Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2024 Application Details:
- Closing Date: 13 October 2023
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, initiated in 2012, has set out on a global mission to empower youth, primarily from African nations, in their pursuit of higher education and leadership development. With a focus on African students facing financial constraints, the Program extends comprehensive support in the form of financial aid, social guidance, and academic assistance.
In collaboration with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Mastercard Foundation invites students to apply for their scholarship program for the 2024 academic year. This article presents an overview of the program, eligibility criteria, fields of study, and application details.
1. About the Mastercard Foundation:
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative dedicated to assisting youth, especially those from African countries, in realizing their higher education ambitions and nurturing their leadership potential. This program operates through partnerships with universities and non-governmental organizations, with each partner institution managing the application process and selection.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program – Fields Covered:
For the 2024 academic year, the Mastercard Foundation, in conjunction with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), offers scholarships to academically gifted young African students. These scholarships are available in the following fields:
Undergraduate Qualifications:
- Economic & Management Sciences (Economics, Information Sciences, and Public Administration)
- Education (Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase)
- Humanities & Arts (History, Linguistics, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies)
- Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)
Postgraduate Qualifications (Masters degrees):
- Community & Health Sciences (Public Health)
- Economic & Management Sciences (Development Studies, Information Sciences, and Migration Studies)
- Humanities & Arts (Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development)
- Law (Governance and Human Rights)
- Natural Sciences (Biological, Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences)
3. More about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program:
This scholarship program provides full financial support for a maximum of 4 years for undergraduate studies (comprising a 3-year first degree and a 1-year honors degree or a 4-year first degree) and 2 years for master’s studies.
The selection process involves a committee reviewing all applications and subsequently reaching out to shortlisted candidates for interviews, which can be conducted either in person or virtually. Successful candidates will be contacted by no later than November 17, 2023.
4. Eligibility Requirements for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:
Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria before applying:
Undergraduate Studies:
- South African or other African country citizenship
- Age not exceeding 26 years
- Application for admission to UWC for 2024
- Meeting the minimum admissions requirements for the chosen degree at UWC
- Commitment to full-time undergraduate studies starting in January 2024
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated financial need
- Encouragement for individuals with disabilities to apply
Postgraduate (Masters) Studies:
- South African or other African country citizenship
- Age not exceeding 30 years
- Application for admission to UWC for 2024
- Meeting the minimum admissions requirements for the chosen master’s degree at UWC
- Preparedness to commence full-time master’s degree studies in January 2024
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated financial need
- Encouragement for individuals with disabilities to apply
5. How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Apply for admission to UWC. After applying, you will receive an Application Number. If you are a returning UWC student, you will already have a Student Number.
Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program using the respective links for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2024 (Postgraduate studies)
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2024 (Undergraduate studies)
Ensure you specify “StudentRoom” as your referral source in the application.
6. Required Supporting Documents:
Applicants must submit the following documents along with their online scholarship application:
For Undergraduate applicants:
- ID Document or Passport (certified copy)
- Cover letter detailing personal background, family financial position, reasons for choosing UWC, and future goals
- Matric certificate or mid-year Matric results
- Letter of recommendation from your high school principal or deputy principal
- One recent passport-size photograph
For Postgraduate (Masters) applicants:
- ID Document or Passport (certified copy)
- Cover letter detailing personal background, family financial position, reasons for choosing UWC, and future goals
- All academic records, including high school certificates and university-awarded degrees
- Letter of recommendation from your supervisor or head of department/school
- One recent passport-size photograph
Note: All documents must be saved and uploaded in PDF format.
Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on your educational journey with the support of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Apply today and open doors to a brighter future.
