The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for academically talented but economically disadvantaged young people from Africa. It supports inclusive higher education and helps scholars transition into leadership roles and meaningful careers.
Mastercard Foundation has renewed its partnership with Makerere University for the second phase (2023–2034), offering 1,000 scholarships over 10 years for undergraduate and master’s programmes at the university’s main campus in Kampala, Uganda.
Key Benefits
The scholarship covers all major costs to remove financial barriers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a university residence
- Meals
- Books and printed materials
- Modest monthly living stipend
- Medical aid
- Laptop provision
- Travel costs (one return airfare ticket for the study period)
- Visa application costs (one application for the duration of studies)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be academically qualified for admission to Makerere University’s main campus.
- Have completed Advanced Level (A-Level) or equivalent in an African country (for undergraduate applicants).
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree in an African country (for master’s applicants).
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential and a record of community service.
- Not holding any other scholarship.
- Meet age limits:
- Undergraduates: Not exceeding 28 years at application (32 years for refugees and students with disabilities).
- Master’s: Not exceeding 35 years at application (40 years for refugees and students with disabilities).
- Be from Sub-Saharan Africa, with priority for those facing social and economic barriers (including Ugandan nationals, refugees, students with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and international students).
- Apply under the Private Sponsorship Scheme admissions at Makerere University.
Required Documents
Prepare these for your application:
- Completed application form
- Passport-sized photo
- Copy of national ID or passport
- Certified copies of academic certificates/transcripts (A-Level/O-Level for undergraduates; bachelor’s degree certificate/transcript for master’s)
- Motivation statement (for master’s applicants; maximum 500 words)
- Hand-drawn map with clear directions to your home/residence
- For refugees: Proof of refugee status (attestation)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026/2027 Academic Year)
Applications are free and managed directly through the official portal. Note: As of March 2026, undergraduate applications are not yet activated (they open when Makerere University advertises Private Sponsorship Scheme admissions). Graduate/master’s applications appear to be open or in process.
- Apply for admission to Makerere University first (undergraduate or graduate programme at the main campus) under the Private Sponsorship Scheme. Check the university’s admissions portal for details.
- Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application portal: Here.
- Review all eligibility requirements and prepare your documents.
- Select the appropriate category: Undergraduate or Graduate/Master’s scholarships.
- Complete the online application form (preferred) via the portal, or download the relevant form (undergraduate or postgraduate) if available.
- Fill in the form accurately and attach/upload all required documents.
- Submit online through the portal if possible. Alternatively:
- Email the completed form and documents as attachments to [email protected] (or check for updated email like [email protected]).
- Or hand-deliver a hard copy to: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offices, Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Monitor your email and the portal for updates or confirmation.