Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

Q: Does the scholarship pay for SAQA/USAf verification or passport fees?

No. UP’s program page explicitly lists SAQA, USAf and passport fees among the costs the program does not cover.

Q: Will the scholarship pay for conference travel or individual professional development costs?

Generally no. UP states the program does not provide professional development funds for individuals (for example, conferences).

Q: Is all medical and dental treatment fully covered?

Not necessarily. UP confirms scholars receive student health insurance (medical aid), but the program also states it does not guarantee coverage of all medical or dental costs.

Q: If I get late fees (late registration / late add-drop), will the scholarship cover them?

No. UP states the program does not pay late fees (for example, late add/drops).

Q: If I lose keys or a laptop, can the program replace them?

No. UP states the program does not cover lost items (examples given include keys and laptops).

Q: Is internship placement guaranteed? Will the program find me a job after graduation?

The program includes one pre-approved, Africa-based summer internship (UP notes it supports the flight and stipend), but UP also states the program does not provide internship or job placement. You should expect guidance and opportunities, but not guaranteed placement.

Q: Can I do my internship outside Africa (Europe/USA/Asia) instead?

UP’s policy for this scholarship package is an Africa-based, pre-approved summer internship. If you want a different location, you would need to discuss it early with the program, but the published expectation is Africa-based.

Q: What if I struggle academically—will I lose the scholarship immediately?

UP states scholars are expected to make academic progress and to report academic issues to their advisor in a timely way. The program also highlights tutoring/mentoring and dedicated advising support. Outcomes depend on your case and UP/program decisions, so the key is to engage support early.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in South Africa. This fully funded scholarship is available for undergraduate and master’s programmes. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

Community service and internships are essential components of the programme. The MCFSP offers a full scholarship to selected students who have been provisionally admitted to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Pretoria (UP). Upon completing their studies, graduates must return to their home countries and give back to their communities. Applicants should not already hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Highlights

Degree Programmes	Undergraduate / Master’s
Scholarship Provider	University of Pretoria
Study Destination	South Africa
Fields of Study	See the list below to find all the available degree programmes
Programme Duration	Undergraduate: 4 years; Master’s: 2 years
Funding	Fully Funded

Available Degree Programmes

Faculty of Engineering – continuing students are eligible to apply
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Agricultural Economics / Business Management
- Animal Science
- Plant Pathology
- Applied Plant and Soil Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
- Humanities PolSci (Political Studies)
- PolSci (International Studies)
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Accounting Sciences
- Financial Sciences
- Economics
- Informatics
- Agribusiness Management

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

Accommodation and meals in a UP residence or UP-accredited accommodation
Full tuition fees
A modest monthly stipend
Medical aid covers the duration of the study
Textbooks and printed material
VISA costs
Leadership development opportunities
Reasonable travel costs (including flight ticket) to and from your home
Academic advising and counselling support

Eligibility Requirements for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:

English is the required language.
Students from African countries are eligible to apply.
You must have been admitted to 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
Open to young Africans who are interested in studying at postgraduate levels.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: You may apply online here.

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. Postgraduate applicants are required to have their certificates verified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Please visit www.saqa.org.za

Step 3: Download application forms for the MCFSP from the links below:

Application inquiries can be directed to mcfsp@up.ac.za. Tel.: 012 420 4297.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 is August 31, 2026, for undergraduates and September 30, 2026, for master’s.

For further information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the scholarship fund extra semesters if my degree takes longer (or if I need summer school)?

No. The UP Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program states it does not fund beyond the standard duration: up to 8 semesters for undergraduates and up to 2 years for graduate studies. It also notes it does not fund summer school beyond those standard periods.

Does the scholarship pay for SAQA/USAf verification or passport fees?

No. UP’s program page explicitly lists SAQA, USAf and passport fees among the costs the program does not cover.

Will the scholarship pay for conference travel or individual professional development costs?

Generally no. UP states the program does not provide professional development funds for individuals (for example, conferences).

Is all medical and dental treatment fully covered?

Not necessarily. UP confirms scholars receive student health insurance (medical aid), but the program also states it does not guarantee coverage of all medical or dental costs.

If I get late fees (late registration / late add-drop), will the scholarship cover them?

No. UP states the program does not pay late fees (for example, late add/drops).

If I lose keys or a laptop, can the program replace them?

No. UP states the program does not cover lost items (examples given include keys and laptops).

Is internship placement guaranteed? Will the program find me a job after graduation?

The program includes one pre-approved, Africa-based summer internship (UP notes it supports the flight and stipend), but UP also states the program does not provide internship or job placement. You should expect guidance and opportunities, but not guaranteed placement.

Can I do my internship outside Africa (Europe/USA/Asia) instead?

UP’s policy for this scholarship package is an Africa-based, pre-approved summer internship. If you want a different location, you would need to discuss it early with the program, but the published expectation is Africa-based.

Are leadership training, volunteering, and program activities optional?

No. UP describes community service and internships as essential components of the program, and it also lists expectations such as participation in program activities, volunteerism/community service, compliance with UP rules, and a commitment to give back after completion.

What if I struggle academically—will I lose the scholarship immediately?

UP states scholars are expected to make academic progress and to report academic issues to their advisor in a timely way. The program also highlights tutoring/mentoring and dedicated advising support. Outcomes depend on your case and UP/program decisions, so the key is to engage support early.

Does the program offer loans if I have a funding gap?

No. UP explicitly lists loans among the things the program does not provide.

People online say travel is paid every year. Is it yearly, or only once?

At UP, travel support is described as limited and purpose-specific. UP states it funds a one-time Africa-based summer internship (flight + stipend). Separately, UP scholarship information also describes travel as one return trip for the duration of the study period (not unlimited annual flights).