African students looking for scholarships for the 2027 academic year can apply for opportunities offered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at participating universities.
The program supports talented young people, primarily from Africa, who have strong academic potential but face financial, social or other barriers to accessing higher education.
Unlike a traditional scholarship with one application portal and one deadline, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works through partner universities and organisations. Each institution controls its own courses, eligibility requirements, application process and deadline.
Therefore, there is no single “Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 deadline.”
Some 2027 application rounds have already closed, while others remain open or will follow different schedules.
For example, as of October 1, 2026, the University of Cape Town postgraduate scholarship application for the 2027 intake remains open until October 31, 2026. Its undergraduate scholarship deadline was September 30, 2026.
African applicants should therefore identify suitable partner universities first and check each institution separately.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Target Group: Primarily young African students
Study Levels: Secondary, undergraduate and master’s level
PhD Funding: Not currently available through the Scholars Program
Study Locations: Africa and selected universities in North America, Europe, the Middle East and other regions
Funding: Comprehensive financial, academic and personal support
Tuition Support: Available through participating institutions
Accommodation: Can be included
Books and Academic Materials: Can be included
Travel Support: Return airfare may be included where necessary
Leadership Development: Included as a major part of the program
Application Deadline: Depends on the partner university
Application Portal: Apply through the individual participating institution
2027 Applications: Open, closed or upcoming depending on university
Last Updated: October 1, 2026
What Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program helps talented young people access education and develop the skills they need to become leaders in their communities and careers.
The Foundation describes the initiative as a program for highly talented, service-oriented young people, with a strong focus on Africa. It works with universities and other organisations to provide education, leadership development and support as students move from university into meaningful work.
The program has grown considerably.
The Mastercard Foundation says it has committed more than 58,000 scholarships for young African leaders and aims to enable 100,000 young people to access higher education by 2030. It also reports that 71% of current Scholars are young women.
Therefore, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not simply a tuition scholarship.
It combines education with leadership development, mentoring, career preparation and community impact.
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Fully Funded?
The Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial, academic and psychosocial support.
According to the Mastercard Foundation, support can include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books
- Academic materials
- Mentoring
- Counselling
- Leadership development
- Return airfare to the Scholar’s country of origin where necessary
However, applicants should check the exact benefits provided by the university they are applying to.
Different partners can structure their scholarship packages differently.
For example, the 2027–2028 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University offered 30 graduate opportunities covering full tuition and fees, on-campus accommodation, books, visa expenses, airfare, medical expenses, leadership development and academic support.
Therefore, read the funding details on the official partner university website before applying.
Can African Students Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Yes.
African students sit at the centre of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The Foundation describes its focus as developing transformative young leaders, primarily from Africa, and many of its partner institutions specifically recruit students from African countries.
Depending on the university, eligible applicants may come from countries such as:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- Senegal
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- South Sudan
and many other African countries.
However, individual universities can set their own nationality or residency rules.
For example, McGill University’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for its Fall 2027 cohort accepted citizens and residents from countries across the African continent.
Always check the institution’s eligibility page before starting an application.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Requirements
There is no single eligibility checklist that applies identically to every partner university.
Nevertheless, the Mastercard Foundation identifies several qualities that partner institutions commonly consider.
These include:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Financial need
- Commitment to service
- Intention to use the opportunity to contribute positively to society
Some universities may add requirements relating to:
- Age
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Previous degrees
- Degree classification
- English-language ability
- Chosen academic programme
- Previous postgraduate education
- Refugee status
- Disability status
Therefore, treat the requirements of the individual university as the final authority.
1. You Need Strong Academic Potential
Mastercard Foundation partner universities generally look for applicants who can succeed academically.
However, there is no universal GPA or African degree classification that applies to every institution.
One university may require a first class or 2:1.
Another may use its own admission system.
Therefore, check the academic requirements for both:
The scholarship
and
The university degree programme.
Being eligible for the scholarship does not automatically mean you qualify academically for the course.
2. You Should Demonstrate Financial Need
The Scholars Program focuses strongly on talented students who face barriers to higher education.
Financial need can therefore form an important part of selection.
Applicants may need to explain their family’s financial circumstances and why they could not easily fund the proposed education themselves.
Be truthful.
Do not exaggerate financial hardship.
The Foundation’s own application guidance warns applicants against providing false information and identifies dishonesty as a serious application mistake.
3. Leadership Matters
Partner institutions also look for evidence that applicants can lead and create positive change.
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a position such as:
- President
- CEO
- Founder
- Student union leader
Instead, leadership can appear through action.
For example, you may have:
- Organised a community project
- Started a small business
- Led a student initiative
- Mentored younger students
- Created a useful technology project
- Helped solve a problem at work
- Coordinated volunteers
- Supported an underserved community
The important part is showing what you actually did.
4. Community Service Can Strengthen Your Application
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program values service-oriented applicants.
Therefore, your application should explain how you have contributed to other people or your community.
However, avoid generic statements such as:
“I love helping people.”
Instead, show evidence.
For example:
“I organised weekend mathematics lessons for 45 secondary-school students preparing for national examinations.”
That tells the reader what you did and who benefited.
5. Some Programs Have Age Limits
There is no single universal age limit across the entire Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Partner universities can set their own age requirements.
For example, the University of Edinburgh states that applicants for its 2027/2028 Mastercard Foundation postgraduate scholarships must be 35 or younger when the programme starts, which means applicants must have been born on or after January 1, 1992.
Another partner may use different rules.
Therefore, never assume that an age requirement from one university applies to every Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
What Study Levels Does Mastercard Foundation Support?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program currently supports scholarships at:
- Secondary level
- Undergraduate level
- Master’s level
However, the Foundation states that the Scholars Program does not currently provide scholarships for PhD candidates.
Therefore, African students searching for PhD funding should consider other scholarship programs.
For example, some UK scholarships support doctoral study, while others focus exclusively on master’s degrees.
Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2027
Several partner universities provide opportunities for students seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
However, the exact courses, countries and deadlines vary.
For example, the University of Cape Town offered Mastercard Foundation scholarships for students applying for their first bachelor’s degree for the 2027 intake.
Its 2027 undergraduate Mastercard Foundation application deadline was September 30, 2026, so that particular round has now closed.
Students searching for undergraduate opportunities should continue checking the official Mastercard Foundation partner directory because other universities may use different application calendars.
Mastercard Foundation Master’s Scholarships 2027
Master’s students also have several opportunities through participating universities.
However, eligibility varies significantly.
For example, some partner universities do not accept applicants who already hold a master’s degree.
McGill University’s Fall 2027 scholarship required applicants to be applying to eligible master’s programmes and stated that candidates must not have previously registered for or completed a master’s degree.
The University of Edinburgh similarly states that applicants for its Mastercard Foundation master’s scholarships should not already have completed a postgraduate degree.
Therefore, applicants who already hold a master’s degree should check each institution carefully.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Currently Open for 2027
Application status varies by institution.
As of October 1, 2026, here are several examples.
University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
The University of Cape Town in South Africa is accepting postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications for the 2027 intake.
The postgraduate scholarship deadline is:
October 31, 2026.
UCT’s undergraduate scholarship deadline was September 30, 2026 and has now passed.
UCT offers the program to academically talented young Africans who face significant social and economic barriers to higher education.
Eligible study options include selected postgraduate diploma, honours and master’s programmes.
Therefore, postgraduate applicants interested in UCT still have time to prepare their scholarship application.
Important UCT Application Rule
Applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT is not the same as applying for university admission.
UCT instructs applicants to submit their academic application to the University and then complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program process.
Do not complete one application and assume it covers both processes.
University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/2028
The University of Edinburgh has also launched its 2027/2028 Mastercard Foundation postgraduate scholarship process.
Its main scholarship application deadline is:
November 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time.
However, Edinburgh introduced an important requirement for the 2027/2028 cycle.
Applicants had to attend a mandatory virtual information session between September 15 and September 24, 2026 before progressing to the scholarship application.
Therefore, applicants who did not complete that required stage should read Edinburgh’s current instructions carefully rather than assuming that the November deadline means anyone can still begin the application now.
The Edinburgh scholarship also encourages applications from women, people from refugee or displaced backgrounds and persons with disabilities.
McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
McGill University in Canada also recruited African students for its Fall 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
However, as of October 2026, the application period for the Fall 2027 cohort is closed.
McGill says prospective applicants should check again in spring 2027 for information about its next recruitment cycle.
Therefore, websites describing McGill’s Fall 2027 Mastercard Foundation scholarship as currently open are out of date.
Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/2028
Arizona State University offered 30 graduate opportunities for young African professionals for 2027/2028 in technology and innovation-related master’s programmes.
Courses included areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Robotics
- Clean Energy
- Sustainable Engineering
- Technology and Development
The scholarship package included full tuition and fees, housing, books, visa expenses, airfare, medical expenses and additional support.
However, the application deadline was:
September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Therefore, the 2027/2028 ASU application round has already closed.
University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
The University of Pretoria also provides a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application route for 2027.
The application process requires interested students to apply to the University of Pretoria first and then submit the appropriate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application with their supporting documents.
Eligible candidates then proceed through a review and interview process.
Applicants should check the University’s current page for their programme-specific admission and scholarship timelines.
Where Can You Study With a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Partner institutions are located mainly in Africa, but the Foundation also works with universities and organisations in:
- North America
- Central America
- Europe
- The Middle East
Therefore, winning a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship does not automatically mean studying outside Africa.
In fact, a major part of the programme involves strengthening African universities and expanding access to high-quality education within the continent.
The Foundation maintains an official Where to Apply directory where applicants can identify participating institutions.
Do You Apply Directly to Mastercard Foundation?
No.
This is one of the most important things applicants need to understand.
You do not submit one general scholarship application directly to the Mastercard Foundation.
Instead, you apply through an official participating university or organisation.
The partner institution manages:
- Applications
- Eligibility checks
- Selection
- Deadlines
- Admission procedures
- Scholarship decisions
Therefore, avoid websites that claim they can submit a “Mastercard Foundation global application” on your behalf.
There is no single global scholarship application form for all universities.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship From Africa
Step 1: Find a Partner Institution
Start with the Mastercard Foundation’s official partner directory.
Look for universities that offer programmes related to your academic background and career goals.
Do not start by searching only:
“Mastercard scholarship application form.”
That approach can lead you to outdated pages or scams.
Step 2: Check the University’s Scholarship Status
After finding a partner institution, confirm whether applications are:
- Open
- Upcoming
- Closed
Check the correct academic year.
A page about the 2025 or 2026 intake may still appear in Google even when you want the 2027 programme.
Step 3: Read the Eligibility Requirements
Check:
- Nationality
- Residence
- Age
- Academic qualification
- Financial need
- Leadership requirements
- Degree level
- Previous degrees
- English requirements
- Course restrictions
Do not assume the requirements from another Mastercard Foundation partner apply to your university.
Step 4: Check Whether You Apply for Admission First
This process differs between institutions.
For example, UCT requires applicants to pursue the University’s academic admission process as well as the Mastercard Foundation application.
McGill’s 2027 process worked differently: applicants first passed through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program screening before successful candidates received instructions to apply for university admission.
Therefore, follow your university’s instructions exactly.
Step 5: Prepare Your Academic Documents
Depending on the university, documents may include:
- Secondary-school results
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or national ID
- CV
- Recommendation letters
- English-language results
- Proof of financial need
- Personal statements
- Leadership or community-service information
Start gathering official documents early.
University transcript requests can take several weeks in some African institutions.
Step 6: Prepare Your Personal Story
Partner institutions want to understand more than your grades.
Explain:
- Where you come from
- The barriers you have faced
- What you have achieved
- How you have served others
- What you hope to study
- What you intend to do afterward
Be specific.
Do not exaggerate hardship simply because the scholarship considers financial barriers.
Authenticity matters.
Step 7: Show Leadership With Evidence
Avoid writing:
“I am a passionate and transformational leader.”
Instead, describe something you actually led.
For example:
“I created a weekend coding club that trained 38 secondary-school students during my final university year.”
This example provides evidence.
Where possible, explain:
Problem → Action → Result
Step 8: Explain Your Financial Need Honestly
A strong financial-need explanation should help the selection committee understand your circumstances.
You can discuss relevant issues such as:
- Household income
- Number of dependants
- Loss of parental income
- Limited access to education funding
- Displacement
- Disability-related expenses
- Other genuine barriers
However, do not invent hardship.
The Foundation specifically advises applicants to keep their stories accurate and consistent.
Step 9: Submit Before the University’s Deadline
There is no global deadline.
For example:
UCT postgraduate applicants currently have until October 31, 2026.
Edinburgh’s main 2027/28 scholarship application deadline is November 19, 2026, although applicants must also have completed its earlier mandatory application steps.
Meanwhile, the 2027 rounds at McGill and ASU have already closed.
Therefore, always work from the university’s official calendar.
Step 10: Prepare for an Interview
Some partner universities interview shortlisted applicants.
Prepare to discuss:
- Your academic goals
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Financial circumstances
- Career ambitions
- Why you selected the university
- What you plan to contribute after graduation
Do not memorise robotic answers.
Know your own application well enough to discuss it naturally.
Does Mastercard Foundation Require IELTS?
There is no single IELTS requirement across the entire Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Each partner university decides its admission and English-language requirements.
The Foundation notes that some North American universities may require TOEFL or other tests, while it also works with African universities where programmes may not require SAT or TOEFL scores.
Therefore, do not assume the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is universally “without IELTS.”
Instead, check the institution.
One university may require IELTS.
Another may accept TOEFL.
Another may accept previous education completed in English.
Can You Apply With a 2:2?
There is no universal Mastercard Foundation rule stating that every applicant must hold a first class or 2:1.
Partner universities set their own academic standards.
Therefore, applicants with a second class lower degree should search for universities and programmes whose admission requirements match their qualifications.
Do not automatically rule yourself out.
At the same time, remember that the scholarship is competitive.
Meeting the minimum university requirement does not guarantee selection.
Can HND Holders Apply?
This depends on the partner university.
A university may require a recognised bachelor’s degree for a master’s programme.
Another institution may assess an HND together with additional qualifications differently.
Therefore, HND holders should check the academic admission requirements of the specific university rather than relying on a general Mastercard Foundation answer.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Possibly.
Individual partner institutions determine whether final-year students can apply and when they must complete their current degree.
Therefore, check the university’s eligibility rules.
If the institution allows final-year applicants, prepare your current transcript and expected-graduation information as requested.
Can You Apply if You Already Have a Master’s Degree?
It depends on the university.
However, some current Mastercard Foundation postgraduate opportunities specifically exclude applicants who already hold a master’s degree.
For example, McGill’s 2027 programme required applicants never to have registered for or completed a master’s degree.
Edinburgh similarly states that master’s scholarship applicants should not already have completed a postgraduate degree.
Therefore, applicants seeking a second master’s should check each partner carefully.
Does Mastercard Foundation Offer PhD Scholarships?
Not through the current Scholars Program.
The Mastercard Foundation states that its Scholars Program supports secondary, undergraduate and master’s education but does not currently offer scholarships to PhD candidates.
Students seeking doctoral funding should consider PhD-specific scholarship programmes instead.
Can Refugees Apply?
Yes, depending on the partner institution.
The Mastercard Foundation states that its Scholars Program places particular emphasis on recruiting forcibly displaced young people alongside young women and persons with disabilities.
Individual universities can provide detailed rules for applicants with refugee or displaced-person status.
For example, Edinburgh explicitly encourages applications from people from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
Can Students With Disabilities Apply?
Yes.
Inclusion forms an important part of the Mastercard Foundation’s approach.
The program encourages opportunities for young people who have traditionally faced barriers to education, including persons with disabilities.
Applicants should check individual universities for disability-related accommodations during the application process.
Can Women Apply?
Yes.
Young women make up a major part of the Scholars Program.
The Mastercard Foundation currently reports that 71% of Mastercard Foundation Scholars are young women.
Several partner programs also explicitly encourage women to apply.
Is There a Mastercard Foundation Application Fee?
The Mastercard Foundation itself does not operate one universal application fee because partner universities manage their own applications.
Some institutions charge university admission fees.
According to the Foundation, where participating universities require admission fees, those fees can be reimbursed if the applicant is ultimately selected for the Scholars Program.
However, this does not mean applicants should pay random individuals or agents to “secure” a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
Beware of Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Scams
Applicants should be cautious.
The Mastercard Foundation specifically warns about fake social media posts and groups claiming to recruit Scholars while requesting payment.
The Foundation says it does not solicit money from individuals and advises prospective Scholars to apply through official partner institutions.
Therefore, avoid anyone who promises:
- Guaranteed scholarship selection
- Guaranteed admission
- A special Mastercard Foundation application slot
- Scholarship approval in exchange for payment
- An unofficial “registration fee”
Always verify opportunities on the Foundation’s website or the official website of a participating university.
Can You Apply to More Than One Mastercard Foundation University?
Yes.
The Mastercard Foundation states that candidates can apply to multiple partner universities because each institution manages its own process.
There is no Foundation-wide limit on the number of universities you can apply to.
However, preparing several strong applications requires time.
Do not submit weak applications to ten institutions simply because you can.
Focus on universities where:
- You meet the eligibility requirements
- Your academic background fits
- The programme supports your goals
- You can prepare a strong application
Does University Admission Guarantee the Scholarship?
No.
Admission to a partner university does not automatically guarantee selection as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.
The Foundation describes the Scholars Program as highly competitive and clearly states that gaining admission to a partner institution does not guarantee a scholarship.
Therefore, treat university admission and scholarship selection as separate decisions unless the institution explicitly combines the two.
How to Write a Strong Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Application
A strong application should sound like you.
Start with the facts.
Explain your background clearly.
Then show what you have achieved despite the barriers you faced.
After that, connect your proposed education with a realistic future goal.
A useful structure is:
Background → Challenge → Action → Achievement → Education → Future Impact
For example, an applicant interested in agriculture could explain:
- The farming community they grew up in
- A problem they observed
- Work they have already done in that area
- Skills they currently lack
- Why the chosen programme can provide those skills
- What they intend to do after graduation
That tells a coherent story.
Avoid Generic Answers
Do not write:
“I want to use this scholarship to make Africa a better place.”
The statement is too broad.
Instead, say what you want to change.
For example:
“I want to develop affordable digital tools that help small-scale farmers in northern Nigeria access current market prices before selling their produce.”
Now the reader understands:
- The problem
- The target group
- The location
- Your direction
Specific writing usually creates a stronger impression.
Be Honest About Your Achievements
The Foundation’s own scholarship guidance identifies dishonesty and plagiarism among common application mistakes.
Therefore, do not inflate:
- Leadership positions
- Volunteer hours
- Business revenue
- Academic results
- Number of beneficiaries
- Awards
If you trained 25 students, say 25.
You do not need to change it to 250 to make the achievement meaningful.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship vs Chevening
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and Chevening both provide major opportunities for African students, but they target different applicants.
The Mastercard Foundation operates through partner universities and can support both undergraduate and master’s study.
Chevening focuses on eligible one-year master’s programmes in the United Kingdom and currently requires qualifying post-graduation work experience.
African graduates interested in studying in the UK can also read our complete guide to the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship vs Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship targets eligible students from selected Commonwealth countries and funds postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program operates through a wider network of individual partner institutions, with universities setting their own application procedures and eligibility requirements.
African students who meet the Commonwealth requirements can read our guide to the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.
Applying for several suitable scholarships can provide more opportunities, but applicants should always check whether award conditions allow them to hold multiple scholarships simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship open for 2027?
Yes, some partner institutions have launched 2027 scholarship rounds.
However, there is no single global application cycle.
Some 2027 applications are still open, while others have already closed.
What Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is still open in October 2026?
As of October 1, 2026, the University of Cape Town’s 2027 postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application remains open until October 31, 2026.
Other institutions use separate schedules.
When is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 deadline?
There is no universal deadline.
Each partner university sets its own application closing date.
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The Scholars Program provides comprehensive support that can include tuition, accommodation, books, academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development and return airfare where necessary. Exact benefits depend on the partner institution.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes.
Nigerian students qualify for a number of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program opportunities, subject to the requirements of the individual partner university.
Can Ghanaians apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students can apply through participating universities.
Can Kenyans apply?
Yes.
Several partner programs accept qualified applicants from Kenya.
Can Ugandans apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ugandan applicants can apply to participating institutions.
Can South Africans apply?
Yes.
South African students can apply to programmes where they meet the partner institution’s eligibility requirements.
Can Rwandans apply?
Yes.
Eligible applicants from Rwanda can apply through participating institutions.
Does Mastercard Foundation fund undergraduate degrees?
Yes.
The Scholars Program supports undergraduate study through selected partner institutions.
Does Mastercard Foundation fund master’s degrees?
Yes.
Selected partner universities offer master’s scholarships.
Does Mastercard Foundation fund PhD degrees?
No.
The Foundation states that PhD candidates are not currently funded through the Scholars Program.
Do I need IELTS?
It depends on the university.
Each partner institution sets its own English-language requirements.
Can I apply with a 2:2?
Possibly.
There is no universal degree-classification requirement for all Mastercard Foundation partner institutions.
Check your chosen university.
Can I apply with an HND?
This depends on whether the partner university accepts your qualification for the programme you want to study.
Is there an age limit?
There is no single age limit across every Mastercard Foundation partner.
Individual universities may set their own age requirements.
Do I apply directly to Mastercard Foundation?
No.
Apply through an official partner university or organisation.
Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes.
The Foundation does not impose a program-wide limit on how many partner universities you can apply to.
Does university admission guarantee a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
No.
Admission to a partner institution does not guarantee scholarship selection.
Does the Mastercard Foundation charge a scholarship application fee?
The Foundation itself does not operate one global application fee. Partner institutions may charge admission fees according to their own policies.
Final Advice for African Applicants
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers major opportunities for talented African students who have the academic potential to succeed but face barriers to higher education.
However, applicants need to understand how the program works.
There is no single Mastercard Foundation Scholarship form, university or deadline.
Instead, the Foundation works through partner institutions, and each university manages its own scholarship selection process.
Therefore, begin by checking the official partner directory.
Next, identify universities that offer undergraduate or master’s programmes related to your goals.
Then confirm whether the 2027 application is open and check the exact eligibility criteria.
Prepare your transcripts, identification, references and other required documents early.
Most importantly, tell your story honestly.
Show what you have achieved, explain the barriers you have faced and demonstrate how the education you seek connects with a realistic plan for your future and your community.
As of October 1, 2026, the University of Cape Town still accepts postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications for the 2027 intake until October 31, 2026, while several other 2027 partner rounds have already closed.
Because deadlines differ by university, African students should check partner opportunities regularly rather than waiting for one general Mastercard Foundation deadline.