Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University aims to deepen inclusive niversity education and support 1,000 young Deople from Africa to access quality education and transition into dignified and fulfilling work. This is achieved through the provision of scholarships to academically talented young men and women from Sub-Saharan Africa whose access to higher ducation is constrained by social and economic Makerere University is pleased to announce 245 Undergraduate and 13 Master's scholarships under The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for students joining the Makerere University main campus in the 2026/2027 academic year.

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, has supported work in 49 countries.In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy. The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.Funding is primaril... continue reading

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

Full Tuition fee and other support 

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Qualification

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University's main campus, an applicant must belong to one of the following categories.

• International students
• Refugee or Internally Displaced Person (IDP)
• Young persons living with disabilities
• Young people living in a refugee host community
• Young prapla from underepresented communities hintorinally
• Other Ugandan youth

APPLICANTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES

• The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University's main campus under the private sponsonship scheme for the academic year 2026/2027
• The applicant must have either,
• Completed their advanced secondary level education (or its equivalent) in an African country
• Completed a diploma with at least a second class/credit award from any recognised institution in Africa.
• Passed the mature age entry examinations of Makerere University for the academic year 2026/2027 (for Refugees only)
• The applicant must be experiencing financial constraints that limit their ability to afford a university education.
• The applicant must not be a holder of any other scholarship, including the Govemment of Uganda Scholarship.
• The applicant must not be pursuing or have completed an undergraduate degree programme at any university. 
• The applicant must have demonstrated engagement in leadership and/or community  service.
• The applicant must be 28 years of younger af the application deadline.
• Applicants under the categories of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs). and young persons living with disabilities must be 32 years of age or younger at the time of the application deadline.
• A refugee applicant must hold a valid Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation.
• Applicants in the Refugee Host Communities category must have completed their secondary school education within those communities.
• The applicant must have applied for degree programmes prioritised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University main campus (please refer to the application form for the list of prioritised programmes). For the full list of priority programmes  

APPLICANTS FOR MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMMES

• The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University's main campus for 2026/2027
• The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
• The applicant must be experiencing financial constraints to afford graduate education.
• The applicant must not be a holder of any other scholarship.
• The applicant must not be pursuing or have completed any master's degree studies.
• The applicant must have demonstrated mgagement in leadership and/or community service.
• The applicant must be 35 years or younger at the application deadline.
• Applicants in the refugee and student living with disabilities categories must be under 40 years old age at the application deadline.
• A refugee applicant must hold a valid Hefugee Identity card of documentation or family Attestation
• The applicant must have applied for degree programmes prioritised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. For the list of priority programmes

Check also:Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Prospective applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University can access and complete the application form at no cost through the Online Application Portal

For more Information, visit Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Scholarship webpage