MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 is Out (See full details)

The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 is out. The MasterCard Foundation scholarship is a scholarship program that MasterCard runs in partnership with some universities. It is mainly for Africans, making Nigerians eligible for this scholarship. 

University of Pretoria located in South Africa is partnering with MasterCard on this one. This scholarship is at Masters’ level program (Postgraduate studies) and it is a fully funded scholarship. 

Available Programmes For MasterCard Foundation Scholarship

MasterCard is offering a full scholarship to students who have applied and have been admitted to one of the following programmes at the University of Pretoria. They include:

1. Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
2. Faculty of Economic and Management  Sciences
3. Faculty of Humanities
4. Faculty of Law
5. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Candidates must be citizens of Africa
2. Applicants should come from an economically disadvantaged background and demonstrate financial needing.
3. Candidates should demonstrate leadership potential and must be involved in a giving back project, for example, community, or church.
4. Academic excellence is paramount and students should maintain a high academic average at all times.

Financial Advantages of the MasterCard Scholarship

The applicants chosen will get:

1. Payment of all tuition costs
2. Meals
3. University of Pretoria home for lodging
4. Monthly allowance
5. Publications such as books
6. Travelling costs (one-time return trip for the whole duration of the study program )
7. Medical Costs
8. Costs of a single visa application for the duration of their academic program

MasterCard Scholarship Duration

Application to study at the University of Pretoria opens on the 1st of March and closes on the 30th of August of the year proceeding the year of study.

Application Process

The scholarship can only be filed after the applicants have been tentatively admitted to a postgraduate study at the university. They must have a letter for provisional admission to be considered for this scholarship.

Students who are interested in studying at university should follow the application process.

1. You can choose to apply online at up.ac.za/apply, or, submit a hard copy of your application form.
2. After submitting your application, the relevant faculty members will evaluate it. You will be contacted by the faculty if you have been admitted.
3. Once admitted, contact mcfsp@up.ac.za to commence the process to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
4. Successful MasterCard Foundation scholars should have a passport and promptly apply for a visa. For general information for international students, visit up.ac.za/isd.

For more information and the submitting of applications, visit MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program Website.

FAQs

Is the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 currently open for applications?

Yes, the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 is open for applications. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the partner universities and institutions offering the scholarship. Each partner institution manages its own application process and deadlines, so applicants should carefully review the requirements before submitting their applications.

Who is eligible to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026?

The scholarship is designed for academically talented but economically disadvantaged students, particularly from Africa. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities. Specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the partner university or program.

What does the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship cover?

The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, transportation, and other living expenses. In addition, it provides mentorship, leadership development programs, and internship opportunities to help students build skills for their future careers and community development initiatives.

How can I apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026?

Applicants must apply directly through the MasterCard Foundation partner universities or institutions offering the program. Each institution has its own online application portal, guidelines, and deadlines. It is advisable for candidates to visit the official websites of the partner schools, prepare the necessary documents such as academic transcripts and recommendation letters, and submit applications before the stated deadlines.