Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University for Africans 2026: Full Guide & Application Steps

The MasterCard Scholarship at Makerere University For Africans 2026 stands out as a fully funded chance that can change lives for undergraduate and master’s students from across Africa. This program covers tuition, housing, meals, a laptop, and more, with no IELTS required to apply. It removes money worries so talented students can focus on studies and leadership. The Mastercard Foundation’s renewed partnership with Makerere University for its second phase from 2023 to 2034 will provide 1000 scholarships over 10 years. This guide walks through steps to check if you qualify, collect documents, and apply before the June 5, 2026 deadline.

Key Takeaways

• This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, meals, a laptop, and stipends for undergraduate and master’s students from African countries, with no IELTS required.
• Eligibility requires admission to Makerere’s main campus, leadership potential, community service, and age limits under 28 for undergrads or 35 for master’s applicants.
• Key benefits include full tuition, university housing, medical aid, one return airfare, and a monthly stipend, setting it apart from typical scholarships.
• Apply online via the Mastercard Scholars portal or submit hard copies by the June 5, 2026 deadline after gaining university admission.

Step 1: Review the Scholarship Summary

Readers can scan key facts fast with this overview table. It pulls from official details to give a clear snapshot.

Aspect	Details
Host Country	Uganda
Eligible Countries	African countries
Categories	Undergraduate Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships, Masters Scholarships
Rewards	Full tuition, living stipends, accommodation, laptop, meals
Language Test	No IELTS required
Deadline	June 5, 2026

Step 2: Learn About the Program Details

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University entered its second phase in 2023, running through 2034. This renewed partnership aims to offer 1000 scholarships over 10 years. These go to undergraduate and master’s students at the main campus. The goal is to build leaders who serve their communities without financial barriers.

Key facts include:

• Study location: Africa, at Makerere University main campus.
• Target group: Africans facing tough odds.
• Fully funded support across many disciplines.

Students can explore programs on the official Mastercard Scholars page. This context helps before checking personal fit.

Step 3: Check Your Eligibility Requirements

Use this checklist to see if you qualify for the MasterCard Scholarship at Makerere University For Africans 2026. Go through each point.

• Qualified for admission to Makerere University’s main campus.
• Completed Advanced Level education (or equivalent) in an African country (for undergraduate applicants).
• Completed Bachelor’s degree in an African country (for Master’s applicants).
• Show leadership potential and community service record.
• Hold no other scholarships.
• Age under 28 (undergraduates) or 35 (Masters) when applying.
• For refugees or students with disabilities: Age under 32 (undergrad) or 40 (Masters); provide refugee proof if needed.

Leadership stands out as a core trait. Self-assess now to save time later.

Step 4: Understand the Benefits

This scholarship goes beyond basics. Here is a bulleted list of what recipients get:

• Full tuition fees.
• Accommodation in a University Park (UP) residence.
• Meals.
• Books and printed materials.
• Modest monthly stipend.
• Medical aid.
• One return airfare ticket for the study period.
• Cost of one visa application.

To see how it stacks up, check this simple comparison table against typical scholarships:

Benefit	Mastercard Coverage	Typical Scholarship
Tuition	Full	Partial or full
Accommodation	Included in UP residence	Often not covered
Meals	Provided	Rarely included
Laptop	Yes	No
Airfare	One return trip	Sometimes one-way
Stipend	Monthly living costs	Variable or none

These extras like the laptop set it apart.

Step 5: Gather Required Documents

Prepare these items ahead to make applying smooth. Scan and certify copies where needed. Here is the checklist from official sources:

• Completed application form.
• Passport photo.
• Copy of identity document.
• Certified photocopy of Undergraduate Degree certificate or transcript (for Master’s applicants).
• Certified photocopy of A Level and O Level results.
• Photocopy of National Identification or Passport.
• Motivation statement for Master’s studies (maximum 500 words).
• Hand-drawn map with clear directions to your residence or home.

Double-check for completeness to avoid delays.

Step 6: Follow the Application Process

Follow these numbered steps in order for the MasterCard Scholarship at Makerere University For Africans 2026. Start early to beat the rush.

1. Apply for undergraduate or graduate admission via the Makerere University admissions portal.
2. Go to the Mastercard Scholarship page.
3. Choose undergraduate details at this announcement or postgraduate at this one.
4. Prepare documents and submit online using the undergraduate application form or graduate form.
5. Or download the form, fill it out, attach documents, and deliver the hard copy to Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Offices at Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University. Alternatively, email it to [email protected].

Selection focuses on eligibility and leadership. Apply before June 5, 2026.

Step 7: Note the Deadline and Next Steps

Deadline: June 5, 2026
Check the official site often for updates. Join WhatsApp groups like Scholarship Region for alerts on changes.

The Mastercard Scholarship at Makerere University offers Africans a fully funded path to undergraduate or master’s studies, covering tuition, housing, meals, a laptop, and more, with applications due by June 5, 2026. It targets talented leaders facing financial hurdles, helping them build skills for their communities. Check your eligibility today, gather your documents, and apply through the official portals to seize this life-changing opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions