Master Card Foundation Opens 15,000 Scholarships for Africa

By | July 5, 2024
0 Comment

The MasterCard Foundation has initiated a new scholars program that will enable talented but vulnerable Rwandans to compete for 15,000 new scholarships for university students set aside for Africans in the next thirty-one years.

mastercard foundation schorlarship

This means, on average, 483 scholarships every year.

This is part of the foundation’s bid to expand its activities in Africa starting with the scholars’ program of which Rwanda is partially a beneficiary among the 36,000 students currently in the $800 million program for secondary schools in Africa.

The scholarship expansion to universities in Africa dubbed ‘Young Africa Works’ was announced this Tuesday in Kigali during a mobilization workshop organized by MasterCard foundation and Rwanda’s Ministry of education.

The workshop brought together leaders, thinkers, chancellors, and experts in over 13 African universities.

The expansions- which will target funding young vulnerable but academically talented students till 2030, is aimed at scaling up the level of university education that responds to the Africa job needs and also create a young generation of African leaders.

Among the 15,000 vulnerable academically applicants for the scholarships, will be young refugees (25%) and women (70%). The remaining 5% will be dedicated to men.

In Rwanda, the foundation sponsors some female students through the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Rwanda and a few of the female university students that have been able to benefit from the program, according to officials of the University of Rwanda (UR).

The MasterCard Foundation scholars program for universities is currently in 24 countries globally of which ten of them are in Africa and Rwanda- which is host to some of the universities is looking to be one of the contenders to be officially selected to offer similar scholarship courtesy of the foundation.

Among the African universities are:

  • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,
  • Makerere University in Uganda,
  • Ashesi Ghana,
  • Abomey-Calavi in Benin,
  • University of Cape Town South Africa,
  • The University of Gondor in Ethiopia,
  • Africa leadership academy in South Africa,
  • Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda (CMU), a forum for African women educationalists in Rwanda and Ethiopia,
  • Africa Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in South Africa, Rwanda, Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, and Tanzania.

Though Rwanda appears in this list of the scholar’s program, the local universities like the University of Rwanda (UR) have not been included in the university scholarship program, according to Peter Materu, the Chief Program Officer MasterCard Foundation.

“Rwanda missed out when we asked for applications from universities. They didn’t apply but this time I hope to see some universities from Rwanda, that is why we are here to create awareness,” Materu said.

The foundation says that they want to add seven African universities on the number of African institutions of higher learning – which are ten.

See also  Bunnings near me - NSW Stores

In order for other seven universities in Africa to enter the MasterCard scholars program; Materu said that Rwanda universities will be required to meet the set standards, even when the workshop is happening in Rwanda.

Some of the standards include showing a high level of innovation in education and kinds of programs that respond to youth employment, leadership and the way the institution is run, creating partnerships with other universities among others.

The foundation says that universities must also show a level of student’s access, accommodate, provide holistic support on education, mental and careers counseling and leadership development.

“We are going to be discussing these criteria with universities, the goal is to succeed but we also want to learn from these lessons as institutions grow,” Materu said.

Materu explained that Rwanda missed out on the application for universities, just like Kenya and Tanzania because they didn’t submit their applications among other applicants.

MasterCard officials in Rwanda explained this miss out saying that there were already some foundation activities with partner institutions, which needed to be streamlined.

However, they indicated that there is no need to have a concerted effort to have other local universities on board.

“This year it is clear for us that the University of Rwanda and African Leadership University (ALU) are important partners and will be among those we will be looking at today,” said Shona Bezanson, the foundation Head of Eastern and Southern Partner Network, who oversees Scholars Program activities in Rwanda.

In this concerted effort, Dr. Charles Muligande, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor University of Rwanda, in order for Rwanda to have an impactful education it needs to go back on the drawing board to review the university education system and syllabus which he said was not reflecting current job needs.

“We need to have a new syllabus work on with the help of industrial partners, but also send both teachers and students to learn directly from the field in order to deliver,”

Williams Ellis, a professor at the Kwame Nkrumah University of science and technology in Kumasi, Ghana said that Rwanda could learn from Ghana if it focuses on several partnerships and setting up facilities that provide practical education on the international level.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

Related Resources

📋 Online Applications Guide Comprehensive guides for online applications in South Africa
📄 Government Forms 2024 Download and guidance for South African government forms

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

See also  UNISA Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics Education Course

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: