Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025

Pursuing higher education can be a life-changing opportunity, especially for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who possess the potential to make a difference in their communities. In Africa, access to quality education remains a significant challenge for many.

To bridge this gap, the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 offers a transformative opportunity for bright and ambitious young Africans to study at leading institutions, such as the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The MCFSP is not just a scholarship—it is a holistic development program aimed at nurturing a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial leaders who will drive meaningful change across the continent.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026–2027, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, available courses, and step-by-step application process.

What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) is a flagship initiative that aims to empower academically outstanding young Africans from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal is to train future leaders committed to applying their education to positively transform Africa.

Related Post: NNPC TotalEnergies Scholarship

University of Pretoria (UP)—one of South Africa’s premier institutions—hosts the program, offering scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s) degrees. While the selection is open to Africans broadly, successful applicants must return home after graduation to strengthen community development across the continent.

More than just funding, the program provides holistic support, including leadership training, mentorship, community service, internships, and career readiness initiatives.

Who Is Eligible?

Criterion	Requirement
Citizenship	Must be an African national.
Academic Admission	Must be provisionally or fully admitted into an undergraduate or master’s degree at UP.
Program Level	Undergraduate or Master’s studies.
Language Proficiency	Proficiency in English (required to study at UP).
Leadership Potential & Service	Demonstrated leadership qualities and commitment to community impact.
Financial Need	Must come from a low-income background.
For Master’s Applicants	Degrees must be verified by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).
Other Considerations	Preference for first-generation college students; should not hold a prior master’s degree.

Focus Fields & Eligible Programs

The scholarship spans a wide range of academic disciplines across three faculties:

Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology

Industrial Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mining Engineering

Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences

Food Science and Technology
Agricultural Economics/Business Management
Animal Science
Plant Pathology
Applied Plant and Soil Sciences

Faculty of Humanities

Political Studies
International Studies

Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences

Accounting Sciences
Financial Sciences
Economics
Informatics
Agribusiness Management

Note: Graduates are expected to take part in community service and internships—core to the MCFSP ethos.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is fully funded and includes:

Full tuition coverage at the University of Pretoria
Residence accommodation & meals in UP-approved facilities
Monthly stipend to support living costs
Medical aid coverage during the period of study
Textbooks & learning materials support
Visa & study-permit fees (if applicable)
Travel support (round-trip flight to/from South Africa)
Leadership development programs and mentorship
Academic advising & counseling support

This holistic support ensures scholars can focus on studies and development without financial or logistical barriers.

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, ensure you meet

Citizen of an African country
Admitted or pre-admitted to UP for undergraduate or master’s
Strong academic performance
Proven financial need
Leadership potential & service achievements
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if applicable)
For master’s: SAQA certificate verification
Under 30 (ex): typical but not strictly stated; age primarily viewed alongside other factors
Not holding an existing master’s degree

Program Timeline & Important Dates

Milestone	Date
Call for Applications Opens	Early 2025 (often Feb–Mar for next academic year)
Application Deadline	30 September 2025
Faculty Review	October – November 2025
SAQA Verification (for Master’s)	As soon as you apply
Final Selection by Scholarship Committee	October–November 2025
Admission/Scholarship Offer Dispatch	November–December 2025
Commencement of Studies	February 2026 (Spring semester)

The scholarship window is annual, so early readiness is key. Watch for official announcements each year in major channels and UP’s website.

Required Documents

Academic Documentation

Full set of certified transcripts (high school for undergrad; academic record & degree certificate for master’s).
Passport copy and bio page.

Admission Supporting Evidence

Official letter of provisional/full admission from UP (showing your student EMPLID).

Personal Statement

Essay covering background, financial situation, leadership, community service, academic interests, and future goals.

Letters of Recommendation

2–3 references from teachers, professors, employers, or community leaders who can speak to your abilities.

Language Test Scores

IELTS/TOEFL for international English (consult UP for minimum requirements; often IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL iBT ≥ 85).

SAQA Verification (Master’s only)

An official SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications—required to formalize admission.

Proof of Financial Need

Bank statements, income certificates, etc., to demonstrate limited ability to fully fund study.

Passport Copy

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Gain Admission to UP

Visit the UP Admission Portal and apply to your chosen program(s).
Ensure you meet academic and English-language prerequisites.

Step 2: Get Pre-Admission Confirmation

Once shortlisted, UP issues a provisional letter with EMPLID (student number).
This EMPLID is required to begin the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application.

Step 3: Initiate SAQA Process (Master’s Only)

Apply to SAQA for a certificate evaluation—essential for foreign master’s qualification.

Step 4: Complete Scholarship Application Form

Use EMPLID to log into the MCFSP application portal.
Select level of study and grant type.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Passport, academic documents, admission letter, English test, letters of recommendation, personal statement, proof of need.

Step 6: Submit by Deadline

Make sure submission is completed before 30 September 2025.

Step 7: Faculty Shortlisting

The relevant UP faculty reviews applications in October–November.

Step 8: Scholarship Committee Decision

Final approval is based on academic merit, need, potential, and faculty input.

Step 9: Offer & Acceptance

If awarded, receive an official offer from Mastercard Foundation and UP.
Confirm acceptance within the designated period.

Step 10: Prepare for Study

Complete any pending SAQA or visa requirements.
Plan your move, accommodation, and arrival in South Africa in early 2026.

Post-Graduation Expectations

As an HSBC Scholar:

Return to your home country to serve communities with the skills gained.
Stay connected through alumni networks and peer cohorts.
Give back via mentorship, workshops, or volunteer service once back home.

UP may monitor your career progress as part of the program accountability.

Tips for a Strong Application

Start Early—Admission and SAQA take time; begin as soon as possible.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement—Focus on achievements, challenges overcome, leadership, and future impact.
Choose strong recommenders—preferably those who can attest to your character, academic ability, and leadership.
Highlight Community Involvement—MCFSP values service; describe your real contributions or initiatives.
Show Genuine Financial Need—Submit verified documentation to demonstrate economic hardship.
Ensure English Proficiency—Upload valid IELTS/TOEFL or include certified English-medium transcripts.
Adhere to UP’s Deadlines—Scholarship applications may be refused if admission is incomplete.

Who Should Apply?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is ideal for:

African students aiming to study high-impact fields such as engineering, agriculture, economics, or computer science.
Talented individuals with excellent academic records and leadership capabilities.
Candidates coming from low-income backgrounds with a drive to uplift their communities after study.
Those seeking holistic mentorship, international exposure, and high-quality tertiary education.

Useful Links & Contacts

University of Pretoria Admissions Page—for application guidelines.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Portal—For scholarship application.
SAQA Certificate Application—Only for master’s.
MCFSP Contacts:
- Email: (Given by UP’s scholarship office)
- Phone: +27 … (University line)

Final Takeaway

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UP offers a life-changing opportunity—no financial barriers, full academic and personal support, and a launching pad for a leadership-driven career committed to the transformation of Africa.

But the program is highly competitive, so early planning, strong academic and personal narratives, and careful documentation are essential.

If you’re an African student with the vision, drive, and dedication, this fully funded scholarship can turn your educational dream into reality—and empower you to give back to the continent.

Good luck with your application! If you need help with essays, the visa process, or program selection, feel free to ask.

Also Read
NNPC TotalEnergies Scholarship
NDDC Local Scholarship
Michael Taiwo Scholarship
Fulbright Scholarship 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Opportunity to Study in the USA

Author Info

Trending News