Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027 at University of Pretoria offer fully funded study opportunities for eligible African students. Check eligibility, benefits and how to apply.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027 at University of Pretoria
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria (UP) provides scholarship and comprehensive support to academically talented young Africans who face significant economic and social barriers.
The programme supports eligible students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including Honours and Master’s programmes, at the University of Pretoria.
The programme particularly considers young Africans who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need and commitment to giving back to their communities.
For Tanzanian students, this is an opportunity worth considering because the programme is open to citizens of African countries who meet the eligibility requirements.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Deadline
For the current 2027 intake, the University of Pretoria lists:
Undergraduate deadline: 31 August 2026
Postgraduate deadline: 30 September 2026
However, applicants should understand that the scholarship process is connected to University of Pretoria admission. The official postgraduate application form states that applicants must first be admitted to UP and should apply for admission by 30 June 2026 to maximise consideration.
Therefore, students who are interested in the postgraduate scholarship should not wait until the final scholarship deadline before dealing with their university admission.
Who Can Apply?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP is designed for eligible African students who meet several important requirements.
Applicants should:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Come from an economically disadvantaged background.
- Demonstrate genuine financial need.
- Demonstrate academic excellence.
- Have strong leadership potential.
- Show involvement in community service, school activities, religious organisations or other community projects.
- Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to their communities and the African continent.
🇹🇿 Can Tanzanian Students Apply?
Yes.
Because the programme is open to African citizens, Tanzanian students can be considered provided they meet the academic, financial and programme-specific requirements.
What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
Successful scholars receive comprehensive financial and academic support.
According to the University of Pretoria’s official scholarship information, the programme can cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Monthly stipend
- Textbooks and printed materials
- Medical aid
- Visa costs
- Reasonable travel costs, including flights
- Leadership development
- Academic advising
- Counselling support
This makes the programme a strong option for students who would otherwise be unable to afford university education.
Which Students Does the Programme Target?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program specifically targets young Africans facing significant socio-economic challenges.
This includes eligible students such as:
- Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- Young people facing significant financial barriers
- Refugees
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
- Persons with disabilities
Academic excellence and leadership are also key considerations.
Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2027
For postgraduate applicants, the current University of Pretoria application information includes selected faculties and Master’s opportunities.
The official postgraduate information references areas including:
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Humanities
- Engineering, Built Environment and IT
- Law
Applicants should always confirm that their specific programme is included in the current intake before applying.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
This is one of the most important parts of the application process.
Step 1: Apply to University of Pretoria
First, you must apply for admission to the University of Pretoria through the official application system.
The University specifically states that students interested in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program must apply to UP first.
Step 2: Obtain Admission
Your academic application will be evaluated by the relevant University faculty.
The Mastercard Foundation scholarship application requires you to have been admitted to UP.
Step 3: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Application
Once you have received the required admission/provisional acceptance, download and complete the relevant Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
The current postgraduate application form requires supporting documentation, which can include:
- Academic records
- Certified identification/passport
- Proof of financial circumstances
- Relevant family/guardian financial documentation
- Other documents specified on the application form
Applicants should carefully follow the current application form because document requirements can change between intakes.
Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application
Submit the completed application and supporting documents according to the instructions provided by the University of Pretoria.
For the current postgraduate intake, the official form directs applicants to submit the application electronically to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program email address.
Important: University Admission Comes First
Do not confuse the two applications.
Applying for admission to the University of Pretoria is not the same as applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
The process is essentially:
University of Pretoria Application → Admission → Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application → Selection/Interview
The University explicitly states that applicants must be admitted to UP before being considered for the scholarship.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Selection
After submission, eligible applications go through a review process.
Candidates who progress through the process may be invited for an interview before the final scholarship decision.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain:
- Their academic achievements
- Their financial circumstances
- Their leadership experience
- Community involvement
- Their career goals
- How their education will contribute to their community and Africa
What Makes This Scholarship Different?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not simply a tuition scholarship.
The University of Pretoria describes it as providing wraparound support, including academic advising, counselling, leadership development and community-oriented opportunities.
This means successful scholars receive support designed to help them succeed academically and develop leadership skills beyond the classroom.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Important Dates
| Application Stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| UP 2027 Applications Open | 1 April 2026 |
| General UP Application Deadline | 30 June 2026 |
| Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Postgraduate Scholarship Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
The University advises applicants to apply early, particularly because admission to UP is a prerequisite for the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Tanzanian students apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at UP?
Yes. The programme is open to eligible African citizens, including Tanzanian applicants who meet the requirements.
- Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The programme provides comprehensive support that can include tuition, accommodation, meals, stipend, study materials, medical aid, visa costs and travel, alongside academic and leadership support.
- Do I need admission to University of Pretoria first?
Yes. The current UP instructions state that applicants must first apply and be admitted to UP before they can be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- What is the postgraduate deadline?
The current University of Pretoria page lists 30 September 2026 as the postgraduate scholarship deadline.
- What is the undergraduate deadline?
The University lists 31 August 2026 for undergraduate applicants.
- Who is the scholarship intended for?
It targets academically talented African youth who face significant socio-economic barriers and demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community service.
Final Words
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria is a strong scholarship opportunity for academically talented Tanzanian students who face financial barriers and want to pursue higher education in South Africa.
The programme provides much more than tuition support, with benefits that can include accommodation, meals, stipend, medical aid, visa costs, travel, academic support and leadership development.
For the 2027 intake, the current deadline is 30 September 2026 for postgraduate applicants, while undergraduate applications close on 31 August 2026.
Important: Applicants should start with the University of Pretoria admission process because admission is required before the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application can be considered.
🔗 Official Resources
University of Pretoria – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University of Pretoria – How to Apply
University of Pretoria – Eligibility Criteria
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