Deadline: 30 September 2020
Open to: students from African countries who have been admitted to UCT
Benefits: fully-funded

Description

Do you have what it takes to be a Mastercard Foundation Scholar? The University of Cape Town is looking for the next generation of leaders to join this unique scholarship program.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Scholars’ Program: an educational initiative that provides academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa with access to quality university education.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT provides full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate or postgraduate (honours and master’s) degree-seeking applicants. The scholarships ensure a premium educational package that will produce graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable, and whose transition into the workforce is underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

These scholarships cover the full period of study and are renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance and participation in the activities and opportunities offered by the programme. Successful candidates will be required to commit themselves to returning to their home countries and to invest their gained skills and education in their country’s social and economic growth.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town, candidates must meet the stated criteria:

• Academically talented, must value learning and be driven to complete their education.
• Economically disadvantaged and facing significant financial barriers to accessing education.
• Committed to giving back to their own communities once studies are completed, to return to their home countries and take a leadership role in promoting social and economic improvement.
• Future leaders committed to embracing ethical leadership to improve the lives of others.
• Commitment to community service through previous and/or past engagements with community outreach activities
• Citizens and residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Wanting to study at undergraduate. Honours applicants will be considered from 2016.
• All prospective Scholars must first be admitted to the University of Cape Town to be considered for the Scholarship. Although each academic department has its own criteria, a minimum of 60% for the Honours, or equivalent degree is the overall academic criterion required for entry into the Masters’ degree.
• Preference will be given to ‘first-generation’ students, i.e. those who are the first ones in their families to go to university.

Benefits

The scholarships will cover for the following:

• Reimbursement of costs incurred for visa application processing
• An economy class air ticket to Cape Town South Africa for awardees who are i) citizens and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town
• Full tuition fees and international student fees
• Accommodation in the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
• Meals through the student housing system at the University of Cape Town
• Medical cover with a recommended medical aid service provider
• A living stipend; to be used to cover ad hoc expenses pertaining to your studies
• A book allowance to purchase the prescribed textbooks required for your degree programme
• Costs related to community activities as prescribed by the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town
• Access to an internship opportunity
• An economy class air ticket home upon completion of studies, for awardees who are i) citizens of and/or residents of a Sub-Saharan country other than South Africa or ii) residing in South Africa but outside of Cape Town

Students enrolled on the Program will receive mentoring, leadership development, academic and life skills support.  Academic support will include tutoring, language training, writing circles and guidance counselling.

How to apply?

For more information and to apply, please visit the official website.