AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Host University: University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa
• Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
• Intake: 2027
• Study Levels: Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours and Coursework Master’s
• Eligible Applicants: Citizens of African countries, including South Africa
• Fields: Commerce, Engineering & Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science
• Funding: Scholarship and comprehensive student support
• Undergraduate Deadline: 30 September 2026
• Postgraduate Deadline: 31 October 2026
• Application: UCT admission application + Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application

About the Scholarship/Programme

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) provides educational opportunities to academically talented young Africans who face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.

The programme is designed not only to provide access to university education but also to develop future leaders who can contribute positively to their communities and broader society.

For the 2027 intake, the programme is open to applicants seeking their first Bachelor’s degree or eligible taught postgraduate study at UCT.

Eligible postgraduate options include a postgraduate diploma offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences, Honours degrees offered across UCT’s six faculties, and coursework Master’s programmes offered across the six faculties.

The programme does not cover part-time studies or research-only qualifications such as a Master’s by dissertation or PhD.

Scholarship Benefits

UCT describes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as providing scholarships and comprehensive support to selected scholars.

The programme enables scholars to:

• Pursue a world-class education at UCT.
• Develop their leadership potential.
• Build skills needed for dignified and fulfilling work.
• Develop their capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
• Become part of a lifelong network of changemakers and Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
• Access leadership, career development and mentorship opportunities through the Scholars Program.

The official UCT information does not publish one universal cash-value figure for the 2027 scholarship on the application page. Applicants should therefore not rely on unofficial claims about a fixed dollar amount or stipend.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

• Be a citizen of an African country, including South Africa.
• Be applying for their first Bachelor’s degree or an eligible taught postgraduate programme at UCT.
• Demonstrate academic talent and commitment to excellence.
• Face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
• Demonstrate potential for transformative and ethical leadership.
• Be committed to serving their communities and contributing to positive change.

Eligible postgraduate programmes include:

• Postgraduate Diploma in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
• Honours degree in any of UCT’s six faculties.
• Coursework Master’s programme in any of UCT’s six faculties.

UCT particularly encourages applications from young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, forcibly displaced youth and young people whose access to opportunity has been restricted by social and economic barriers.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your UCT Programme

Review UCT’s official study options and identify an eligible Bachelor’s, postgraduate diploma, Honours or coursework Master’s programme.

Step 2: Apply for Admission to UCT

Submit your academic application through the official UCT online application system.

A scholarship application does not replace the university admission application.

Step 3: Submit the Mastercard Foundation Application

After applying to UCT, submit your application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program through the official UCT Mastercard Foundation portal.

Step 4: Meet Both Deadlines

Make sure your UCT academic application and Mastercard Foundation application are completed according to the relevant requirements and deadlines.

Step 5: Await the Selection Outcome

Applicants must receive an offer of admission to UCT to become eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Selection considers academic ability, financial barriers, leadership potential, community commitment and potential for positive transformation.

Important Deadline

Undergraduate

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline: 30 September 2026

UCT undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake have already closed. Applicants who previously applied for an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree at UCT may still apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Only applicants who receive an offer of admission to UCT can ultimately be considered for the programme.

Postgraduate

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program deadline: 31 October 2026

Postgraduate applicants should also check their relevant UCT faculty for the specific academic admission deadline and programme requirements.

Related Opportunities

1. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28

A fully funded postgraduate opportunity in the UK for eligible African applicants who demonstrate leadership, service and commitment to positive change.

2. AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2026

A previously drafted African opportunity supporting research and professional development in economics and related areas.

3. European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarships 2026

A previously drafted African scholarship opportunity supporting postgraduate education and academic development within Africa.

Official Application Link

Official University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application page:

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a major opportunity for academically talented young Africans who face significant barriers to higher education and want to use their education to create positive change.

For the 2027 intake, the programme covers first Bachelor’s degrees and selected taught postgraduate programmes, including eligible postgraduate diplomas, Honours degrees and coursework Master’s programmes.

Applicants should understand that this is a two-part application process. You must first apply for admission to an eligible programme at UCT and then submit the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.

For undergraduate applicants, the Mastercard Foundation application deadline is 30 September 2026. However, UCT states that undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic intake are already closed. Applicants who already applied to UCT may still pursue the scholarship application if they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

For eligible postgraduate applicants, the Mastercard Foundation deadline is 31 October 2026.

The programme places strong emphasis on more than academic performance. Applicants should be able to demonstrate academic talent, significant social or economic barriers, ethical leadership potential and a genuine commitment to serving their communities.

UCT also encourages applications from young women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, people with disabilities and others whose educational opportunities have been restricted by significant barriers.

Applicants should rely on the official UCT pages for the exact funding package, academic requirements and programme-specific deadlines, as these details can vary by level and faculty.

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