Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 — Fully Funded Scholarships for African Youth

Omran Aburayya
May 6
4 min read

If you are an academically talented young African facing financial barriers to higher education, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University has officially opened applications for the 2026/2027 academic year — offering 258 fully funded scholarships at both undergraduate and Master's levels. This is your chance to pursue a world-class university education in Uganda, build leadership skills, and join a growing network of change-makers shaping the future of Africa.

🎓 Scholarship at a Glance

Location: Kampala, Uganda
Host Institution: Makerere University (Main Campus)
Study Level: Undergraduate and Master's
Target Group: Academically talented, financially constrained youth from Sub-Saharan Africa — including refugees, IDPs, persons with disabilities, and students from underrepresented communities
Fields of Study: STEM, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering, Law, Business, Social Sciences
Value: Fully funded — tuition, accommodation, meals, stipend, laptop, medical aid, and return airfare
Award Duration: Full duration of the enrolled programme
Application Deadline: Friday, 5th June 2026, at 11:59 PM EAT
Start Date: Academic Year 2026/2027
Eligible Nationalities: Sub-Saharan African countries

📚 Scholarship Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is a partnership that began in 2013 and has now entered its second phase, running from 2024 to 2034, with the goal of educating and empowering the next generation of African leaders. For the 2026/2027 intake, Makerere University is offering 245 undergraduate and 13 Master's scholarships to students joining the main campus.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars receive full tuition fees, accommodation, living stipends, meals, a laptop, medical aid, a return airfare ticket, and coverage of one visa application for the duration of the study period. Beyond finances, scholars also receive:

Leadership training and career development support
Financial literacy coaching
Access to a powerful network of African professionals and alumni
Connections with private sector actors to support transitions into employment and entrepreneurship

The program is guided by core values of Humility, Listening, Kindness, Respect, Co-Creation, and Impact — principles that shape how scholars engage with their communities and their education.

📘 Priority Fields of Study

Master's programmes prioritised:

M.Sc. Computer Science
M.Sc. Information Science
M.Med in Pediatrics
M.Med in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
MBA
M.A. Economic Policy Management
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Social Work

📘 Undergraduate fields prioritised:

Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering
Food Science, Agribusiness, and Environmental Science
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Nursing, and Biomedical Engineering
Information Systems and Technology, and Actuarial Science

Applicants are advised to confirm the full list of prioritised programmes on the official portal before applying, as only applications for listed programmes will be considered.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must belong to one of the following categories:

Refugees or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Young persons with disabilities (PWDs)
International students
Youth from refugee host communities
Young people from underrepresented or minority communities
Other Ugandan youth

✅ For undergraduate applicants:

Must have completed Advanced Secondary education or a Diploma (Second Class/Credit) in an African country, or passed Makerere University's mature age entry examinations (for refugees only)
Must be 28 years or younger at the application deadline, or 32 years or younger for refugees, IDPs, and PWDs

✅ For Master's applicants:

Must have completed an undergraduate degree in an African country
Must be 35 years or younger, or 40 years or younger for refugees, IDPs, and PWDs

✅ All applicants must additionally:

Have already applied for admission to Makerere University Main Campus under the private sponsorship scheme for 2026/2027
Demonstrate financial constraints that limit access to higher education
Show a proven track record in leadership or community service
Not be holders of any other scholarship, including the Government of Uganda Scholarship
Not be currently pursuing or have already completed a degree at the relevant level
Refugee applicants must hold a valid Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation documentation
IDPs must provide a recommendation or resettlement letter from the Office of the Prime Minister or its representative

ℹ️ Inclusion targets to note: at least 70% of scholarships will be awarded to young women, at least 25% to refugees and IDPs, and at least 10% to young people living with disabilities. Young women and those from marginalised categories are strongly encouraged to apply.

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📝 How to Apply

Step 1 — Apply for University Admission First: Before applying for the scholarship, submit an application for admission to Makerere University Main Campus through the private sponsorship scheme for 2026/2027. The Department of the Academic Registrar handles all university admissions separately from the scholarship process.
Step 2 — Access the Scholarship Portal: Visit the official Online Application Portal at https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/. The application is completely free of charge. Use a computer rather than a mobile device for the best experience.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Documents: Have the following ready before starting your application:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of financial need
- Leadership certificates or recommendation letters
- Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation (if applicable)
- IDP recommendation letter from the Office of the Prime Minister (if applicable)
Step 4 — Submit Before the Deadline: All applications must be submitted by Friday, 5th June 2026, at 11:59 PM EAT. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
Step 5 — Await Feedback: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted at each stage. Applicants who have not received communication by the end of August 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.

ℹ️ Important Warnings

The application process is entirely free of charge. Makerere University has issued a public warning that fraudsters may pose as intermediaries and solicit money in exchange for guaranteeing a scholarship. No one can guarantee selection — anyone caught soliciting money will be prosecuted. Do not pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If in doubt, contact the scholarship office directly.