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About the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships
The Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships 2025/2026 offer young African undergraduates and postgraduates an incredible opportunity to pursue higher education at Makerere University in Uganda. The scholarship, funded by the MasterCard Foundation, aims to empower academically talented but financially disadvantaged students to become the next generation of African leaders.
Since its inception in 2014, Makerere University, in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, has provided scholarships at the undergraduate level to students from Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative is designed to support students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance but face financial constraints, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed.
For the academic year 2025/2026, Makerere University will award a total of 190 Undergraduate and 11 Master’s scholarships under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. These scholarships are available for students enrolling under the Private Sponsorship Scheme at the university’s main campus.
The program provides comprehensive financial, academic, and social support, along with leadership development training throughout the scholars’ academic journey.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to citizens and residents of all African countries.
Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate Applicants
To be eligible for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, an applicant must belong to one of the following categories:
- Ugandan nationals
- Refugees
- Students with disabilities
- Internally displaced young people
- International students
Additional Requirements:
- Admission Application:
- The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University’s main campus under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 academic year.
- View the Prioritized Undergraduate Degree Programmes eligible for this scholarship (PDF link provided in the official application portal).
- Education Background:
- The applicant must have completed their Advanced Secondary Level Education (or its equivalent) in an African country.
- OR must hold a Second Class/Credit Diploma from a recognized institution.
- OR must have passed the Mature Age Entry examination of Makerere University.
- Financial Need:
- The applicant must be experiencing financial hardship and unable to afford university education.
- Scholarship Restrictions:
- The applicant must not be a holder of any other scholarship, including the Government of Uganda Scholarship.
- The applicant must not have completed any undergraduate degree program previously.
- Age Limit:
- Applicants should be 28 years old or younger by the application deadline.
- For applicants in the Refugee or Persons with Disabilities categories, the age limit is 32 years or younger.
- Leadership and Community Engagement:
- Applicants must have demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service involvement.
For Master’s Applicants
To qualify for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Master’s applicants must belong to one of the following categories:
- Ugandan nationals
- Refugees
- Students with disabilities
- Internally displaced young people
- International students
Additional Requirements:
- Admission Application:
- The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University’s main campus for the 2025/2026 academic year.
- View the Master’s Degree Programmes considered for the scholarship (PDF link available on the official application portal).
- Education Background:
- The applicant must have completed their undergraduate degree in an African country.
- Financial Need:
- The applicant must be experiencing financial hardship and unable to afford university education.
- Scholarship Restrictions:
- The applicant must not be a holder of any other scholarship.
- The applicant must not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree previously.
- Age Limit:
- Applicants should be 35 years old or younger by the application deadline.
- For applicants in the Refugee or Persons with Disabilities categories, the age limit is 40 years.
- Leadership and Community Engagement:
- Applicants must have demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service involvement.
- Refugee Applicants:
- Must possess a Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation.
- Program Restrictions:
- Applicants must have applied for a degree program prioritized under the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (refer to the application form for a list of eligible programs).
Benefits of the Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships
The scholarship provides full funding, including:
- Tuition and academic fees coverage for the entire study period.
- Accommodation and meals throughout the duration of study.
- A monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses.
- Learning materials including books and laptops.
- Health insurance for the entire period of study.
- Leadership training and mentorship programs.
- Internship opportunities and career guidance.
- Support for community service projects.
How to Apply
- Visit the Official Application Portal.
- Fill in the required details and upload supporting documents.
- Submit a complete application before the deadline (6th June 2025).
The duration of the scholarship is as follows
- Undergraduate Degree: 4 years (depending on the course)
- Master’s Degree: 2 years
Note: The deadline for applications is 6th June 2025.
Conclusion
The Makerere University MasterCard Scholarships 2025/2026 present an exceptional opportunity for African students to pursue higher education in one of Africa’s most prestigious universities. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference in your community, this scholarship could be your pathway to academic and professional success. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity—apply today!
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See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
