Are you a young African student who dreams of studying at one of Africa’s top universities but cannot afford the costs? The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) at the University of Pretoria (UP) might be the perfect opportunity for you. This prestigious scholarship is designed for academically talented students who face financial challenges, including youth with disabilities, refugees, or internally displaced people. The program not only offers full financial support but also aims to shape leaders who will give back to their communities and help develop their countries.

The University of Pretoria, located in South Africa, is one of the leading research universities in Africa. It offers high-quality education, a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and a supportive campus environment. Scholars in this program are empowered to grow academically and personally through mentorship, community service, and leadership development. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to be part of a vibrant and innovative academic community!

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation and meals in University of Pretoria residence
• Books and other study materials
• Monthly living allowance
• Transport costs (if applicable)
• Medical insurance
• Support for travel to and from the home country
• Personal development programs, including leadership and community service training

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Be a citizen of an African country
• Have a strong academic record (minimum 70% GPA)
• Come from a disadvantaged background (low income, refugee, displaced person, or person with disability)
• Not already hold a degree for the level you are applying to (e.g., undergraduate applicants should not have a bachelor’s degree)
• Be applying for your first year of study at UP for 2026
• Be willing to live in University of Pretoria residence
• Not hold any other scholarships, except UP achievement awards
• Must apply for a full-time degree (no part-time or non-degree programs)

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:
The scholarship is available for selected full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following faculties:

• Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
• Faculty of Theology
• Law (Postgraduate: SADC countries only)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
You must upload one combined PDF with the following:

• University of Pretoria provisional admission letter (if received before the deadline)
• Academic results (high school or prior degree)
• A certified copy of your passport/ID
• Income proof (salary slips, bank statements, affidavits)
• Death certificates (if applicable)
• Divorce decree or affidavits (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for applicant and siblings
• Proof of siblings’ tertiary enrollment (if any)
• Disability documentation (if applicable)
• Valid refugee permit (for refugees)

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

1. Apply for admission at the University of Pretoria by 30 June 2025 for undergraduate or 30 June 2024 for postgraduate studies. Here's the application fee waiver form for students who cannot afford the university application fees form
2. Download and complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application. undergraduate form and postgraduate form
3. Submit the scholarship application and all required documents as one PDF file to mcfsp@up.ac.za before the deadline.
4. You must also apply for residence at the University of Pretoria.

For a detailed guide on the application process, please watch this instructional video How to Apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• You cannot apply if you already have a degree in the level you’re applying for.
• Applicants must not hold any other bursary or scholarship (except for UP achievement awards).
• All applicants must be honest in their application. Any false information will lead to disqualification.
• Only admitted students will be considered.
• Priority is given to students who come from families that cannot afford tertiary education.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

• The admission application for Undergraduate and postgraduate programs is closing on 30 June 2025
• The Applications to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will close on August 31, 2025, for undergraduate studies and on September 30 2025, for postgraduate studies.


HERE'S A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO APPLY:


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