This project will commence in 2015 as part of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, which will provide UCT with US$23.5-million over the next 10 years to finance this endeavour.
The international initiative will offer scholarships to deserving candidates, who would otherwise not have the economic means to study at tertiary levels. The candidates will be educated at UCT, either as undergraduate or postgraduate students. They will then return to their home countries to apply their new skills towards contributing to social and economic progress on the continent.
UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price says the partnership is a significant feather in the university's cap. "It lays the foundation for partnerships with the future academics of the continent while addressing issues of equity, social impact and postgraduate growth," he says.
UCT's partnership with The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is expected to assist up to 60 South African students from disadvantaged communities, as well as 240 students from countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The candidates will have the opportunity to obtain either their first degree or to advance to postgraduate studies. The emphasis will be on postgraduate students who will constitute 80% of the total cohort. UCT will target "first-generation" students who will be the first members of their families to earn a university degree.
Candidates in the programme will be required to sign a declaration that will commit them to returning home upon successful completion of their studies. UCT will work closely with these students to help them secure internships during their studies and career placement after graduating.
One of UCT's core values is a commitment to social justice and using higher education to address inequality and poverty.
"The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is in strong alignment with this goal. UCT and The MasterCard Foundation will work together to identify and develop young people who already have demonstrated a strong sense of commitment to their home communities," says Dr Price.
The formal launch of the project will take place on 1 December 2014. The call for applications is open until 30 September 2014. For more info on the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, contact Nadia Chalkley on az.ca.tcu@yelklahc.aidan or 021 650 3601.
