead change.
Why Study at the University of Pretoria?
The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s largest and most respected universities. It ranks highly in Africa for academic excellence and research.
Here are reasons why UP stands out:
Top Reputation: Among the best universities in Africa for geology, engineering, law, agriculture, and health sciences.
Strong Research Facilities: Labs, libraries, and resources that help you become an expert in your field.
Global Exposure: Partnerships with international institutions and industries.
Diverse Programs: Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in almost every major field.
Community Impact: Many projects at UP are designed to solve local and regional problems.
Studying at UP with the Mastercard Foundation means you are trained in a world-class setting but with a focus on African solutions for African problems.
Scholarship Benefits at a Glance
This program offers far more than financial aid. Let’s break it down:
1. Financial Coverage
Tuition Fees: 100% covered for your chosen program.
Accommodation & Meals: You get a safe place to live and regular meals.
Living Stipend: Monthly allowance for daily needs.
Books & Laptops: Tools provided so you don’t miss out on learning resources.
Health Insurance: You’re covered for medical care while studying.
2. Career Development
Internships and work placements to help you gain experience.
Career counseling and CV workshops.
Access to UP’s job placement services.
3. Leadership & Mentorship
Workshops to improve leadership skills.
Mentors who guide you personally and academically.
Opportunities to design and run a community project.
4. Community Engagement
Every scholar is expected to give back. For example, a student from Kenya used her scholarship mentorship program to set up a clean water project in her village. That’s the spirit of the Mastercard Foundation helping you succeed so you can help others.
Who Is Eligible for the Scholarship?
To apply, you must meet these key criteria:
Nationality: Be a citizen of an African country.
Academic Excellence: Good grades in high school or university. Official transcripts are required.
Financial Need: Proof that you cannot afford higher education on your own.
Leadership Potential: Involvement in clubs, volunteer work, or community projects.
Commitment to Community: A strong desire to return and make a difference in your country.
Age Limit: Some programs may have specific limits (e.g., under 30 for certain master’s programs).
Pro Tip: When applying, highlight your volunteer work or leadership roles. This will set you apart from other applicants.
Eligible Programs at the University of Pretoria
While most fields are available, the Mastercard Foundation usually supports areas that help with social and economic development in Africa, such as:
Agriculture and Environmental Studies
Engineering and Technology
Medicine and Health Sciences
Education
Social Sciences and Humanities
Business and Economics
Check the UP website for updated program lists each year.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
Here’s a simple roadmap:
Step 1: Research
Visit the University of Pretoria website. Read the details of both your degree program and the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Make sure you meet all requirements nationality, academics, financial need, and leadership potential.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Collect the following:
Academic transcripts
Proof of financial need
Personal statement
Two recommendation letters
Copy of your ID or passport
Step 4: Apply Online
Submit your application through UP’s scholarship portal. Follow the instructions carefully and upload all documents.
Step 5: Interview Stage
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview. Be ready to talk about your background, leadership goals, and how you plan to use your degree to help your community.
Step 6: Results
Successful candidates will be informed via email. If selected, you’ll also get details about orientation and program rules.
Pro Tip: Apply early don’t wait until the last day. Technical issues can block your submission.
Documents You’ll Need
Here is the checklist:
Transcripts: High school or university records.
Personal Statement: Why you want the scholarship, your goals, and leadership vision.
Proof of Financial Need: Bank statements, income records, or affidavits.
Two Recommendation Letters: From teachers, employers, or community leaders.
ID/Passport Copy
Make sure everything is clear, scanned, and labeled properly.
Fees Covered by the Scholarship
This is a fully funded scholarship. That means you don’t pay anything.
| Type of Expense | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% covered |
| Accommodation & Meals | Covered in full |
| Books & Laptops | Fully provided |
| Internship Support | Placements and mentorship |
| Health Insurance | Full coverage included |
Application Deadlines
For most programs, deadlines fall between March and June.
Dates vary every year, so always confirm on UP’s website.
Apply early to avoid missing out.
Important: Deadlines at other partner universities (like Makerere in Uganda) may be different.
Other Mastercard Partner Universities
The University of Pretoria is one partner, but not the only one. Other universities like Makerere University (Uganda), University of Cape Town (South Africa), and African Leadership Academy are also partners.
So, if you don’t qualify at UP, you can still apply to another institution.
Tips for a Strong Application
Start early: Give yourself time to collect and polish documents.
Be clear and honest: Don’t exaggerate achievements.
Tell your story: Use your personal statement to show passion and purpose.
Proofread: Check grammar, spelling, and missing documents.
Get help: Ask teachers or mentors to review your application.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible?
African citizens with good grades, financial need, and leadership qualities.
Q2. How to apply?
Through the UP online portal with transcripts, statement, recommendation letters, and ID.
Q3. What is covered?
Everything fees, housing, food, books, stipend, health insurance, and mentorship.
Q4. What is the deadline?
Usually between March and June, but confirm each year.
Q5. Can I apply at Makerere instead?
Yes, Makerere is also a partner. Just check their website for deadlines.
Final Checklist Before Submitting
All transcripts and ID scanned clearly
Personal statement written and proofread
Letters of recommendation uploaded
Financial proof included
Applied before the deadline
Got confirmation email from UP system
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Pretoria is more than just money for school. It’s a full program to help you succeed, grow, and give back. If you are a young African student with dreams bigger than your resources, this could be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Don’t wait until the last day. Start now, prepare carefully, and believe in yourself. With determination and a strong application, you can join the next group of Mastercard Scholars shaping Africa’s future.
Scholarship and education policy analyst sharing updates on global study grants, government programs, and policy changes across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.