The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a 10-year, $500 million global initiative to educate and develop next generation leaders who will contribute to social and economic transformation. The Program enables young people from economically disadvantaged communities to complete quality secondary and university education, and make successful transitions to further education or careers in their home countries. Through comprehensive support, Scholars receive learning opportunities that equip them with knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in the economy, and make positive impacts in their communities.
A Focus on Africa
Scholars in the Program are primarily from Africa. In recent years, the continent has experienced unprecedented economic progress and political resurgence. More than 60 percent of its population is under the age of 25, making it the continent with the youngest demographics. Yet, Sub-Saharan Africa is also the region with the lowest enrollment rates in secondary and university education. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program supports economically disadvantaged young people from across the continent, and encourages them to apply their knowledge towards the betterment of their home communities and countries.
Scholars in the Program are primarily from Africa. In recent years, the continent has experienced unprecedented economic progress and political resurgence. More than 60 percent of its population is under the age of 25, making it the continent with the youngest demographics. Yet, Sub-Saharan Africa is also the region with the lowest enrollment rates in secondary and university education. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program supports economically disadvantaged young people from across the continent, and encourages them to apply their knowledge towards the betterment of their home communities and countries.
The Program Design
The University of Pretoria-Mastercard Foundation Schloars Program (UP-MCFSP) is uniquely designed to provide Scholars with holistic support, including:
- Comprehensive scholarships (tuition fees, living expenses, books, stipends, transportation);
- Academic support in the chosen programme;
- Mentoring and counseling support;
- Service and experiential learning (volunteerism, internships, social entrepreneurship); and
- Advise on CV writing and interview skills to apply for jobs in the scholar’s countries.
Interested in applying for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship?
Mastercard Foundation offers a full scholarship to students who have applied for and been admitted to one of the following undergraduate study programmes at the University of Pretoria:
Faculty of Engineering
- BEng (Industrial Engineering)
- BEng (Chemical Engineering)
- BEng (Civil Engineering)
- BEng (Electrical Engineering)
- BEng (Electronic Engineering)
- BEng (Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering)
- BEng (Mining Engineering)
- BEng (Computer Engineering)
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- BCom (Accounting Science)
- BCom (Financial Science)
- BCom (Economics)
- BCom (Informatics)
- BCom (Agribusiness Management)
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- BScAgric (Food Science and Technology)
- BScAgric (Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Management)
- BScAgric (Animal Science)
- BScAgric (Plant Pathology)
- BScAgric (Applied Plant and Soil Sciences)
Faculty of Humanities
- BSW - Bachelor of Social Work
- BPolSci - Political Sciences
Faculty of Education
- BEd (Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching)
Postgraduate Study Programmes
Honours and Masters degree applications will be accepted in the fields of Engineering, Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Economic and Management Sciences.
THERE ARE NO PhD SCHOLARSHIPS.
Period of the Scholarships
The scholar should complete their degree in the minimum degree period.
The scholar should complete their degree in the minimum degree period.
What The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship covers
If your MCFSP application is successful the Program will cover the following:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a UP residence
- Meals
- Books and printed material
- A modest monthly stipend
- Medical aid
- Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period)
- Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates should be citizens from Sub-Saharan African country.
- Applicants should come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate financial neediness.
- Candidates should demonstrate leadership potential and ought to be involved in a giving back project eg. in a community, at school, church etc
- Academic excellence is paramount and students have to maintain a high academic average at all times.
- Candidates need to be first time applicants as first year students in the degree programme.
Application Instructions
Instructions
- In order to apply for the scholarship, you MUST have been admitted into a degree at UP. You will need your student number to complete the MCFSP application, which must be accompanied by your academic records and other supporting documents as outlined in the application form.
- Be sure to include documents that support what your family, guardian or foster
parents can afford to pay. Examples of such documentation include bank
statements, pay slips and loan documents. - Only students admitted to full-time study at UP will be considered for the scholarship.
- Only prospective students who cannot afford to pay the full fees are eligible to apply. Do not apply for funding if you or your parents, guardian or foster parents can afford the full tuition fees.
- All the information provided must be accurate and true. Any falsification of
information on the application form may result in disqualification from consideration for a scholarship.
If your application is successful, the Program will cover the following:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals in a UP residence or UP-accredited accommodation
- A modest monthly stipend
- Text books and printed material
- Medical aid cover for the duration of study
- VISA costs
- Reasonable travel costs (including flight ticket) to and from your home
- Leadership development opportunities
- Academic advising and counselling support
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARS
Please note that the scholarship is for first-time applicants, applying as first-year students to undergraduate programmes. The MCFSP currently offers scholarships to students who have applied for and have been admitted to one of the following faculties at UP:
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities for entry into the BPolSci (Political Studies or International Studies only)
For more information on the specific courses offered in the abovementioned faculties,
POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARS
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities for entry into the Honours or Masters (Political Studies or International Studies only)
- Faculty of Engineering – continuing students are eligible to apply
For more information on the specific courses offered in the abovementioned faculties,
How to apply
Step 1
You may apply online at www.up.ac.za/apply.
To use the online Application system, you will need Internet access and an email address that you can access regularly. As soon as you submit your online application, a student number (EMPLID) will be sent to this email address as confirmation of receipt.
Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of your application form to the following address:
University of Pretoria
Student Service Centre
Hatfield
Pretoria 0028
South Africa
Step 2
The application will be evaluated by members of the relevant faculty and you will be informed of the outcome.
Undergraduate applicants are required to write the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the National Benchmark Test (NBT). Please visit www.collegeboard.org and http://www.nbt.ac.za/ for more details. Please check with your faculty regarding the requirements for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
Step 3
Download application forms for the MCFSP from www.up.ac.za/mcfsp.
Step 4
Submit your MCFSP application from to mcfsp@up.ac.za for undergraduates and asanda.vumazonke@up.ac.za for postgraduates together with ALL supporting documents as stated on the first page of the application form.
Application enquiries can be directed to:
Tel: 012 420 4297
Please visit www.up.ac.za/isd for general information for international students.
