The University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has been offering scholarships to high-achieving African students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels since January 2014. The Foundation is set to enter a new phase in January 2024, targeting economically disadvantaged young people living with disabilities in Africa and internally displaced/refugees who will contribute to the continent’s transformation through their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values evidenced by their leadership. The program includes community service and internships as essential components.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports economically disadvantaged young people from across the continent and encourages them to apply their knowledge toward the betterment of their home communities and countries. The program is a 10-year, $500 million global initiative to educate and develop next-generation leaders who will contribute to social and economic transformation. Through comprehensive support, Scholars receive learning opportunities that equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in the economy and make positive impacts in their communities.
Candidates should be citizens of Africa and demonstrate financial neediness. They should also demonstrate leadership potential and involvement in a giving-back project, such as in a community, school, church, etc. Academic excellence is paramount, and students must maintain a high academic average at all times.
The Mastercard Foundation offers a full scholarship to students who have applied for and been admitted to one of the following programs at the University of Pretoria: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Law, or Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.
Applications to study at the University of Pretoria open on March 1st and close on August 30th of the year preceding the year of study. Students interested in studies at the University of Pretoria and wishing to apply for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program must follow the application process. The program’s focus on Africa is timely as the continent experiences unprecedented economic progress and political resurgence. With more than 60% of its population under the age of 25, it has the youngest demographics globally. However, Sub-Saharan Africa is also the region with the lowest enrollment rates in secondary and university education.
