University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarships 2027-28 in South Africa | Fully Funded
The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarships 2027-28 provide an opportunity for talented young Africans facing financial or socioeconomic barriers to pursue higher education at the University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria supports eligible African students through comprehensive financial, academic, leadership and personal support. The program currently covers undergraduate, Honours and Master’s-level study, rather than doctoral study.
According to the supplied scholarship source, the 2027-28 opportunity is intended for African students with strong academic records, financial need and leadership or community-service experience.
University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarships 2027-28 – Overview
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| Host University | University of Pretoria |
| Study Country | South Africa |
| Eligible Students | African students |
| Study Levels | Undergraduate, Honours and Master’s |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Target Group | Young Africans facing socioeconomic barriers |
| Undergraduate Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Postgraduate Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Application | University admission + Mastercard Foundation application |
The University of Pretoria confirms that the program supports high-achieving young Africans pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate Honours and Master’s degrees.
About the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria is designed to support academically talented young Africans who face significant economic and social barriers to higher education.
The program also considers young people living with disabilities, refugees and internally displaced persons. Leadership, community service and a commitment to contributing to African communities are important parts of the program.
The supplied source describes the scholarship as an opportunity for talented but economically disadvantaged African students and highlights areas such as agriculture, engineering, business and social sciences.
Financial Benefits
The University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides comprehensive support to selected scholars.
According to the University of Pretoria, the program can cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Campus accommodation and meals
- Monthly stipend
- Books and school supplies
- Student health insurance
- Visa fees and start-up support in the first year
- Transportation support
- One-time Africa-based summer internship, including flight and stipend
- Academic support
- Leadership training
- Mentoring and counselling
- Community-service opportunities
- Entrepreneurship development
- Dedicated student support services
The university describes the program as providing comprehensive funding together with academic, mentoring, counselling, leadership and experiential-learning support.
Important Funding Note
The scholarship does not cover every possible expense. The University of Pretoria states that funding does not extend beyond the standard eight semesters for undergraduate students or two years for graduate students, and some costs such as SAQA, USAf and passport fees are excluded.
Available Study Fields
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is connected to selected study programs at the University of Pretoria.
The university lists participating faculties including:
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Education
Applicants should check the specific programs available for the 2027 intake before applying.
The supplied source also lists postgraduate areas such as Accounting Sciences, Advanced Data Analytics, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, Economics, Financial Management Sciences, Human Resource Management, Informatics, Marketing Management, Public Management and Policy, Tourism Management and other related programs.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarships 2027-28, applicants should meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
According to the University of Pretoria:
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country.
- Applicants should come from an economically disadvantaged background and demonstrate financial need.
- Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential.
- Applicants should have participated in community, school, religious or other service activities.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance.
The program also specifically targets young Africans facing significant socioeconomic challenges, including eligible refugees, internally displaced persons and people with disabilities.
Required Documents
The supplied scholarship information lists the following documents:
- Online application form
- Short CV or résumé
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Two reference letters
- Personal statement
- Study plan or research proposal where applicable
Applicants should also carefully check the current 2027 application form because the University of Pretoria may require additional supporting documents, particularly evidence relating to financial circumstances and admission.
Application Deadline
For the 2027 intake, the University of Pretoria currently lists different deadlines depending on the study level:
Undergraduate: 31 August 2026
Postgraduate: 30 September 2026
These dates are published on the university’s current application instructions.
The supplied source also gives 31 August and 30 September 2026 as the closing dates for international applicants.
Important: Applicants should apply to the University of Pretoria as early as possible because admission is required before the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application can be completed.
How to Apply for University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarships
The application process involves applying for admission to the University of Pretoria first.
Step 1: Apply to the University of Pretoria
Submit your application for an eligible program through the University of Pretoria’s application system.
The university states that applicants must apply to UP first and obtain admission before proceeding with the Mastercard Foundation application.
Step 2: Receive Admission
Your application will be evaluated by the relevant faculty. If you are admitted or provisionally accepted, you can proceed with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
Step 3: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Application
Download and complete the appropriate 2027 undergraduate or postgraduate application form and submit it with the required supporting documents.
For the current 2027 process, the university instructs applicants to submit the completed application electronically to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program contact email.
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed, and eligible candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Step 5: Prepare for Enrollment
Successful applicants should have a valid passport where required so they can proceed with visa arrangements and other international student requirements.
Official Application Link
University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
Official Scholarship Website
University of Pretoria Application:
Apply to the University of Pretoria
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship fully funded?
The University of Pretoria describes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as providing comprehensive funding, including tuition, accommodation, books, stipends and other support services.
Who can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UP?
The program is intended for eligible African students, particularly academically talented young people facing significant economic and social barriers.
What degree levels are available?
For the current 2027 application information, the University of Pretoria lists undergraduate, Honours and Master’s opportunities.
What is the postgraduate deadline?
The current University of Pretoria application page lists 30 September 2026 for postgraduate applications for the 2027 intake.
Do I need to apply to the University of Pretoria first?
Yes. The current UP instructions state that applicants must apply to the University of Pretoria first and be accepted before proceeding with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
What does the scholarship cover?
The program can provide tuition, accommodation, meals, stipend, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation and several academic, leadership and mentoring services.
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarships 2027-28 offer eligible African students an opportunity to pursue higher education in South Africa with comprehensive financial and academic support.
The program is designed for academically strong young Africans who face financial or socioeconomic barriers and demonstrate leadership and commitment to their communities. For the 2027 intake, applicants should pay close attention to the separate 31 August 2026 undergraduate and 30 September 2026 postgraduate deadlines and complete the University of Pretoria admission process ea
