University of the Western Cape – Academic Year 2026

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to be an implementing partner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This global initiative aims to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling talented, service-oriented young Africans to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.

Who Should Apply?

The program targets young people whose access to higher education is hindered by economic and social barriers. Priority is given to:

• Young women

• Refugees and forcibly displaced youth

• Persons with disabilities

Scholarship Details

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC supports academically talented youth from South Africa and across Africa. The program offers fully funded scholarships for:

• Undergraduate degrees

• Master’s degrees

for full-time study starting in 2026.

Eligible Fields of Study

Applications are invited for the following disciplines:

• Art & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development

• Community & Health Sciences: Public Health

• Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences

• Law: Governance and Human Rights

• Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences

How to Apply

[Click here to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC]

Applicants must submit supporting documentation including:

• Proof of parental income (payslips, social grant letters, NSFAS letters)

• If unemployed, a letter of unemployment from the Department of Labour

• Refugee or displaced person documentation (if applicable)

Application Support Contacts

• Postgraduate applicants: ssganda@uwc.ac.za

• Undergraduate applicants: qmhlauli@uwc.ac.za

Application Sections

1. Personal Information

2. Academic Information

3. Family Information

4. Short Narratives

5. Community Engagement

6. Certification

Important Dates & Notes

• Closing date: Sunday, 31 August 2025

• Only one complete application per applicant will be accepted. Incomplete or duplicate applications will be rejected.

• Due to volume, only successful applicants will be contacted by mid-December 2025.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Tuition fees

• On-campus housing

• Monthly stipend and meal allowance

• Medical aid

• Laptop and study materials allowance

• Pre-arrival support and onboarding

• Personalised academic and wellbeing support

• Holistic wrap-around support programs

Conditions of Award

• Scholars must sign a scholarship agreement upon acceptance.

• Scholars must meet UWC academic standards to retain the scholarship.

• Scholarships cover the full duration of the registered qualification.

• Scholars must comply with UWC rules and regulations.

  APPLY NOW