The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) at the University of Pretoria (UP) for full-time postgraduate study is open to students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are residents or citizens of an African country. This Program targets academically qualified, yet economically disadvantaged, young people in Africa who will go back to contribute to the transformation of their countries. Applicants should not already be in possession of a Masters Degree/ Qualification

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) targets academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent through their knowledge, skills, attitudes and values evidenced by their leadership. Community service and internships are essential components of the Program.

The MCFSP offers a full scholarship to selected students who have been provisionally admitted to study towards a postgraduate degree at UP. Graduates must return to their home countries on completion of their studies and give back to their communities.

Mastercard Foundation offers a full scholarship to students who have applied for and been admitted to one of the following programmes at the University of Pretoria:

Postgraduate Study Programmes

·         Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

·         Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

·         Faculty of Humanities for entry into the BPolSci (Political Studies or International Studies only)

Honours and Masters degree applications will be accepted in the fields of Engineering (continuing students only).

THERE ARE NO PhD SCHOLARSHIPS.

Eligibility Requirements for the University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP)

  • Candidates should be citizens from Africa.
  • Applicants should come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate financial neediness.
  • Candidates should demonstrate leadership potential and ought to be involved in a giving back project eg. in a community, at school, church etc
  • Academic excellence is paramount and students have to maintain a high academic average at all times.

UP Application Process

Applications to study at UP opens on 1st March and closes on the 30th August of the year proceeding the year of study.

Students who are interested in studies at the University of Pretoria and wish to apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program must follow the application process.

Step 1

Apply online at www.up.ac.za/apply. Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of your application form. For more information, dial +27 (0)12 420 4297/6621 or send an email to:

mcfsp@up.ac.za for undergraduates and postgraduates enquiries.

Step 2

After your application has been submitted, it will be evaluated by members of the relevant faculty. The faculty will inform you whether you have been admitted.

Step 3

Once you have been admitted, please contact mcfsp@up.ac.za to commence the process to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program immediately.

Step 4

Successful Mastercard Foundation Scholars should have a passport to enable them to apply for a visa promptly.

Application Deadline: 31 October 2022.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage