245 Undergraduate Scholarships at Makerere University by Mastercard Foundation

About the Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University aims to deepen inclusive University education by supporting 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 245 Undergraduate and 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 this Online Application Portal. You’re strongly encouraged to use a computer.

Deadline for Submission of Application

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

For inquiries or clarifications, please call our office mobile line +256 700-716-128 or email [email protected]

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 persons who completed high school in a refugee-hosting community.
   5. Young people from underrepresented communities (Minority Tribes)
   6. Other Ugandan youth
2. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University’s main campus under the private sponsorship scheme for the academic year 2026/2027.
3. The applicant must have either;
   1. Completed their advanced secondary level education (or its equivalent) in an African country.
   2. Completed a diploma with at least a second class/credit award from any recognised institution in Africa.
   3. Passed the mature age entry examinations of Makerere University for the academic year 2026/2027 (for Refugees only)
4. The applicant must be experiencing financial constraints that limit their ability to afford university education.
5. The applicant must not be a holder of any other scholarship, including the Government of Uganda Scholarship.
6. The applicant must not be pursuing or have completed an undergraduate degree programme at any university. 
7. The applicant must have demonstrated engagement in leadership and/or community service.
8. The applicant must be 28 years or younger at the application deadline. 
9. Applicants under the categories of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and young persons living with disabilities must be 32 years of age or younger at the time of the application deadline.
10. A refugee applicant must hold a valid Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation documentation.
11. Applicants in the Refugee Host Communities category must have completed their secondary school education within those communities.
12. The applicant must have applied for degree programmes prioritised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University main campus. For the full list of priority programmes, visit: list of prioritised programmes under Mastercard foundation Scholars Program.

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 scholarship applicants should first apply for admission to Makerere University’s main campus through the private sponsorship scheme. 

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 people, referred to as 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 the borders of their own country. They should have a recommendation 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 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 form of influence peddling 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, refund of the money already spent on a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, and prosecution in the courts of law 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 OF 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 application process.

10. Those applicants who will not have heard from us by the end of August 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.

11. Filling out and applying the form does not guarantee acceptance into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University’s main campus.