University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
Posted September 7, 2026
About this opportunity
The University of Pretoria, one of South Africa’s leading research institutions founded in 1908, partners with the Mastercard Foundation to deliver the University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2027. The program supports African scholars pursuing a full‑time Master's degree in any discipline offered by the university. By removing tuition, accommodation, and living‑expense costs, the scholarship enables recipients to focus entirely on academic and leadership development. Applicants are encouraged to leverage Oppora’s CV Builder Studio and AI Cover Letter Generator to craft compelling application materials, as well as the Recommendation Letter Studio to request strong references.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the entire Master's program.
- Accommodation stipend that secures safe housing on or near campus for the duration of study.
- Monthly maintenance allowance covering meals, local transportation, and personal expenses.
- Access to the university’s extensive research facilities, libraries, and mentorship networks.
- Participation in the Mastercard Foundation’s leadership development activities, including workshops, community projects, and alumni events.
Eligibility
- Nationality: Must hold citizenship of an African country.
- Degree Level: Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate Master's program.
- Academic Background: A completed undergraduate degree earned no later than September 2022.
- Field of Study: Open to all subjects offered by the University of Pretoria.
- Leadership & Service: Demonstrated record of community service and leadership roles.
- Financial Need: Evidence of requiring financial assistance to study abroad.
- Scholarship Status: Cannot be currently enrolled in another funded postgraduate program.
Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
- Certified copy of the undergraduate degree certificate.
- Valid passport copy confirming citizenship of an African nation.
- Proof of financial need (e.g., bank statements, sponsor letters).
- Statement of leadership and community service activities.
- Two academic or professional recommendation letters.
- Completed scholarship application form (provided through the official portal).
How to Apply
- Click the Apply button below to open the official University of Pretoria scholarship portal.
- Upload all required documents, fill in the online application form, and ensure each field is completed accurately.
- Review the submission for completeness and submit before the 30 September 2026 deadline.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in South Africa to University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.






