Scholarships for Masters Programmes 2026/2027

About the Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University aims to deepen inclusive university education and support 1,000 young people from Africa to access quality education and transition into dignified and fulfilling work. This is achieved by providing scholarships to academically talented young men and women from Sub-Saharan Africa whose access to higher education is constrained by social and economic barriers.

Makerere University is pleased to announce 13 master’s scholarships under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for students joining the Makerere University Main Campus in the 2026/2027 academic year.

Application Procedure

Prospective applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University's main campus can access and complete the application form at no cost through our Online Application Portal (https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/). You are strongly encouraged to use a computer.

Deadline for Submission of Application

The application submission deadline is Friday, 5th June 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT.

For inquiries or clarifications, please call our office mobile line +256 700-716-128 or email info@mastercardfdn.mak.ac.ug 

Eligibility

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University's main campus

1. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: 
   1. Refugee or Internally Displaced Person (IDP) 
   2. Young persons with disabilities  
   3. International students
   4. Young people living in a refugee host community
   5. Young people from underrepresented ethnic groups in Uganda
   6. Other Ugandan youth
2. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University's main campus for 2026/2027.
3. The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
4. The applicant should be experiencing financial constraints that limit their ability to afford graduate education.
5. The applicant must not be a holder of any other scholarship.
6. The applicant must not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
7. The applicant must have demonstrated engagement in leadership and/or community service.
8. The applicant must be 35 years or younger at the application deadline. 
9. Applicants in the refugee, Internally Displaced Persons and s young persons with disabilities categories must be under 40 years of age at the application deadline.
10. A refugee applicant must hold a valid Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation documentation.
11. The applicant must have applied for degree programmes prioritised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Click here to view the list of priority programmes.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further selection engagements.

Applicants are advised to read the application guidelines below before completing the form.
 

NOTE

1. The Department of Academic Registrar is responsible for all University admissions. All applicants to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program should first apply for admission to Makerere University's main campus. 
2. At least 70% of the scholarships awarded through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will be awarded to young women, while a minimum of 30% to young men. Young women are therefore encouraged to apply
3. At least 25% of the scholarships awarded through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program shall be awarded to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Young people in this category are therefore encouraged to apply.
   Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are persons who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, or natural disasters. These individuals are often resettled in other areas within Uganda's borders. They should have a recommendation/resettlement letter from the Office of the Prime Minister or its representative in the area.
4. At least 10% of the scholarships awarded through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program shall be awarded to young people living with disabilities. Young people in this category are therefore encouraged to apply.
5. Incomplete application forms will be automatically disqualified.
6. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University practices merit principles and has zero tolerance for dishonesty. Any attempts to improperly influence the selection process will automatically disqualify the applicant. 
7. Cases of impersonation, falsification of documents, or giving false/incomplete information, whether discovered at the time of receiving the award or afterwards, will lead to automatic cancellation of the award, repayment of funds disbursed under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and may result in legal action under the laws of Uganda if necessary.
8. Makerere University appeals to the public to be aware of fraudsters within or outside of the University who might want to take advantage of the scholarship application process by soliciting money with a promise of securing a scholarship for an applicant. THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY (MAIN CAMPUS) IS FREE OF CHARGE; individuals caught in the act of conning the public will be prosecuted in courts of law.
9. Only successful applicants will be notified at every stage of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application process.
10. Those applicants who do not hear from us by the end of August 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
11. Filling out an application form DOES NOT guarantee a place in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University's main campus.
     

Ready to Apply? Click here to get Started.