For 21-year-old Zukhanye Ngwenduna, pursuing higher education had been on hold for three years due to family circumstances. But in 2024, the opportunity to study finally became a reality. Determined to make the most of it, he applied to the University of the Western Cape (UWC). He discovered the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program—a Program dedicated to empowering young Africans through education.

“When I saw the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on the UWC website, I knew I had to apply,” he recalled. “I was lucky to get accepted to the Program around November, and when I received the offer letter, I knew this was the right path for me.”

For the BSc Mathematics and Statistical Sciences Mastercard Foundation Scholar, choosing UWC wasn’t just about academics but also financial security. Unlike other institutions where he would have relied on NSFAS, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provided a more stable and credible funding option.

“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program gave me the chance to focus on my studies without financial stress,” said the Nyanga resident.

Ngwenduna’s application ticked all the boxes for the Program, designed as a transformative initiative to provide access to quality higher education for academically talented but financially impeded young people.

Now part of the Class of 2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UWC, Ngwenduna joins 80 new Mastercard Foundation Scholars embarking on their academic journeys. Beyond support for tuition, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fosters a supportive environment where Scholars are encouraged to think critically and contribute meaningfully to society.

Over a seven-year period, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC will provide full comprehensive scholarships to 500 students, providing 250 undergraduate and 250 Master’s degree scholarships. The initiative strongly emphasises inclusivity, with designated spaces for refugees, displaced youth, and persons with disabilities. Specifically, 25% of the scholarships are allocated for refugees and displaced youth, 10% for persons with disabilities, 20% for international students from the rest of Africa, and 70% for young women.

At the recent onboarding of the Class of 2025, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Robert Balfour, highlighted the importance of having a proper mindset and acknowledging the opportunities the scholarship provides students.

“At our core as individuals, no matter what your field of study is—students and clients alike—we should ask ourselves that fundamental question: What is it that we are challenging as an institution, as an individual, as a community of scholars? What is it that we are fundamentally seeking to change going forward?”

Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC, Carol Ojwang, echoed this sentiment and emphasised the program's holistic support:

“You will receive amazing support at UWC, on a day to day basis through the Program Management Office, our Wrap Around Support Programme partners, faculty officers, supervisors, fellow Scholars and Alumni. Our role will be to empower you to develop into transformative leaders who will continue to inspire and uplift others.”

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC hosted a delegation from the Mastercard Foundation during the onboarding of new Mastercard Foundation Scholars including Ms Ivy Mwai, Ms Basirat Agboola, Ms Mimi Koranteng and Ms Joyce Musuvi.

Ms Ivy Mwai in her welcome address to Mastercard Foundation Scholars highlighted the importance of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in equipping Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the tools to become leaders and global changemakers:

"Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Western Cape means becoming part of a global network of over 40,000 young changemakers. Onboarding is an important first step in your journey—It’s about building community and trust, understanding the support available, and preparing for a journey of leadership and impact. Through workshops, mentorship, and academic support, we ensure you have the tools to thrive.”

The delegation interacted with Mastercard Foundation Scholars through an informative meet and greet and storytelling session.  The delegation further held an onboarding session with Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program staff and met with UWC’s Rector and Vice Chancellor to discuss progress within the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner network and possible future collaborative opportunities between UWC and the Mastercard Foundation.

For Ngwenduna and many others, this scholarship is more than just financial support—it is a stepping stone toward creating a lasting impact in Africa. With the guidance and resources the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides, they are empowered to transform their futures and uplift their communities.

The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organisations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world.