Are you an academically talented young African facing financial barriers to higher education? Makerere University has opened 258 fully funded scholarships for 2026/2027, for refugees, young women, people with disabilities, and youth from underserved communities. This is the one to apply for.
Total Scholarships Available:
- 🎓 245 Undergraduate
- 🎓 13 Master’s
➡️ 258 Fully Funded Opportunities
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with leading African universities to open doors for young people whose talent is not the problem — financial access is. At Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest institution, the program targets 1,000 young people from Sub-Saharan Africa with a vision of dignified, fulfilling work after graduation.
This is not just tuition coverage. The program includes living support, leadership development, and career transition pathways. It is an investment in the kind of person who has been working hard despite impossible odds.
Scholarship details at a glance
| Host institution | Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda |
| Academic year | 2026/2027 |
| Scholarships available | 258 (245 undergraduate + 13 master’s) |
| Application deadline | Friday, 5th June 2026 — 11:59 PM EAT |
| Application fee | Completely free. Zero cost. |
| Who can apply | Sub-Saharan African youth (see eligibility below) |
| Application portal | apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug |
Who gets priority? Understand the allocation
Understanding the scholarship’s allocation priorities gives you a strategic advantage:
- At least 70% of scholarships go to young women — if you are a woman, your odds are significantly higher. Apply.
- At least 25% of scholarships are reserved for refugees and IDPs.
- At least 10% of scholarships are reserved for young people living with disabilities.
If you fall into any of these categories, this is not just an opportunity — it is a program built specifically to reach you. Do not self-select out.
Full eligibility criteria
You must belong to at least one category:
- Refugee or Internally Displaced Person (IDP)
- Young person living with a disability
- International student from a Sub-Saharan African country
- Young person living or working in a refugee host community
- Young person from an underrepresented ethnic/minority group in Uganda
- Other Ugandan youth
Academic & personal requirements:
- You must have applied for Makerere University admission for 2026/2027
- For master’s: undergraduate degree must have been completed in an African country
- Experiencing genuine financial constraints limiting access to higher education
- Not holding any other scholarship
- Not currently pursuing or completed any master’s degree
- Demonstrated record of leadership and/or community service
- 35 years or younger at the deadline (refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities may be up to 40)
- Refugee applicants must hold a valid Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation
- Chosen programme must be on the Mastercard Foundation priority list
Note: Filling out the application form does not guarantee a scholarship. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted at each stage. If you don’t hear from the program by end of August 2026, consider your application unsuccessful.
How to apply — step by step
- Apply for Makerere University admission first; The scholarship requires a separate university admission application through the Department of the Academic Registrar. Do this before anything else.
- Access the scholarship portal; Visit https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug — use a computer, not a mobile device, as strongly advised by the university.
- Complete the application form accurately; False or incomplete information leads to automatic disqualification and may result in legal action. Every field matters.
- Submit before June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM EAT; Do not wait until the last day. Technical issues happen. Submit early and confirm receipt.
- Do not pay anyone — this is 100% free; Anyone asking for money in exchange for a scholarship is a fraudster. The application has no cost whatsoever.
Contact Information for Inquiries
If you have questions or need clarification about the application process:
- Phone: +256 700-716-128
- Email: info@mastercardfdn.mak.ac.ug
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I’m not Ugandan?
Yes. International students from Sub-Saharan Africa are eligible, provided all other requirements are met.
Can men apply?
Yes, though at least 70% of awards go to women. Men are still encouraged to apply, especially those in priority categories like refugee status, disability, or minority ethnic groups.
Do I need to apply for admission separately?
Yes. Makerere University admission is handled by the Academic Registrar — a completely separate process from the scholarship application. Both must be completed.
Can I apply for both undergraduate and master’s scholarships?
No. Apply for the level that matches your current academic stage.
When will I know if I’m shortlisted?
Only shortlisted applicants are contacted at each stage. If you have not heard by the end of August 2026, your application was not successful this cycle.
What if I’m already enrolled at Makerere?
This scholarship is for students joining Makerere for the 2026/2027 academic year. Review the programme guidelines carefully if you are currently enrolled.
Apply Now — Don’t Miss the June 5, 2026 Deadline
You have until Friday, June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM East Africa Time. That is not far away.
Start your application today:
At Niyabo Career Hub, we believe that access to information is itself a form of opportunity. Share this post with every young African who deserves to know about this scholarship. Tag a friend. Post it in your WhatsApp group. Send it to that brilliant young woman in your community who thinks university is out of reach.
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