The Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships 2026 in Uganda provide fully funded educational opportunities for young African undergraduates and master’s students. This program, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, aims to educate and empower the next generation of African leaders at Makerere University.
Makerere University, in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, has offered scholarships since 2014 to academically talented yet financially disadvantaged students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The university is pleased to announce the second cohort of undergraduate and master’s scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year under the Private Sponsorship Scheme.
Benefits of Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships
- Full scholarship
- Comprehensive financial support
- Academic support
- Social and leadership development support
Eligibility Criteria for the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships
- Ugandan nationals, refugees, students with disabilities, internally displaced young people, or international students
- Must have applied for admission to Makerere University’s main campus under private sponsorship for 2026/2027
- Undergraduate applicants: completed advanced secondary education in an African country, hold second class/credit diploma, or passed mature age entry
- Experiencing financial hardships
- Not a holder of any other scholarship
- Undergraduate applicants: not completed any undergraduate degree
- Demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service
- Undergraduate applicants: 28 years or younger (32 for refugees or persons with disabilities)
- Master’s applicants: completed undergraduate education in an African country
- Master’s applicants: not pursuing or completed any Master’s degree studies
- Master’s applicants: not over 35 years (40 for refugees and students with disabilities)
How to Apply for Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships?
- Visit the official application portal
- First apply for admission to a Master’s programme at Makerere University (main campus) under the required admission scheme
- Carefully read all scholarship guidelines and eligibility criteria before starting your application
- Access the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form through the online portal (no application fee required)
- Complete the online scholarship application form with accurate personal, academic, and background information
- Upload all required supporting documents as specified in the application instructions (academic records, identification, and other relevant proofs)
- Review your application carefully to ensure all sections are correctly filled and documents are attached
- Submit the application before the official deadline through the online system
- Wait for shortlisting; only selected candidates will be contacted for further stages such as interviews or additional assessments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities for talented African students with financial need. The program focuses on leadership, academic excellence, and community impact, providing comprehensive support and long-term development opportunities.
What is the application deadline for the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships 2026?
The application deadline is Friday 5th June 2026. Applicants must ensure all requirements are submitted by this date to be considered for the scholarship.
Which countries are eligible for the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships?
Citizens and residents of all African countries are eligible. This includes Ugandan nationals, refugees, students with disabilities, internally displaced young people, and international students from African nations.
What study levels are covered by the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships?
The scholarships cover both undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and master’s degree programs. Applicants must apply for admission to Makerere University’s main campus for the 2026/2027 academic year under the Private Sponsorship Scheme.
What are the age requirements for undergraduate applicants?
Undergraduate applicants should be 28 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline. Applicants in the refugee or persons with disabilities categories should be 32 years old or younger.
What are the age requirements for master’s applicants?
Master’s applicants should not be over 35 years of age at the application deadline. Applicants in the refugee and students with disabilities categories should be under 40 years of age.
What financial support does the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering tuition and other educational expenses. Recipients receive full scholarship benefits along with academic and leadership development support throughout their study period.
Can applicants hold other scholarships simultaneously?
No, applicants should not be holders of any other scholarship, including the Government of Uganda Scholarship. The scholarship is designed for students experiencing financial hardships without other funding sources.
What leadership qualities are required for the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships?
Applicants should have demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service experience. The program aims to educate and empower the next generation of African leaders through comprehensive support.
Where will the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarship be taken?
The scholarship will be taken at Makerere University in Uganda. All studies will be conducted at the university’s main campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme for the 2026/2027 academic year.
How can I apply for the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships?
Interested applicants should visit the official application webpage for detailed instructions and requirements. The application process involves applying for admission to Makerere University and submitting the scholarship application by the deadline.
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