Applications are now invited from qualified candidates for the 2026 Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University for an opportunity to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Africa.
The Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University is a fully funded opportunity that covers the full cost of tuition for all selected scholars. The scholarship also provides additional support including accommodation, living stipends, meals, a laptop, and return airfare tickets, ensuring that beneficiaries can pursue their studies without financial burden.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Uganda
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Accommodation | Laptop
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: June 5, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University provides comprehensive financial and academic support to talented African students, enabling them to pursue higher education while developing the leadership skills needed to create positive change in their communities.
The scholarship is offered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which aims to empower young African leaders through quality education and leadership development. Through this initiative, scholars receive not only financial support but also access to mentorship, leadership training, and career development opportunities.
The Mastercard Foundation renewed its partnership with Makerere University for the second phase of the Scholars Program, which runs from 2023 to 2034. During this phase, the program will provide 1,000 scholarships over ten years for both undergraduate and master’s degree programs at the Makerere University Main Campus in Uganda.
The initiative is designed to support academically talented students who demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to community service, and a strong desire to contribute to the development of Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University, applicants must:
- Be qualified for admission at Makerere University Main Campus
- Undergraduate applicants must:
- Have completed Advanced Level education (or equivalent) in an African country
- Master’s applicants must:
- Have completed Bachelor’s degree studies in an African country
- Demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- A record of community service
- Must not be holders of any other scholarship
- Meet the age requirements:
- Undergraduate applicants: Must not exceed 28 years at the time of application
- Master’s applicants: Must not exceed 35 years at the time of application
- Refugees and applicants with disabilities:
- Must not exceed 32 years (Undergraduate)
- Must not exceed 40 years (Master’s)
- Refugee applicants must:
- Be recognized and registered refugees
- Provide refugee attestation documentation with their application
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University will receive:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a University residence
- Meals
- Books and printed learning materials
- A modest monthly stipend
- Medical aid
- Travel costs (one return trip during the study period)
- Visa application cost (once during the study period)
- Laptop for academic work
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Completed Application Form
- Passport photograph
- Copy of identity document
- Certified copy of Undergraduate Degree certificate or transcript (for Master’s applicants)
- Certified copy of A-Level and O-Level results
- Copy of National Identification Card or Passport
- Motivation Statement for Master’s Studies (maximum 500 words)
- Hand-drawn map showing directions to the applicant’s residence
How to Apply
To apply for the Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University 2026:
- Visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship webpage at Makerere University
- Apply first for admission into either:
- Undergraduate, or
- Graduate programs at Makerere University
- Proceed to the Mastercard Scholarship page
- Select the appropriate scholarship category:
- Undergraduate scholarship, or
- Postgraduate scholarship
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements
- Prepare and upload all required documents
Applicants can apply through two methods:
- Online Application
- Complete the online scholarship application form
- Offline Application
- Download the undergraduate or postgraduate scholarship application form
- Fill out the form and attach all required documents
After completing the form:
- Hand-deliver the application to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Office located at:
Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University
OR
- Send the completed application as an email attachment to:
[email protected]
To begin application, click HERE
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