University of Cape Town Scholarships for International Students

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public university in Cape Town, South Africa. UCT is the oldest university in South Africa and is also one of the leading universities in the country. The university has six major faculties, all equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and facilities. Among their alumni is world-renowned surgeon Professor Christiaan Barnard and 3 Nobel Laureates.

This university also boasts one of the most diverse student bodies in South Africa. They stand for promoting equality among people, advocating for human rights, and diversifying society. The University of Cape Town is an excellent option because of the safe space that it promotes and its strive for academic excellence for its students. Here, we will discuss some of the best scholarships at the University of Cape Town for international students.

University of Cape Town Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships at University of Cape Town

1. University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fees
  • Eligibility Criteria: Open to African Nationals only. The applicant must have received and accepted admission into the university, they must have not previously attended a different institution, they also must not be taking a second undergraduate degree at the same time, must be able to provide two recommendation letters from previous instructors along with all required supporting documents, and be able to provide proof that they are of a financially disadvantaged background and need financial aid.
  • Scholarship Link

This University of Capetown scholarship applies to any full-time program available at the university. This is a competitive scholarship that will be granted to the most academically talented applicants. It is also renewable every year as long as the academic criteria are met. Students awarded the scholarship are required to return to their home countries after graduating to use the skills they’ve learned to give back to their home country.

All applications must be made online, and only online applications will be considered. Applicants will also need to create a profile on the Mastercard Foundation website to log in and access the application form. Applicants will also be required to submit a 2000 word essay on a given topic. Shortlisted applicants will have to undergo an interview and may be asked to provide solid evidence to support the information presented on the application form.

All applications must be submitted before September 30.

The scholarship also covers travel and visa fees for African students residing in different countries, student accommodation and meal fees, a book allowance, and a living allowance to cover expenses related to the students’ studies.

Postgraduate Scholarships at the University of Cape Town

1. International and Refugee Students’ Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: The awarded amount depends on the degree of study pursued. R25000 for Honors, R30000 for Master’s, and R35000 for Doctoral
  • Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is open to all nationals. Eligible applicants must not be fully employed, must have already applied and been accepted into the university, and must be studying towards their first degree. The scholarship is not applicable for any part-time or full-time degree with less than 33% research credit.
  • Degree Offered: Honors, Master’s, and Doctoral
  • Scholarship Link

There are only a limited amount of scholarships that will be awarded every year and are only available for postgraduate study. This is a competitive University of Capetown scholarship, and preference will be given to senior candidates. The scholarship is also renewable throughout the student’s program, so long as academic excellence is sustained.

Every year, there is also only one application period, and once this has closed, late applications for scholarships will no longer be entertained.

All applications must be submitted before September 30.

All scholarships for International and Refugee students are only meant to help lessen financial strain and will not cover the total costs of tuition. This scholarship also does not cover living expenses or travel fees. These fees are to be shouldered by the student.

2. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship – Master’s by Research

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fees
  • Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is open to African nationals only. To be qualified to apply, the applicant must already be enrolled in the university, have not previously completed a master’s degree at another institution, and not be enrolled in a second master’s degree program at the same time. They must also be able to provide two referee reports along with all required supporting documents, and be able to provide proof that they are from economically disadvantaged communities and need financial assistance.
  • Degree Offered: Master’s
  • Scholarship Link

Only a limited amount of 60 scholarships will be awarded every year. This scholarship at the University of Capetown is only valid for a full-time postgraduate research-based Master’s degree. It is necessary for students who receive the scholarship that they return home and apply the talents they’ve learned to help out in their native nations once they’ve graduated

Only online applications will be considered. Before they can access the application form, applicants will be required to create a profile on the Mastercard Foundation website. A 2000-word essay will also be required of applicants. Interviews will be conducted with applicants who have been shortlisted, and it is possible that they will be requested to produce substantial proof to back up the information on their application form.

On the online scholarship application page, students must first complete the eligibility quiz for The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program before being able to access the postgraduate scholarship application form.

All applications must be submitted before September 30.

These are only a few of the scholarships for international students that the University of Cape Town formally offers. But, there are many external organizations and partnerships that offer a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships that are applicable to the University of Cape Town.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page.