If you are looking to study in South Africa with financial support, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is one of the most valuable opportunities for international students. This scholarship provides fully funded study opportunities at South African universities across a variety of academic fields. This guide covers all the essential details about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a complete step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2026–2027 is open to both undergraduate and master’s degree studies. The program is designed to support academically talented but financially disadvantaged young Africans who demonstrate leadership potential and aim to contribute to Africa’s development through their knowledge, skills, values, and experiences.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
1. Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
2. Eligibility criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
3. Available Courses for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
4. Documents required for theMastercard Foundation Scholarship
5. How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
6. Deadlines for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
7. FAQs about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
1. Benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for African students. The scholarship covers:
- Accommodation and meals at a University of Pretoria residence or approved accommodation
- Full tuition fees
- A monthly living allowance
- Medical insurance for the entire study period
- Textbooks and other required academic materials
- Visa-related expenses
- Leadership development programs
- Reasonable travel expenses, including flights between the student’s home country and South Africa
- Academic guidance and counselling services
2. Eligibility criteria for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Required language: English
Eligible applicants: Citizens of African countries
- Applicants must first receive admission to a degree program at the University of Pretoria (UP)
- A UP student number is required to complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application
- Applicants must submit academic records and all required supporting documents
- The scholarship is open to young African students interested in undergraduate and postgraduate studies
3. Available Courses for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Faculty of Engineering Continuing Students May Apply:
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences:
- Food Science and Technology
- Agricultural Economics / Business Management
- Animal Science
- Plant Pathology
- Applied Plant and Soil Sciences
Faculty of Humanities:
- Humanities Political Studies
- Political Studies (International Studies)
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences:
- Accounting Sciences
- Financial Sciences
- Economics
- Informatics
- Agribusiness Management
4. Which documents are required for theMastercard Foundation Scholarship
4.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
4.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for University of Montreal Scholarships
4.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of References
4.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
4.8. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional) for University of Montreal Scholarships
4.1. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic records, like:
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate
B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for 2nd Master’s or fellowship)
C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)
D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying.
NOTE:
All of the above documents need to be attested by respective boards.
Also, attest them from the issuing authority of home countries. The respective university must attest university documents.
In the case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests to bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
4.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
- The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
- The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to South Africa.
- A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
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4.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
English proficiency requirements for the University of Montreal:
- TOEFL: internet-based test score of 90, computer-based test score of 233, or paper-based test score of 575
- IELTS: minimum overall academic band score of 6.5.
- CAEL: minimum overall score of 60.
- MELAB: minimum score of 85.
- CanTEST: minimum score of 4.5 in the listening and speaking sections and 4.0 in the reading and writing sections.
4.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of References
The applicants must provide up to 2 leadership letters of reference of a maximum of two pages from the previous university, (Depending upon courses).
It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.
The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.
The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.
After submitting your application, the referee will be contacted directly through email.
4.5. CV
Europass CV can be easily made here.
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand-signed.
4.6. GRE Score
The GRE score must be 145 in accordance with the new scoring system. The score must be much higher in subjects related to your academic field. For example, Students with engineering backgrounds must have good scores in Physics, chemistry etc while students of Social science and humanities must have good scores in Verbal subjects.
Note: You can apply for the reimbursement of the GRE fee if you get shortlisted and have an outstanding GRE Score.
4.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
If the final transcript isn’t ready then students can apply with a Hope certificate from their university.
However, they must graduate before their arrival in South Africa.
(Please make sure you contact your university in this regard )
What is Hope’s certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
4.8. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional)
Research publications/ Achievements (conference papers, article review, abstract of thesis)
The research proposal is mostly required for postdocs or Ph.D. students. (Depends upon the courses)
Your research proposal should briefly describe your research goals and objectives, the methods with which you wish to process that research, the outcomes you desire, the timeline and budget you have estimated, and the area of study you want to explore.
It shall be a brief document yet explain the entire vision to the reader so that those analyzing your application could know of your objectives and grant you the scholarship if they match the program’s criteria and eligibility.
Taking help from an external party is strictly prohibited and violation in this regard could lead to your disqualification no matter how incredible your proposal is.
4. How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Submit an Application Online
Applicants can apply through the online application system.
To complete the online application, you need:
- Reliable internet access
- An active email address that you check regularly
After submitting the online application, a student number (EMPLID) will be sent to your email as confirmation of receipt.
Applicants may also submit a printed application form by mail to:
University of Pretoria
Student Service Centre, Hatfield
Pretoria 0028, South Africa
Step 2: Application Review
Applications are reviewed by the relevant faculty representatives. Applicants will be notified about the final decision.
Postgraduate applicants must have their qualifications verified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Step 3: Download Application Forms
Applicants can download the required Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application forms and complete the process according to the provided instructions.
For application questions, applicants can contact the program office through the official communication channels.
5. Deadlines for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The application deadlines are:
Undergraduate applicants: 31 August 2026
Postgraduate applicants: 30 September 2026
6. FAQs about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Q. Which Universities Participate in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works with more than 62 partner institutions worldwide. These include universities such as Arizona State University, University of Cambridge, Sciences Po, UC Berkeley, McGill University, University of British Columbia, Makerere University, KNUST, and many other leading universities in Africa and internationally.
Q. Can I Apply to More Than One Partner University?
Yes. Applicants may apply to multiple Mastercard Foundation partner institutions at the same time. Each university reviews applications separately according to its own selection process.
Q. Is the Scholarship Only Available for Undergraduate Students?
No. The program supports both undergraduate and graduate-level students, including master’s and PhD candidates at selected partner universities. The available degree levels depend on each institution.
Q. Do Scholars Have to Return to Africa After Graduation?
The program strongly encourages graduates to use their education and skills to support Africa’s development. Although there is no strict contractual requirement to return, the mission of the program focuses on developing future African leaders who contribute to the continent.
Q. Is the Scholarship Based on Financial Need or Academic Merit?
The scholarship considers both factors. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, and financial need.
Q. Can Refugees Apply?
Yes. African refugees may be eligible to apply. For refugee applicants, the age limit may be extended to 32 years, and some partner universities provide specific opportunities for refugee scholars.
Q. What Additional Support Do Scholars Receive?
Beyond financial assistance, scholars receive:
Mentorship opportunities
Leadership development training
Mental health and well-being support
Career counselling
Internship opportunities
Access to a global alumni network consisting of more than 20,000 graduates
