University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2027

If you are searching for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship, you have landed in the right place. This is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships in South Africa for African students, and this guide breaks down everything you need — from eligibility and benefits to the exact step-by-step application process — so you can apply with confidence.

The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship, officially known as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria (UP), has supported high-achieving young Africans pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees since January 2014. In December 2023, UP and the Mastercard Foundation entered a new Phase II agreement, and a new cohort began studies in January 2024 — meaning the program is very much active and continuing to admit new scholars every year.

Quick Facts About the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship

Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship (Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)
Host University	University of Pretoria, South Africa
Funded By	Mastercard Foundation
Degree Levels	Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Eligible Candidates	Academically talented young Africans facing economic/social barriers, including refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities
Undergraduate Deadline (2027 intake)	31 August 2026
Postgraduate Deadline (2027 intake)	30 September 2026
Application Fee	None

What Is the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship?

The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship is a partnership program between the University of Pretoria and the Mastercard Foundation, designed to give academically talented young Africans access to quality higher education despite facing significant financial and social barriers. The program specifically welcomes applicants from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals living with disabilities.

Unlike scholarships that only pay tuition, the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship provides what UP calls “wraparound support” — a complete support system that covers academic costs, living expenses, health insurance, mentoring, and leadership development, so scholars can focus entirely on their studies and personal growth.

Beyond academics, the program places heavy emphasis on leadership, community service, and entrepreneurship. Scholars are expected to participate in volunteering, internships, and leadership training throughout their time at UP, with the long-term goal of returning home to contribute to their communities and the continent’s development.

Is the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes. The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship is genuinely fully funded — it is not a partial tuition waiver or a stipend-only award. Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support that covers tuition fees, campus accommodation, meals, a monthly stipend, learning materials, health insurance, and even a one-time internship allowance. This is what distinguishes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program from many other “scholarships” that only cover a fraction of a student’s costs.

What the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship Covers

Here is exactly what the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship provides to every selected scholar, according to the official program page:

First-year start-up funds and visa fees
Full tuition fees for the duration of the program
Campus room and board (accommodation and meals)
Monthly stipend for personal and living expenses
School supplies and books, provided through the Fundi platform
Student health insurance (medical aid)
One-time, Africa-based summer internship, including flights and a stipend
Leadership and focus courses, seminars, and skills workshops
Counselling and psychological support services
Community service and volunteering opportunities
A dedicated student services advisor, campus support committee, and holistic tutoring/mentoring
Access to UP’s International Office, including liaison support, workshops, and advising

What the Scholarship Does Not Cover

To help you plan realistically, the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship does not cover the following:

Funding beyond the standard 8 semesters for undergraduates or 2 years for postgraduate students (including summer school)
Loans of any kind
Guaranteed coverage of all medical or dental procedures
Late fees (e.g., late add/drop fees) or replacement of lost items such as keys or laptops
Professional development funds for individual activities like conferences
Internship or job placement guarantees after the program
SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) verification fees, USAf (Universities South Africa) fees, or passport application costs

Knowing these limits upfront helps applicants budget correctly and avoid surprises once enrolled.

Eligibility Requirements for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship

To qualify for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:

Be an African national — the program recruits widely across the continent, with particular attention to young people facing significant socio-economic barriers.
Have already applied to, or been provisionally/fully admitted into, an eligible undergraduate, Honours, or Master’s program at the University of Pretoria.
Demonstrate strong academic performance — the program is competitive, and financial hardship alone is not sufficient without a solid academic record.
Show leadership qualities and a commitment to community service, evidenced through school activities, projects, volunteering, or religious/community organizations.
Belong to a target group facing economic or social barriers, which explicitly includes refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals living with disabilities.
For postgraduate applicants from outside South Africa, meet SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) requirements; for undergraduate applicants from outside South Africa, meet Universities South Africa (USAf) requirements.
Commit to returning to your home country or region after completing the program, in line with the scholarship’s continental development goals.

Degree Levels and Fields of Study Covered

The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship supports three levels of study:

Undergraduate degrees — first-time entering students admitted to UP.
Honours degrees — postgraduate students building on a completed bachelor’s degree.
Master’s degrees — research or coursework-based postgraduate programs.

Applicants can select from a wide range of academic fields at the University of Pretoria, and there is no single restricted “scholarship faculty” — eligibility depends primarily on admission to UP and meeting the program’s socio-economic and leadership criteria rather than a specific course of study.

University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship Application Deadline

For the current 2027 intake, the official deadlines are:

Undergraduate applicants: 31 August 2026
Postgraduate (Honours/Master’s) applicants: 30 September 2026

Important pattern to remember: Every year, the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship typically opens applications early in the academic year and closes them in the final quarter — undergraduate deadlines generally fall in August, and postgraduate deadlines in September, ahead of the following year’s intake. If you are reading this after the dates above have passed, check the official University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page for the next cycle’s exact dates, since this pattern repeats annually with only the year changing.

How to Apply for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship (Step by Step)

Applying for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship involves applying to UP itself first, then submitting a separate scholarship application. Here is the full process:

Step 1: Apply to the University of Pretoria First

You must apply to UP before you can be considered for the scholarship. Once you’ve started or completed your UP application, download the relevant Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program form:

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Complete the downloaded form and submit it electronically, along with all required supporting documents, to the program’s official email address. For questions, you can call +27 (0)12 420 4297.

Step 3: Application Review

After submission, your application undergoes a formal review process. The program advises that if you do not hear back, you should assume your application was unsuccessful for that cycle — so it’s worth applying as early as possible.

Step 4: Interview

Shortlisted, eligible candidates are invited to an interview as the final stage before admission into the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship program.

Required Documents

While specific requirements vary slightly by degree level, applicants to the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship should generally prepare:

Completed UP admission application
Completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form (undergraduate or postgraduate)
Certified academic transcripts and certificates
A valid passport or national ID
Proof of financial need or socio-economic circumstances
Evidence of leadership and community service involvement (letters, certificates, or a personal statement)
SAQA evaluation (for postgraduate applicants from outside South Africa) or USAf documentation (for undergraduate applicants from outside South Africa)

Selection Process and Interview

Selection for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship is competitive and merit-based, combining academic performance with demonstrated leadership potential and genuine financial need. After the document review stage, shortlisted candidates go through an interview designed to assess their commitment to community service, leadership vision, and alignment with the program’s goal of developing transformative African leaders.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Apply to UP early. You cannot be considered for the scholarship without an active UP application, so don’t leave this until the deadline.
Document your leadership and community work. Concrete examples — not vague statements — carry the most weight during review.
Be honest about your socio-economic circumstances. The program specifically prioritizes applicants facing real financial and social barriers.
Proofread your forms. Incomplete or inconsistent applications are an easy way to be screened out early.
Prepare for the interview like a scholarship, not a job application. Focus on your vision for giving back to Africa, not just your personal ambitions.

What Is Expected of Mastercard Scholars

Once admitted, scholars under the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship are expected to:

Maintain steady academic progress throughout their studies
Stay connected to and engaged with the African continent
Comply with all University of Pretoria policies and regulations
Report academic issues to their advisor in a timely manner
Complete one pre-approved summer internship based in Africa
Actively participate in program activities, mentoring, and leadership training
Return to their home country or region after completing their academic program

The University of Pretoria is only one of several African partner universities hosting Mastercard Foundation Scholars. If you’re comparing options, you may also want to read our full breakdown of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Cape Town, which follows a similar model but has its own application process, deadlines, and campus support structure.

More Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students

If the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship isn’t the right fit — or you simply want to increase your chances by applying broadly — explore these guides on LicensureHub:

Other Scholarships Worth Exploring

Beyond Mastercard Foundation-backed programs, here are other major fully funded opportunities African students commonly compare the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship against. We haven’t published dedicated LicensureHub guides for these yet, so these links go straight to each program’s official page:

25+ Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada 2027
Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada: 25+ Top Programs to Apply For (2026–2027) If you are searching for fully funded scholarships in Canada, you already know the country offers some of the most generous student funding in the world — but figuring out which award actually pays for everything, who qualifies, and when to apply can…
Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students (45 Best)
Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students If you’re an ambitious student from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, or anywhere else on the continent, this guide brings together the most reliable fully funded scholarships for African students available right now — government-funded, university-funded, Africa-specific, and foundation-backed. Every entry below either links to an…
Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS: 20+ Best Options
Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for International Students If the cost, scheduling headache, or difficulty of the IELTS exam has ever stopped you from applying to study abroad, you are not alone. The good news is that fully funded scholarships without IELTS for international students exist in real numbers — not as rare exceptions, but…
Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships: 50+ Best Picks
Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships: 50+ Best Picks for International Students If you’re hunting for fully funded undergraduate scholarships, you already know the frustration: hundreds of “top scholarship” lists that are really just AdSense bait, dead links, and vague promises. This guide is different. Below you’ll find 50+ fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students, organized…
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships: 70+ Best Options 2027
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships: 70+ Best Options for International Students If you are searching for fully funded Master’s scholarships, you already know the problem: tuition, rent, flights, and insurance can easily cost $30,000–$60,000 a year, and most “scholarship lists” you find online are outdated, incomplete, or padded with links that go nowhere. This guide fixes…
60 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Every entry below links either to an in-depth LicensureHub guide (where we’ve already broken down eligibility, benefits, and the application process step-by-step) or directly to the scholarship’s official page. We update this list annually as programs open, close, or change their funding structure, so bookmark it rather than searching for a “version” next year. Our…
University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2027 (Free)
University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2027 If you are searching for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship, you have landed in the right place. This is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships in South Africa for African students, and this guide breaks down everything you need — from eligibility and benefits to the…
Science Graduate Scholarship at University of Melbourne: 2027
Science Graduate Scholarship at University of Melbourne: Best 2027 Guide If you’re searching for the Science Graduate Scholarship at University of Melbourne, you’ve already found one of the simplest, most accessible tuition-reduction awards for international graduate students at Australia’s #1-ranked university. Unlike many competitive scholarships that demand a separate application, essays, and reference letters, the…
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship University of Cape Town 2027
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship University of Cape Town If you are searching for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship University of Cape Town, you have landed on the only guide you need. This article breaks down exactly what the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship University of Cape Town covers, who qualifies, how the application process works, and the insider tips…

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Is the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, a monthly stipend, health insurance, books, and a one-time internship allowance, making it a genuinely fully funded scholarship in South Africa.

Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP?
Academically talented young Africans facing economic or social barriers, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities, who have applied to or been admitted into an undergraduate, Honours, or Master’s program at the University of Pretoria.

What is the deadline for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship?
For the 2027 intake, undergraduate applications close on 31 August 2026 and postgraduate applications close on 30 September 2026. Deadlines follow this same August–September pattern each year.

Does the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship cover flights?
It covers flights only for the one-time, Africa-based summer internship. It does not automatically fund international travel to and from your home country outside of that internship.

Can non-South African African students apply?
Yes. The program is open to applicants across the African continent, though non-South African applicants must meet SAQA (postgraduate) or USAf (undergraduate) qualification requirements.

How many years does the scholarship fund?
It funds the standard duration of study — up to 8 semesters for undergraduate degrees and up to 2 years for postgraduate (Honours/Master’s) degrees.

Do I have to apply to the University of Pretoria before applying for the scholarship?
Yes. You must first submit your UP admission application, then separately complete and submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.

Is there an application fee for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship?
No. Applying for the scholarship itself is free; only standard UP admission requirements apply.

University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

Final Thoughts

The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship remains one of the strongest fully funded pathways into South African higher education for African students facing real financial and social barriers. Its combination of full tuition coverage, living support, health insurance, and structured leadership development sets it apart from most scholarship programs on the continent.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t wait until the deadline week — start your UP admission application now, gather your leadership and community service evidence, and apply for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship as early as possible. For the most accurate, up-to-date deadlines and forms, always confirm directly on the official University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.

Have questions about your own eligibility for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship? Drop them in the comments below, and explore more fully funded scholarships for African students on LicensureHub.

Table of Contents