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University of Pretoria Masters Scholarships for Africans via MasterCard Foundation

In partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, the University of Pretoria offers scholarships for Africans interested in studying for a Masters program., Post a Comment

Provider
Various
Host country
South Africa
Region
Africa

About this scholarship

![African scholars at University of Pretoria Masters program](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/students-giving-each-other-high-five_53876-69820.jpg) [starportillo](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/author/beyondstellar/) [June 18, 2021August 3, 2021](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/2021/06/18/) In partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, the University of Pretoria (UP) offers scholarships for Africans interested in studying for a Masters program. With applications closing on October 31, 2021, the postgraduate scholarship is open to men and women interested in pursuing further studies at UP South Africa. ### **Benefits Covered by the UP / MasterCard Foundation Scholarship** This particular scholarship for Africans will cover full tuition fees for the entire duration of the student’s degree. In addition, the grant includes accommodation in a UP residence. In terms of other student expenses, the UP / MasterCard Foundation scholarship will include a budget for meals, books, and other printed material. The grant will also set aside a modest monthly stipend. UP and MasterCard promises to provide one return trip for the duration of the study period as well as the cost of one visa application. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/University-of-Pretoria-Scholarships-for-Africans.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)The University of Pretoria / Master Masters Scholarship for Africans will cover full tuition fees for the entire duration of the student’s degree. [People photo created by lookstudio – www.freepik.com](https://www.freepik.com/photos/people) ### **Requirements For Scholarship Qualification** First and foremost, applicants must be citizens from a Sub-Saharan African country. Next, they must come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate financial neediness. Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate leadership potential and ought to be involved in a giving back project. This can be at varying scopes and levels, such as the local community, church, school, or organization. On another note, students should exhibit academic excellence. UP expects applicants to maintain a high academic average at all times. Lastly, aspiring African scholars must be first year students who are also first-time applicants. ### **How to Apply for the UP / MasterCard Foundation Scholarship** Students must follow the [application processes](https://www.up.ac.za/en/mastercard-foundation-scholarship-program/article/2685460/application-instructions) on the Scholarship webpage. Please note that the application process is fully online. For more information, visit the [University of Pretoria website](https://www.up.ac.za/mastercard-foundation-scholarship-program/). * * * _brought to you by [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/)_ Scholarships for Africans is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. 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Eligibility criteria

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Citizen or permanent resident of an eligible African country
  • Currently applying to or enrolled at the Masters level
  • Willing to study in South Africa
  • Strong academic record — typically a minimum GPA equivalent to a UK 2:1 / US 3.3
  • English-language proficiency demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL or an MOI letter
  • Two academic or professional references able to speak to your potential
  • Demonstrated financial need (most fully funded sponsors verify household income)

Required documents

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

  • Valid international passport (bio page scan)
  • Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
  • Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
  • Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
  • Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
  • Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
  • Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
  • Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
  • Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
  • Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

Deadline timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

  1. 12 months out

    Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.

  2. 6 months out

    Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.

  3. 3 months out

    Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.

  4. 1 month out

    Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.

  5. Application deadline

    Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the University of Pretoria Masters Scholarships for Africans via MasterCard Foundation?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to South Africa for the duration of the programme.

Is the University of Pretoria Masters Scholarships for Africans via MasterCard Foundation fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is varies by intake — see the official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.