The University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, offers fully funded doctoral scholarships for international students through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

This prestigious scholarship supports academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students from Africa to pursue a PhD degree. The program provides comprehensive funding including tuition, accommodation, living stipend, research support, and leadership development.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026. If you are looking for similar opportunities, explore fully funded scholarships in South Africa for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Pretoria

• Host University: University of Pretoria, South Africa

• Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral)

• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded

• Eligibility: International students (primarily from African countries)

• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

For students seeking other funded programs in Africa, check latest scholarships in Africa for all nationalities.

Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)

Selected scholars receive a comprehensive package that includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire PhD program

• Accommodation (on-campus housing or allowance)

• Monthly living stipend to cover meals and daily expenses

• Research support (funding for fieldwork, data collection, and laboratory costs)

• Book and study materials allowance

• Health insurance coverage

• Travel allowance (round-trip airfare to/from home country)

• Leadership development and mentorship through the Mastercard Foundation’s leadership curriculum

• Access to UP’s world-class research facilities and libraries

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to international students, with preference for citizens of African countries

• Must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field with strong academic records

• Demonstrate financial need (unable to afford tuition and living costs without support)

• Show leadership potential and commitment to giving back to your community

• Meet the admission requirements of the University of Pretoria’s doctoral program

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS may be required for non-native speakers)

Available Fields of Study

The scholarship supports PhD research across all disciplines offered at the University of Pretoria, including but not limited to:

• Engineering and the Built Environment

• Natural and Agricultural Sciences

• Health Sciences

• Humanities

• Law

• Economic and Management Sciences

• Veterinary Science

• Education

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the official University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website (typically up.ac.za or mastercardfdn.org). Search for the “Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – PhD”.

Step 2: Review the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet both academic and financial need requirements.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents:

• Completed online application form

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)

• Degree certificates

• Research proposal (detailed plan for your PhD study)

• Two or three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)

• Personal statement (explaining your leadership potential, financial need, and commitment to community development)

• English proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Step 4: Submit your application through the University of Pretoria’s online application portal. You may need to apply for admission to the PhD program first and then indicate your interest in the Mastercard scholarship.

Step 5: Ensure all documents are uploaded and your application is submitted before 31 August 2026.

Step 6: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview (online or in person).

For additional financial aid options across Africa, explore financial aids for students in Africa.

Why Choose the University of Pretoria?

• Top‑ranked university – UP is one of Africa’s leading research universities, consistently ranked among the best in South Africa and the continent.

• Mastercard Foundation network – Join a global community of scholars committed to transformative leadership and social change.

• Research excellence – Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, libraries, and research centers.

• Location – Pretoria is a safe, vibrant city offering a high quality of life and rich cultural heritage.

• Career opportunities – UP PhD graduates are highly sought after in academia, industry, and international organizations.

Final Thoughts

The University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarships 2026-27 offer a life‑changing opportunity for African students to earn a fully funded PhD degree at one of Africa’s top universities. With comprehensive benefits including tuition, stipend, accommodation, and research support, this scholarship enables you to focus on groundbreaking research and develop as a future leader. The deadline is 31 August 2026. Apply online through the official University of Pretoria website.

For a complete list of open scholarships in Africa, visit list of all open scholarships in Africa.

Apply Now for University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship 2026-27