Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026/2027: 13 Master’s Scholarships Open
Applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026/2027. This program offers 13 master’s scholarships to talented young Africans who face social and economic barriers. It helps them access quality education at Makerere University Main Campus and move into good jobs.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026/2027 supports 1,000 young people from Sub-Saharan Africa overall. These scholarships target academically strong students held back by poverty or other issues. Makerere University provides these 13 spots for the 2026/2027 year.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works to make university education more inclusive. It focuses on young men and women from Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal is to help 1,000 of them get quality education and find fulfilling work.
At Makerere University, 13 master’s scholarships are available for the Main Campus in 2026/2027. These go to students with strong grades but limited options due to money problems or background. The program removes those barriers so talent can shine.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet strict rules to qualify. Here are the main categories:
- Refugee or Internally Displaced Person (IDP)
- Young persons with disabilities
- International students
- Young people living in a refugee host community
- Young people from underrepresented ethnic groups in Uganda
- Other Ugandan youth
Other key requirements include:
- Applied for admission to Makerere University’s main campus for 2026/2027.
- Completed undergraduate education in an African country.
- Facing financial constraints that limit ability to afford graduate education.
- Not holding any other scholarship.
- Not pursuing or having completed any Master’s degree studies.
- Demonstrated engagement in leadership and/or community service.
- 35 years or younger at the application deadline (under 40 for refugees, IDPs, and young persons with disabilities).
- Refugee applicants must hold a valid Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation documentation.
- Applied for degree programmes prioritised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026/2027:
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Check if you meet all eligibility criteria listed above. Make sure you fit a category and have no other scholarships.
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Apply for admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus for 2026/2027. You must do this first.
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Submit the scholarship application through the official online form. The deadline is Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT.
For full details, check the program announcement page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
It offers scholarships to make university education inclusive for young people from Sub-Saharan Africa, helping 1,000 access quality degrees and good jobs, with 13 master’s spots at Makerere for 2026/2027.
Who can apply for these scholarships?
Applicants must be refugees, IDPs, people with disabilities, international students, or from specific Ugandan groups, under 35 (or 40 for some), with strong academics but financial barriers, and no other scholarships.
What are the steps to apply?
First, apply for admission to Makerere’s Main Campus for 2026/2027, then submit the scholarship form via the official online link by the deadline.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT; visit the program announcement page for full details.