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 (honors and master’s) degree-seeking applicants.
The scholarships ensure a premium educational package that will produce graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognized 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 program.
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.
About University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa’s oldest university, and is one of Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions.
UCT was founded in 1829 as the South African College, a high school for boys.
The College developed into a fully-fledged university during the period 1880 to 1900, thanks to increased funding from private sources and the government.
During these years, the College built its first dedicated science laboratories, and started the departments of mineralogy and geology to meet the need for skilled personnel in the country’s emerging diamond and gold-mining industries.
Another key development during this period was the admission of women. In 1886 the Professor of Chemistry, Paul Daniel Hahn, convinced the Council to admit 4 women into his chemistry class on a trial basis.
Owing to the exceptional standard of work by the women students, the College decided to admit women students permanently in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1887.
The years 1902 to 1918 saw the establishment of the Medical School, the introduction of engineering courses and a Department of Education.
UCT was formally established as a university in 1918, on the basis of the Alfred Beit bequest and additional substantial gifts from mining magnates Julius Wernher and Otto Beit.
Benefits
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Comprehensive financial assistance with visa applications, travel, tuition, living expenses, medical aid and accommodation.
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A relevant and recognized education through academic curricula aimed at producing graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognized and locally applicable.
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Academic and peer mentor support – to ensure that each Scholar successfully progresses academically.
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An array of cultural and transition support and training aimed at academic and professional enrichment and assisting in the challenges facing university going students.
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Career and internship opportunities in Africa, service learning, experiential learning – career guidance and support for transition to further study or the workforce.
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Leadership development and training.
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Alumni networks for further support
Requirements
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Academically talented – value learning and are driven to complete their education.
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Economically disadvantaged – facing significant financial barriers to completing their education.
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Committed to giving back – investing in their communities, using the skills and knowledge that they have acquired.
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Future leaders – committed to embracing ethical leadership and making a positive change in their home communities.
Application Deadline
30. Nov 2023.
