Applications are now open for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 in South Africa.
This programme supports academically talented young Africans who face economic or social barriers and want to pursue Undergraduate, Honours, or Master’s studies at the University of Pretoria.
If you are planning to study in South Africa with financial support, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available for international students. This scholarship provides fully funded programs at South African universities across a wide range of fields. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026-2027 is offered for undergraduate and master’s studies. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) targets academically brilliant yet economically disadvantaged young individuals in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent through their knowledge, attitudes, skills, and values, as demonstrated 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 pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Pretoria (UP). Upon completing their studies, graduates must return to their home countries and give back to their communities. Applicants should not already hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Scholarship benefits may include:
➤ Tuition support
➤ Accommodation
➤ Living expenses
➤ Travel support
➤ Books and study materials
➤ Leadership development
➤ Mentorship and career support
Who can apply?
➤ African students with strong academic performance
➤ Young people facing socio-economic challenges
➤ Refugees, internally displaced persons, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
➤ Applicants must first apply for admission to the University of Pretoria before applying for the scholarship.
Courses Offered
- Faculty of Engineering – continuing students are eligible to apply
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Agricultural Economics / Business Management
- Animal Science
- Plant Pathology
- Applied Plant and Soil Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Humanities PolSci (Political Studies)
- PolSci (International Studies)
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Accounting Sciences
- Financial Sciences
- Economics
- Informatics
- Agribusiness Management
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.
Do not wait until the last week. Start with the admission application first, then proceed with the scholarship application.
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