Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027: Apply Now for 13 Master’s Scholarships

Applications are now open for the Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027. Makerere University offers 13 master’s scholarships for students at its Main Campus. These go to academically talented young people from Sub-Saharan Africa who face economic barriers. The deadline is 5th June 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT. This fully funded program helps them access quality education. Later sections cover eligibility and how to apply through the official webpage.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University works to support 1,000 young Africans. It gives them access to university education and helps them move into good jobs. The focus stays on those from Sub-Saharan Africa held back by social and economic issues. These include refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), young people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented groups. All scholarships target master’s study at the Makerere University Main Campus.

Key Takeaways

• Makerere University provides 13 fully funded master’s scholarships for academically talented youth from Sub-Saharan Africa facing financial barriers.
• Eligible applicants include refugees, IDPs, people with disabilities, and others under 35 (or 40 for some groups), with no prior master’s degree.
• Scholarships cover full tuition, living stipends, mentorship, and job transition support at the Main Campus.
• Applications require prior admission to Makerere and submission via the official portal by June 5, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EAT.

To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must meet these criteria:

1. Belong to one of these groups: Refugee or Internally Displaced Person (IDP), young persons with disabilities, international students, young people in a refugee host community, young people from underrepresented ethnic groups in Uganda, or other Ugandan youth.
2. Have applied for admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus for 2026/2027.
3. Have completed undergraduate education in an African country.
4. Face financial constraints that make graduate education hard to afford.
5. Not hold any other scholarship.
6. Not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
7. Show engagement in leadership and/or community service.
8. Be 35 years or younger at the application deadline.
9. For refugees, IDPs, and young persons with disabilities, be under 40 years at the deadline.
10. Refugee applicants must hold a valid Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation documentation.
11. Have applied for degree programs prioritized under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Applicants start by applying for admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus for 2026/2027. Then they submit a separate application for the scholarship through the official portal. They must match the eligibility rules above and pick from prioritized degree programs. Check the official webpage for the full list of programs.

Key Action Items

• Deadline: 5th June 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT
• Apply here: https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/announcements/30

These scholarships come fully funded. They cover tuition and living expenses. The program also stresses leadership and community service. It helps scholars transition to fulfilling work after graduation. Broader support includes academic guidance and career preparation.

• Full tuition coverage
• Living expense stipends
• Mentorship for leadership growth
• Job transition support

This program focuses on master’s degrees, though some mentions include undergraduate study. For the exact prioritized programs, visit the official site. It targets youth in Uganda and beyond facing financial constraints. Master’s scholarships like these aid Sub-Saharan Africa students from groups like refugees and those with disabilities.

The Makerere University MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 offers 13 fully funded master’s scholarships to talented young people from Sub-Saharan Africa facing economic challenges. It supports groups like refugees, IDPs, and those with disabilities through tuition, living expenses, and career help. Check your eligibility and apply before the June 5, 2026 deadline at the official portal to seize this opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions