Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 for Undergraduate Study in Uganda (Fully Funded)

Makerere University is excited to introduce the second cohort of 190 fully funded undergraduate scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2025/2026 academic year. This initiative supports academically talented young men and women facing financial challenges, enabling them to pursue higher education at Makerere University’s main campus in Uganda.

The Mastercard Foundation has extended its partnership with Makerere University for a second phase, continuing until 2034. This phase aims to provide scholarships to 1,000 African students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The program is committed to inclusivity, actively encouraging applications from young women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria for Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University's main campus, applicants must fall into one of the following categories: Ugandan nationals, refugees, students with disabilities, internally displaced youth, or international students. Additionally, they must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus under the private sponsorship scheme for 2025/2026.
2. The Applicant must have either;
3. Completed their advanced secondary level education (or its equivalent) in an African country or
4. Hold second class/credit diploma from any recognized institution or
5. Must have passed the mature age entry examinations of Makerere University for the Years 2023 and 2024.
6. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships.
7. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship, including the Government of Uganda Scholarship.
8. The Applicant should not have completed any undergraduate degree Programme.
9. The Applicant should have demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service.
10. The Applicant should be 28 years old or younger at the application deadline.
11. Applicants under the categories of Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Students with Disabilities should be 32 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline
12. A refugee applicant must hold a Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation.
13. Applicants in the Refugee Host Communities category must have completed their secondary school education within those communities.
14. The applicant should have applied for any degree programmes prioritized under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University‘s main campus (please refer to the application form for a list of prioritized programmes).

Important Information:

1. The Department of Academic Registrar oversees all university admissions. All scholarship applicants must first apply for admission to Makerere University’s main campus through the private sponsorship scheme.
2. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program prioritizes gender inclusivity, with at least 70% of the scholarships allocated to young women and a minimum of 30% to young men. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
3. A minimum of 25% of the scholarships will be awarded to Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Young people in this category are encouraged to apply. IDPs are individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, or natural disasters but remain within their country’s borders. These applicants must provide a recommendation from the Office of the Prime Minister or its representative.
4. At least 10% of the scholarships will be allocated to young people with disabilities. Applicants in this category are encouraged to apply.
5. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
6. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University upholds merit-based selection and maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for dishonesty. Any attempts to influence the selection process will result in immediate disqualification.
7. Any cases of impersonation, document falsification, or submission of false/incomplete information—whether discovered before or after receiving the scholarship—will lead to the cancellation of the award, reimbursement of any funds already received, and possible legal action in Ugandan courts.
8. Makerere University warns the public against fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the scholarship application process by demanding money in exchange for securing a scholarship. The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University’s main campus is entirely free. Any individuals caught engaging in fraudulent activities will be prosecuted.
9. Only successful applicants will receive notifications at each stage of the selection process.
10. Applicants who do not receive any communication by the end of August 2025 should consider their application unsuccessful.
11. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University’s main campus.

Benefits of Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026

The Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is fully funded and covers:

✔ Full tuition fees

✔ Accommodation and meals

✔ Learning materials

✔ Transport and living allowance

✔ Medical insurance

✔ Leadership development training

✔ Entrepreneurship and career guidance

✔ Internships and mentorship opportunities

How to Apply

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 the

Online Application Portal. https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/

For inquiries or clarifications, please call their office mobile line +256 700-716-128 or email info@mastercardfdn.mak.ac.ug

View details of Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for Undergraduate Study

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026