The University of Cape Town’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a unique scholarship program designed to support academically talented young Africans who are economically disadvantaged. The program provides full scholarships to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town. The program is set to award over 400 African students full scholarships until 2024.
Through the scholarship, students receive financial, academic, social, and post-graduation support. The program aims to create a community of leaders who will use their education to contribute to the development of their communities and the African continent. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, academic skills, and life skills.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a highly competitive program, and students are selected based on academic talent, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities. The program has a rigorous selection process, and students who are selected receive a world-class education at one of Africa’s leading universities. The program has produced several successful alumni who are making a significant impact in their communities and the world at large.
Overview of the Scholarship
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to offer the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This scholarship program is designed to provide young academically talented individuals from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education. The scholarship program is fully funded and covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living stipend.
Purpose
The purpose of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is to provide young individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence but lack financial resources with the opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education. The program aims to empower these individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders in their communities and contribute to the economic and social development of Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential
- Come from an economically disadvantaged background
- Have completed or be completing their secondary education in 2023
- Meet the UCT admission requirements for the chosen course of study
The scholarship program is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Undergraduate students can apply for any course of study offered at UCT, while postgraduate students can apply for any of the following courses:
- Development Studies
- Public Health
- Law
- Economics
- Engineering
- Energy
- Political Science
In summary, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is a great opportunity for young academically talented individuals from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa to pursue their dreams of higher education. The program provides full scholarships covering tuition fees, accommodation, and a living stipend, and is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria.
Application Process
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town provides full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate or postgraduate (honours and master’s) degree-seeking applicants. The application process is straightforward and consists of two main steps.
Application Steps
Step 1: Academic Application
Before applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must first apply for academic admission to the University of Cape Town. The application process for academic admission is different from the scholarship application process. Applicants must visit the UCT website to learn more about the undergraduate and graduate application procedures.
Step 2: Scholarship Application
After receiving academic admission to the University of Cape Town, applicants can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. To apply, applicants will need to register first on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program online scholarship application website. The application deadline for the scholarship is usually in September each year. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on the UCT website for more information on how to apply.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their scholarship application:
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Two reference letters
- Copy of ID or passport
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to submit their best work.
In conclusion, the application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town consists of two main steps: academic application and scholarship application. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, CV, personal statement/essay, two reference letters, and a copy of ID or passport as part of their scholarship application. It is important to ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a range of benefits to academically talented young Africans from economically disadvantaged communities. The scholarship provides a comprehensive package of financial and non-financial benefits to support students throughout their academic journey.
Financial Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers full scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, books, and other academic expenses. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic progress and personal conduct. The scholarship also covers the cost of a return flight ticket from the student’s home country to Cape Town.
In addition to the financial benefits, the scholarship provides students with access to career development services, including internships, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The scholarship also provides financial support for students to participate in leadership development programs, conferences, and other extracurricular activities.
Non-Financial Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides a range of non-financial benefits to support students throughout their academic journey. These benefits include academic support services, personal and career counseling, and cultural and social activities.
The program offers academic support services, including tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic advising. Students can also access personal and career counseling services to help them navigate the challenges of university life and plan for their future careers.
The program also provides cultural and social activities to help students integrate into the UCT community and develop a sense of belonging. These activities include cultural events, community service projects, and recreational activities.
Overall, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides a comprehensive package of financial and non-financial benefits to support academically talented young Africans from economically disadvantaged communities.
University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. It was founded in 1829 as the South African College and was renamed the University of Cape Town in 1918. UCT is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Africa, consistently ranking as the top university on the continent. It is also a member of the Worldwide Universities Network and the Association of African Universities.
Academic Programs
UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. The university is known for its strong programs in the fields of Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Business. UCT is also home to the African Institute for Financial Markets and Risk Management, which offers postgraduate programs in financial risk management.
Campus Life
UCT has a vibrant campus life, with over 100 student societies and clubs catering to a wide range of interests, from sports and music to politics and activism. The university is also home to the Baxter Theatre Centre, which hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including plays, concerts, and dance performances. The university has a strong commitment to social justice and sustainability, reflected in its campus-wide initiatives to reduce waste, conserve water, and promote renewable energy.
Overall, UCT is a world-class institution that offers a diverse range of academic programs and a rich campus life. Its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars’ Program is a testament to its commitment to providing access to quality university education for academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa.
Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is a global nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of people in developing countries. The Foundation’s mission is to advance education and financial inclusion to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. The Foundation partners with universities, NGOs, and other organizations to provide education and training opportunities to young people in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world.
Mission and Vision
The Mastercard Foundation’s mission is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. To achieve this mission, the Foundation provides financial support and resources to organizations that promote education, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment. The Foundation’s vision is to create a world where young people have the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed in life.
Other Initiatives
In addition to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town, the Foundation supports a number of other initiatives around the world. Some of these initiatives include:
- The Scholars Program: The Foundation’s flagship initiative, which provides scholarships to academically talented young people in developing countries.
- The Young Africa Works initiative: A partnership with African governments and the private sector to create employment opportunities for young people.
- The Rural and Agricultural Finance Learning Lab: A research and learning initiative that seeks to improve access to finance for smallholder farmers in Africa.
- The COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Program: A program that provides support to organizations working to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable communities.
Overall, the Mastercard Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people in developing countries through education, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment. The Foundation’s partnerships with universities, NGOs, and other organizations are helping to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper.
Testimonials
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has been a life-changing opportunity for many students at the University of Cape Town. Here are a few testimonials from past and current scholars:
- “The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams of becoming a lawyer. Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to afford a university education. I am grateful for the financial support and the leadership development opportunities that have helped me grow as a person.” – Sarah, Law student
- “Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar has allowed me to meet and learn from people from all over Africa. This program has not only given me a world-class education, but it has also exposed me to different cultures and perspectives. I feel more confident and prepared to make a positive impact in my community.” – Emmanuel, Engineering student
- “The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has been a blessing for me and my family. I am the first person in my family to attend university, and I am proud to be studying at UCT. The mentorship and career development opportunities have helped me plan for my future and set ambitious goals.” – Amina, Business student
These testimonials are just a few examples of the impact that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has had on the lives of students at the University of Cape Town. The program provides more than just financial support; it also fosters a sense of community and encourages personal and professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is a prestigious scholarship program that provides academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education. Here are some frequently asked questions about the program:
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
To be eligible to apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT, applicants must meet the stated criteria as recorded in the Terms of Reference and Conditions of Award document for Masters (by Research) applicants available at www.mcfsp.uct.ac.za/guidelines-postgraduate-applicants. The program is open to African students who are academically talented and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides full tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and other relevant academic expenses. It also includes a living stipend, medical aid, and travel expenses for international students. The scholarship covers the entire duration of the program, which is usually two years for a master’s degree.
How many scholarships are available?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT will award over 400 scholarships to African students until 2024. The program is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are available each year.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT are now open for studies in 2022. Interested applicants can apply online through the UCT website. The application process involves submitting academic transcripts, a personal statement, and two reference letters. Applicants will also need to demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
What are the selection criteria?
The selection criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT are based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to the community. The program is designed to support students who have the potential to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am already enrolled in a master’s program at UCT?
No, the scholarship is only available to students who are not currently enrolled in a master’s program at UCT. However, students who have been accepted into a master’s program at UCT can still apply for the scholarship before the start of the program.
Contact Information
For any inquiries about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT), interested individuals can contact the program team members via email or telephone. The program team members are Ms. Carol Ojwang, the Program Manager, and Mr. Xolani Mkoba, the Program Coordinator. They can be reached at [email protected] or +27 21 650 3601.
Additionally, the UCT website provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarship program, including information on eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines. The scholarship overview page can be found on the UCT website under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program section.
For those who wish to apply for the scholarship program, the application deadline for the 2023 intake is September 25, 2022. Interested individuals can apply for the scholarship program by visiting the UCT website and completing the online application form.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education. The program aims to develop a cohort of young leaders who are committed to transforming their communities and contributing to the economic and social development of Africa.
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