Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria

📌 Program Overview

Host Institution: University of Pretoria (Pretoria, South Africa)

Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Honours, and Master’s degrees

Target Audience: Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries (including refugees, displaced persons, and young people with disabilities)

Financial Coverage: 100% Fully Funded (Tuition, Housing, Stipend, Airfare, Health Insurance)

IELTS/TOEFL Status: Exempt for applicants whose prior degree/schooling was conducted in English.

💰 Comprehensive Financial & Scholar Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides complete support:

Full Tuition Fees: 100% coverage of academic and registration fees.

Accommodation & Meals: On-campus housing in a UP residence or UP-accredited housing, along with meal allowances.

Monthly Stipend: A modest living allowance to cover day-to-day personal expenses.

Textbooks & Study Materials: Full coverage for books, printed course materials, and essential study supplies.

Medical Cover: Comprehensive health insurance (medical aid) for the duration of studies.

Travel & Visa Costs: Coverage for student visa application fees and round-trip flight tickets between your home country and South Africa.

Leadership & Career Development: Access to specialized leadership training, academic tutoring, psychological counseling, and summer internship grants.

📋 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for consideration, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Nationality: Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.

First-Time Applicants: Must be applying as a first-time student entering an undergraduate or postgraduate program at UP. Financial Need: Must come from an economically disadvantaged background and demonstrate that you cannot afford university tuition fees.

Academic Record: Must maintain a strong academic average (top academic performer in previous studies).

Leadership & Community Service: Must demonstrate leadership potential and active involvement in giving-back projects, community initiatives, or school/religious activities.

🎓 Eligible Faculties & Fields of Study at UP

Funding is available for selected full-time degree programs within specific faculties at the University of Pretoria:

Undergraduate Programs

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

Faculty of Humanities (BPolSci – Political Studies or International Studies only)

Postgraduate Programs (Honours & Master's)

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

Faculty of Humanities (Honours or Master's in Political Studies / International Studies)

Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (Continuing students and specific postgraduate programs)

⚠️ Important Application Deadlines

Undergraduate Applications Deadline: August 31

Postgraduate (Master's/Honours) Applications Deadline: September 30

🔗 Official Links & Contact Details