UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2024 | Transform Your Future with Full Funding

Apply for the fully funded UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees in South Africa.

About the Program

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to partner with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2025 academic year. This prestigious program, initiated in 2012, aims to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by empowering highly talented and service-oriented young people, primarily from Africa, to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to support young individuals who face economic and social barriers to accessing higher education. The program places special emphasis on young women, refugees and forcibly displaced youth, and young people living with disabilities. Through this initiative, UWC seeks to create a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters academic excellence and leadership development.

For the 2025 academic year, UWC will offer fully-funded scholarships to qualified candidates from South Africa and other African countries. These scholarships cover both undergraduate and master’s degree programs across various fields of study. By providing comprehensive support, the program ensures that scholars can fully focus on their studies and personal growth. Scholars will have access to a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities that will enhance their educational experience and prepare them for leadership roles in their communities and beyond.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC not only offers financial assistance but also provides a supportive community of peers, mentors, and faculty dedicated to helping scholars succeed. This holistic approach ensures that scholars are well-equipped to overcome challenges and make significant contributions to their societies. By fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to service, the program aims to create leaders who will drive positive change across Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

For Master’s Degree Applicants:

  • Age Limit: Must be no older than 30 years at the time of application.
  • Academic Requirements: Meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements for the chosen program. Applicants must have applied for academic admission to UWC for 2025.
  • Study Commencement: Be prepared to begin full-time master’s degree studies in January 2025.
  • Economic and Social Barriers: Provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic challenges.

For Undergraduate Applicants:

  • Age Limit: Must be no older than 26 years at the time of application.
  • Academic Requirements: Meet UWC’s minimum admission requirements for the chosen program. Applicants must have applied for academic admission to UWC for 2025.
  • Study Commencement: Be prepared to begin full-time undergraduate studies in January 2025.
  • Economic and Social Barriers: Provide evidence that access to university studies is impeded by social and economic challenges.

Candidates intending to register for a second master’s or undergraduate degree are ineligible to apply for this program. This ensures that the scholarships are awarded to those who will benefit most from the opportunity to pursue their first degree at UWC.

Eligible Fields of Study

Master’s Degree Programs:

  • Arts & Humanities: Applied Linguistics, History, Gender Justice, Migration Studies, Sociology for Development
  • Community & Health Sciences: Public Health
  • Economic & Management Sciences: Development Studies, Information Sciences, Migration Studies
  • Law: Governance and Human Rights
  • Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, Physical Sciences

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Arts & Humanities: History, Linguistics, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies
  • Economic & Management Sciences: Economics, Information Sciences, Public Administration
  • Education: Mathematics and Science, Foundation Phase
  • Natural Sciences: Biological, Computational, Mathematical, Physical Sciences

These fields of study have been carefully selected to align with the program’s goal of developing leaders who can address the most pressing challenges facing their communities. By focusing on disciplines that promote social justice, economic development, and scientific advancement, the program aims to equip scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a comprehensive package to support scholars throughout their academic journey. The benefits include:

  • Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder scholars’ academic pursuits.
  • Housing: Accommodation in a UWC residence on campus, providing a safe and supportive living environment.
  • Monthly Stipend: Financial allowance for living expenses, helping scholars focus on their studies without financial stress.
  • Meal Allowance: Coverage for meals, ensuring that scholars have access to nutritious food.
  • Medical Aid: Health insurance provided, taking care of scholars’ healthcare needs.
  • Laptop and Study Materials: Provision of a laptop and allowances for study materials, equipping scholars with essential tools for their studies.
  • Pre-Arrival Support: Assistance with pre-arrival arrangements and an official on-boarding welcome program, helping scholars transition smoothly into university life.
  • Personalized Support: Continuous support throughout the scholars’ studies to ensure a positive experience, including academic advising, counseling services, and mentorship programs.
  • Holistic Wrap-Around Support: Comprehensive support programs addressing various aspects of scholars’ well-being and development, including leadership training, career guidance, and community engagement activities.

These benefits are designed to ensure that Mastercard Foundation Scholars have everything they need to succeed academically and personally during their time at UWC. The support extends beyond financial assistance, encompassing a range of services that promote scholars’ overall well-being and development.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: August 30, 2024
  • Notification of Results: By November 15, 2024
  • Program Commencement: January 2025

Application Process

The application process for the UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program involves two main steps:

Step 1: Apply for Admission to UWC

  • Submit an Academic Application: Applicants must first apply for academic admission to UWC for the 2025 academic year. Detailed instructions and deadlines are available on the UWC Admissions Page.
  • Obtain a UWC Application Number: Only applicants who have successfully submitted their academic application and obtained a UWC application number are eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This number is required to complete the scholarship application form.

Step 2: Apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

  • Complete the Online Application: Once you have obtained your UWC application number, complete the online application form available on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.
  • Application Form Sections: The application form includes six main sections that must be completed accurately:
    • Personal Information
    • Academic Information
    • Family Information
    • Short Narratives
    • Community Engagement
    • Certification

Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed and thoughtful responses in each section, highlighting their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. This information will be used to assess candidates’ suitability for the scholarship.

For assistance with the application process, applicants can email ssganda@uwc.ac.za. It’s important to ensure that all required documents are submitted by the deadline and that the application is complete to avoid disqualification.

Conclusion

The University of the Western Cape Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for young Africans to pursue higher education and develop their leadership potential. With full financial support and a wealth of resources, this program aims to create transformative leaders who can make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about contributing to positive change, don’t miss this chance to apply.

The UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program not only provides financial assistance but also fosters a nurturing environment where scholars can thrive. By offering a comprehensive support system that includes academic advising, mentorship, and leadership development, the program ensures that scholars are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the future. This holistic approach is designed to empower scholars to become agents of change who will drive progress and innovation in their respective fields.

For more details and to apply, visit the official UWC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage. By seizing this opportunity, you can take the first step towards a brighter future and join a community of scholars committed to making a difference in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The program is open to young Africans who face economic and social barriers to higher education, particularly women, refugees, forcibly displaced youth, and those with disabilities.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, meal allowance, medical aid, laptop, and study materials allowance.

The application deadline is August 30, 2024. It is important to submit all required documents and complete the application process before this date.

No, candidates intending to register for a second master’s or undergraduate degree are not eligible for this scholarship. The program is designed to support first-time degree seekers.

Due to high volumes of applications, personalized feedback cannot be provided. If you do not hear from UWC by November 15, 2024, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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