Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Makerere University Scholarship 2026/2027

Scholarship Overview

Program: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University: Makerere University
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Application Deadline: June 5, 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)

About the Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University aims to expand access to inclusive and quality university education for young people from Sub-Saharan Africa.

The program supports academically talented but economically disadvantaged students who face barriers to higher education. The scholarship also focuses on developing leadership skills and preparing scholars to contribute to national and regional development.

Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation renewed their partnership to run the program until 2034, aiming to support 1,000 African students through scholarships.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the program will offer:

• 245 Undergraduate Scholarships
• 13 Master’s (Graduate) Scholarships

These scholarships will be offered at the Makerere University main campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an African country, refugee, person with disability, internally displaced person (IDP), or international student
• Have applied for admission to Makerere University under the Private Sponsorship Scheme for 2026/2027
• Meet one of the following academic qualifications:
  • Completed advanced secondary education or equivalent in an African country
  • Hold a credit/second-class diploma from a recognized institution
  • Passed the Makerere University mature age entry exam
• Demonstrate financial need
• Not hold any other scholarship, including a Government of Uganda scholarship
• Not have completed a previous undergraduate degree
• Demonstrate leadership potential and/or community service experience

Age Requirement

• Applicants must be 28 years old or younger
• Applicants with disabilities or refugee status must be 32 years or younger

Special Scholarship Allocation

The program emphasizes inclusion and diversity:

• 70% of scholarships will be awarded to young women
• 30% to young men
• 25% of scholarships will be allocated to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)
• 10% reserved for students with disabilities

Applicants from these groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Important Notes

• Applicants must first apply for admission to Makerere University before applying for the scholarship.
• Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
• The program follows strict merit and integrity principles.

Fraudulent activities such as:

• Falsifying documents
• Providing false information
• Influence peddling

will result in immediate disqualification and possible legal action.

The scholarship application process is completely free.

Applicants should be cautious of fraudsters requesting payment to secure scholarships.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official scholarship portal:

Application Steps

1. Create an account on the application portal
2. Confirm your email and create a password
3. Log in and complete the application form
4. Submit your application before the deadline

Applicants can save their application and continue later through the portal.

Selection Process

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the selection stages.
• Applicants who do not receive communication by August 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.

Submitting an application does not guarantee admission or scholarship award.

Deadline

Application Deadline: June 5, 2026 – 11:59 PM (EAT)

📣 Stay Updated For career opportunities jobs and scholarships

Join our Telegram Channel for daily job updates!
🔗 https://t.me/Habeshan_Jobs_Com