University of Pretoria (UP) Mastercard Scholarship- The University of Pretoria (UP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to support economically disadvantaged yet academically gifted youth in Africa who are committed to effecting positive change on the continent. The Program’s objective is to provide assistance to African youth who are faced with substantial socio-economic barriers, including refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities.
If your application is successful, the Program will cover the following:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a UP residence
- Meals
- Books and printed material
- A modest monthly stipend
- Medical aid
- Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period)
- Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.
- Applications are open to Undergraduate, Honours and Masters students that have applied and have been accepted to the University of Pretoria. Eligible candidates can apply until the 30th of September 2024.
- The program is aimed at African youths facing significant socio-economic challenges, including refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities, seeking to pursue a higher education.
- Applicants must exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to community service through involvement in projects, school activities, or religious organizations, demonstrating a dedication to making a difference.
- Scholars must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, maintaining a high academic average as a critical component of the Program’s expectations.
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT)
- Faculty of Law (Undergraduates: SADC, Post Graduates: All African Countries)
- Faculty of Education
The documents listed below (in English) are required to process your application:
- Proof of your provisional admission letter from the University of Pretoria.
- Proof of gross income (pay slip(s)/pension advice(s)/financial statements/allowances,
maintenance) for the last 3 months (when submitting your application) for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse/source of income. - If no proof of income or if unemployed, the source of income/maintenance/allowance must be provided per individual by means of an affidavit. House executives/housewives must confirm any source of income by means of an affidavit.
- If a biological/adoptive parent is single or never married, an affidavit confirming marital status and maintenance – also if not receiving any financial assistance.
- If biological/adoptive parent(s) are deceased – death certificate(s).
- If biological/adoptive parent(s) are divorced, the decree of divorce and affidavit confirming maintenance (also if not receiving any financial assistance).
- If a legal guardian is appointed by a court, the court order must be provided or an affidavit supporting this. Guardian must declare a monthly allowance to the applicant by means of an affidavit.
- ID/passport for biological/adoptive parent(s)/legal guardian/spouse.
- ID/passport and birth certificate for both applicant and siblings.
- Proof of enrolment of all siblings at tertiary institution(s).
- A copy of refugee identity document (where applicable)
- Any proof of disability (registration document or certified copy of a doctor’s repor
- To initiate the application process, download and complete the hard copy of the relevant application form provided below: undergraduate-application-2025.pdf or postgraduate-application-2025.pdf. Ensure that all required supporting documentation is included with your submission.
- Submit your application electronically to mcfsp@up.ac.za. For additional information or inquiries, contact us at +27 (0)12 420 4297 or via email at mcfsp@up.ac.za
- Post-submission, your application will undergo a review process. You will be notified of the outcome afterward. If you do not hear back from us, please assume your application was not successful.
- Prior to admission into the Program, all eligible candidates will undergo an interview as part of the selection process.
- Only students admitted to the University of Pretoria will be considered for this Program. To
maximise consideration, apply early and ensure that the University receives all required documentation no later than 30 September 2024. Apply by 30 June 2024 for admission into a
faculty. - Once you receive confirmation that you have been provisionally accepted, complete the
application form attached to the link below and submit with subletting document as a single PDF
file to mcfsp@up.ac.za - This Program is limited to students who cannot afford to study at a tertiary institution. Do not
apply if you do not fall within this category. - Students who are awarded the funding opportunity may not hold other bursaries (with the
exception of UP achievement awards). - All the information provided must be accurate and true. Any falsification of information on this
application may result in your application being excluded
The deadline for all applications will be 30 September 2024.
