1.      Call for Applications

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is pleased to inform Tanzanian students with disabilities who aspire to pursue higher education at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa, that applications for admission to undergraduate and Master's degree programmes for 2027 are now open.

This call is particularly important for students with disabilities because the University of Pretoria, through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offers comprehensive scholarships to academically talented African youth facing significant socio-economic barriers, including refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities. 

2.      Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be Tanzanian citizens;
• Be academically talented youth facing significant socio-economic barriers, including persons with disabilities, refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs);
• Provide relevant supporting documentation, including proof of disability, refugee status, or IDP status, where applicable;
• Demonstrate academic excellence;
• Demonstrates leadership through active participation in leadership roles
• Meet the admission requirements of the University of Pretoria for their chosen programme; and
• Have obtained a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for the scholarship.

3.      Available Fields of Study

Eligible applicants may apply for programmes offered under the following faculties:

• Natural and Agricultural Sciences;
• Economic and Management Sciences;
• Humanities;
• Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology;
• Law; and
• Education.

4.      Scholarship Benefits

Successful Mastercard Foundation Scholars may receive support covering:

• Full tuition fees;
• Accommodation at the University of Pretoria;
• Monthly living allowance;
• Prescribed textbooks;
• Medical insurance;
• Visa costs;
• Travel costs (including flight tickets) to and from South Africa; and
• Academic and leadership development programmes.

5.      Application Process

Step 1: Apply for admission to the University of Pretoria before the applicable deadline to the following website https://www.up.ac.za/online-application/apply-online  for more information about the scholarship visit https://www.up.ac.za/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program and all Mastercard application form should be submitted via this email: mcfsp@up.ac.tz (see attachment no. 1 & 2).  

Step 2: Upon receiving a provisional admission letter from the University of Pretoria, submit an application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to attach certified medical or disability documentation as required.

6.      Important Deadlines

• University of Pretoria Admission Application Deadline: 30 June, 2026
• Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 August, 2026
• Mastercard Foundation Master's Scholarship Application Deadline: 30 September, 2026

Important Note

1. Beneficiaries of this scholarship will not be eligible for financial support through Government of the United Republic of Tanzania loan or grant schemes, as the scholarship package provides comprehensive support for the duration of study.
2. Students with disabilities and other disadvantaged group are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity and submit their applications on time.