University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2026/27 | Fully Funded

The University of Pretoria has announced the opening of applications for the 2026/27 Mastercard Scholarship at UP for qualified and interested African students who wish to study in South Africa.

The Mastercard Foundation offers fully funded scholarships to students who have applied for and gained admission into eligible programmes at the University of Pretoria.

Successful applicants will receive support covering full tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, laptop, travel costs, medical aid, and monthly living stipends for the duration of their studies.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: South Africa
• Study Destination: Study in Africa
• Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All African Countries
• Scholarship Benefits: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Laptop | Accommodation | Travel Costs
• Deadline: September 30, 2026

Scholarship Details

The University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering scholarships to academically outstanding African students interested in pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies beginning in 2026.

The scholarship is designed for talented but economically disadvantaged young Africans who are passionate about transforming the continent through leadership, education, and community service.

Recipients are expected to return to their home countries after graduation and contribute positively to their communities using the knowledge and leadership skills gained during their studies.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an African country
• Come from an economically disadvantaged background and demonstrate financial need
• Show leadership potential
• Be actively involved in community service or giving-back initiatives
• Have excellent academic records and maintain strong academic performance

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship will cover:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation in a UP residence
• Meals
• Books and printed materials
• Laptop
• Monthly stipend
• Medical aid
• Travel costs (one return trip during study period)
• Visa application costs

Available Faculties / Programmes

Eligible programmes are offered in the following faculties:

• Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities (BPolSci – Political Studies or International Studies only)
• Faculty of Law (Undergraduate: SADC only | Postgraduate: All African Countries)
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT)

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:

1. Apply for admission into an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at the University of Pretoria.
2. Download and complete the required application form (undergraduate or postgraduate).
3. Submit your completed application electronically to: mcfsp@up.ac.za
4. Applications will be reviewed.
5. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

Apply here