Makerere University, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced the opening of applications for the 2025/2026 academic year under the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The initiative, aimed at fostering inclusive university education, will provide 190 undergraduate and 61 master’s scholarships to academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young Africans.
The program, now in its second phase running until 2034, seeks to empower scholars by equipping them with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to national and regional development. The scholarships will cover students studying at Makerere University’s main campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Applicants
To be considered for the undergraduate scholarships, applicants must:
Have applied for admission to Makerere University for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Have completed high school or its equivalent in 2021, 2022, or 2023.
Demonstrate financial need.
Be aged 28 or younger at the time of application, except for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and students with disabilities, who must be 32 or younger.
Not hold any other scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s Degree Applicants
Prospective master’s scholars must:
Have applied for admission to Makerere University for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Have completed their undergraduate degree within the last five years.
Be facing financial hardship.
Be aged 35 or younger at the time of application, with an exception for refugees and students with disabilities.
Not be recipients of other scholarships.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University prioritizes students from marginalized backgrounds, including refugees, IDPs, and individuals with disabilities.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the application form available online at https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug. The deadline for submission is Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM EAT.
For inquiries, applicants can contact the office at 0326-662-260 or via email at info@mastercardfdn.mak.ac.ug.
This scholarship presents a significant opportunity for bright yet financially disadvantaged students across Africa to access world-class education at Makerere University, enabling them to become future leaders and change-makers in their communities.
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