Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026/2027

Overview

Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation offer 13 fully funded Master’s scholarships for 2026/2027, part of the Foundation’s second-phase partnership with Makerere (2024-2034). At least 70% of awards go to women, and at least 25% are reserved for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons with disabilities. Applications for the 2026/27 round closed on 5 June 2026, and the next round has not been announced yet.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is built on one idea that shapes everything about selection: it funds academically talented young Africans who are economically disadvantaged and committed to giving back. It is not a pure merit award and not a pure need award. It deliberately looks for both, plus a demonstrated pattern of service. Understanding that “give-back” ethos is the difference between a competitive application and a wasted one.

Benefits

• Full tuition at Makerere University’s main campus
• Monthly living stipend for the programme duration
• Accommodation support
• Laptop, books, and academic supplies
• Health insurance
• Career development and mentorship through the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars network

Eligibility

• National of a Sub-Saharan African country who completed their undergraduate degree at an African institution
• Aged 35 or under at the deadline (40 or under for refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities)
• Admitted or applying to an eligible Master’s programme at Makerere’s main campus for 2026/2027
• Demonstrated financial need
• Evidence of leadership or community service
• Not currently holding another scholarship
• Refugees must hold valid documentation (UNHCR letter or national refugee ID)

How competitive is it, really?

With only 13 awards and quotas prioritising women and displaced applicants, this is a small, targeted programme. Competition is real, but it’s competition among a specific profile, not the general applicant population. If you’re an economically disadvantaged African graduate with a genuine record of service, you’re squarely in the target group and your odds are far better than the raw number suggests. If you’re financially comfortable or have little service history, you’re a poor fit no matter how strong your grades.

The programme explicitly seeks future “transformative leaders” for Africa, so the assessment weights your leadership, service, and give-back plan as heavily as academics and need.

What makes a strong application

• Show the give-back, concretely. Name what you’ve already done for your community and exactly what you intend to do after your Master’s. The Scholars Program invests in people who lift others. Make that pattern visible with specifics.
• Be honest and clear about financial need. This is a genuine eligibility pillar; document it properly rather than downplaying it.
• Connect the degree to impact. Explain how this Makerere programme equips you to solve a problem you care about at home.
• Get admission moving early. You need to be applying to (or admitted to) an eligible Makerere programme. Don’t let that step slip past the June deadline.
• Refugees/IDPs: prepare documentation now. Valid UNHCR or national refugee ID is required; sort it well before you submit.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating it as a pure merit scholarship. Strong grades alone won’t win it. Service and need are core.
• A vague service record. “I like helping people” is weak; a named initiative, role, and result is strong.
• Applying to a non-eligible programme. Only certain priority Master’s programmes qualify. Check the portal list first.
• Going through agents. Applications are free and direct; third-party “agents” are a red flag, not a shortcut.
• Missing the admission step. The scholarship and Makerere admission are linked. You need both underway.

Is this scholarship right for you?

Strong fit if you’re a Sub-Saharan African graduate (35 or under), have real financial need, a track record of service, and a clear intent to return and contribute. It’s especially well-matched for women and for refugees/IDPs given the quotas. It’s not the right target if you’re financially comfortable, lack a service history, or want to study outside the eligible programme list. In which case other Mastercard Foundation partner universities or need-blind awards may fit better.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to apply? No. Applications are free and made directly through Makerere’s portal. Avoid anyone charging a fee.

Do I need admission to Makerere first? You apply for admission to an eligible programme and complete the Scholars application; both need to be in progress before the deadline.

Is there a quota for women or refugees? Yes. At least 70% of awards go to women and at least 25% to refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities.

What if I already have a scholarship? You’re ineligible if you currently hold another scholarship.

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at Makerere University through the admissions portal.
2. Open the Mastercard Foundation Scholars application portal at apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug.
3. Complete the form: personal statement, transcripts, proof of financial need, and leadership/service evidence.
4. Refugees and IDPs upload valid refugee documentation.
5. Submit before the published deadline. The 2026/27 round closed on 5 June 2026, and the next round’s dates are not yet announced. There is no application fee.

Results come directly by email. Never through agents. Confirm the current eligible-programme list and deadline on the official portal before applying.