Scholarship Description
The University of Pretoria (UP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) is currently offering scholarships for high achieving African students interested in studying at postgraduate levels, commencing in January 2025.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for The University of Pretoria MasterCard Scholarship, Applicant must meet the following conditions;
- Be a citizen of Sub-Saharan African country.
- 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. Therefore, Applicant must come from an economically disadvantaged background and demonstrate financial neediness.
- 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.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, maintaining a high academic average as a critical component of the Program’s expectations.
- Need to be first time applicant as first year student in the degree programme.
Selection Criteria
Selection will focus on prior academic achievement, but also on the fit of the applicant to the ethos of the Program, which is focused on leadership and community development for Africa in addition to academic success.
Successful applicants must be committed to completing their qualifications in minimum time, returning to their home countries and giving back to their communities.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Pretoria MasterCard Scholarship Program will cover the following:
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation in the Universiry of Pretoria residence.
- Meals.
- Books and printed material.
- A modest monthly stipend.
- Medical aid (Ingwe only).
- Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period).
- Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.
How to Apply
The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship have the following Programmes;
- 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.
Application Process
Applicants, 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;
- To initiate the application process, download and complete the hard copy of the relevant application form provided. 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.
- 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.
Application Deadline: 30th September 2024
Visit SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE for more details.