University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for International Students 2025/2026. The University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars program is a rare opportunity for African students to study in one of the world’s top Universities.
It gives the young innovators the means to build on their work and impact the society positively. By investing in the next generation of leaders in these fields, the program will create positive change because they will be able to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the society like climate change and lack of clean water. The program offers financial support and mentorship to students who have been outstanding in their area of interest but cannot afford higher education.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria aims to support academically gifted youth in the African continent. The knowledge, skills and attitudes and values expressed by these people will bring change on the continent. Besides, the program focuses on community service and internship as part of the program.
The scholarship can be applied by students who have been provisionally accepted by the University of Pretoria to continue with their postgraduate studies. The program also enables the youth to move on to other education or profession in their home countries and also gives them a chance to succeed in the long run.
The mission of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in the University of Pretoria is to equip students with knowledge about their discipline and foundation for future research. Interested applicants to the program will be able to complete their education and move on to higher education without financial restrictions.
It is a fact that education can bring about social and economical change, this is why the program aims at raising transformative leaders and motivating them to be active members of the community.
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University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for International Students 2025/2026: Apply Now
- Scholarship Country:Â South Africa
- Host University:Â University of Pretoria
- Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
- Eligibility:Â Africans
- Deadline:Â Varies. Check website
MasterCard Foundation Scholarship at UP:
- Full Fees
- Accommodation
- Books and printed material
- Monthly stipend for daily expenses
- Travel expenses
Eligibility for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP:
To be considered for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships:
- The UP Scholarship is open to Africans.
- Applications are welcome for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
- Must have experience in community service and leadership.
- Must maintain a high academic average throughout their academic career.
- Must be financially needy and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
How to apply for University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars?
- To access Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must have been provisionally accepted at the university of Pretoria.
- Provisional admission letter required.
- Any master degree can be applied online via university website.
- Submit your application of MCFSP together with all supporting documents to [email protected].
Application deadlines: Undergraduate: 31 August and Masters is 30 September 2025
FAQs about the University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for International Students
1. What is University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program?
The University of Pretoria (UP) MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is an initiative of the university and the MasterCard Foundation to give academically gifted students of African origin from low socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to study at University of Pretoria. The program focuses on shaping the next generation of African leaders by giving full scholarships to students who have been chosen because they have a strong proactive mission to contribute positively to their community. It covers both undergraduate and postgraduate education, but for international students, they are mostly focused on postgraduate (Master’s degrees).
Academics is not the only aspect of this program. It provides leadership, mentorship and community experience. Scholars are required to go back and serve their countries home positively in terms of leadership, entrepreneurship or community service in form of serving their communities once they graduate.
2. Who can apply to this scholarship?
Applicants interested in applying for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of Pretoria should meet certain requirements. They must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country and not be residing in South Africa. Applicants should also have evidence of leadership potential, willingness to serve their societies and be academically gifted.
In addition to this, applicants should apply for a full-time postgraduate degree at UP. Above all, the candidate must be of low income background and be able to demonstrate his/her financial need. Applicants must also ensure that they meet the admission requirements of the selected course of study at the university.
3. What is covered by the scholarship?
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program offers full scholarship to the program which will cover all expenses of the scholar during his/her study period at University of Pretoria. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books and other education items. It also includes a small monthly allowance, medical insurance and traveling expenses which includes air fares for international students.
Besides financial support, the scholarship also offers developing opportunities with possibility of mentorship programs, internships, leadership workshops or academic support services. These other benefits are to ensure that the scholars succeed during and after their studies.
4. How do I apply to the scholarship?
To be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UP, applicants must apply and be accepted into one of the graduate programs offered by the University. After a successful application to the academic department, applicants will then need to apply to the scholarship either through the MasterCard Foundation application portal or the UP International Students Office.
The application process involves providing academic transcripts, motivation letter, reference letters, document of need like financial need and other required documents. The personal statement or interview will also require applicants to show their commitment to leadership and community service. The application is usually available many months before the start of the academic year and one has to adhere to deadlines.
5. What fields of study does the scholarship cover?
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria has sponsored students in various graduate disciplines. Although the programs may vary from year to year, the scholarship tends to support studies in areas that align with the development aspirations of the African continent. These are Agriculture, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences and Education, not excluding.
Applicants should refer to the University of Pretoria’s official website or check with the International Students Office to know which programs will be available under the scholarship for the year they want to apply.
6. What can I expect from the program during and after the program?
Scholars in the MasterCard foundation program are those who will excel academically and be involved in the leadership and personal development activities offered by the university. They must conform to the conduct rules and the rules of the institution and be of integrity and commitment during their studies.
Once the scholars have completed their studies, they must go back to their home countries and benefit their people. This can be through initiating or supporting community development projects, mentoring fellow youths, participating in public service or initiating businesses that will create employment. It aims at creating a ripple effect of change across the continent with leaders who are socially responsible individuals.
Conclusion
We hope the above information has been helpful to guide you through the scholarship process. It has got everything you need as far as application tips and an insider as to whether one is eligible or not. Wherever you are and whatever you want to learn, there is probably a scholarship waiting to be found. Do you feel like an international student who wants to get an education without any financial burden? Scholarships are the way to go as they can make your dreams come true in the academic world without the burden of tuition fee. Whether you are in higher learning or just started learning, there is always an opportunity for every student.
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