The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University offers fully funded scholarships for academically talented young men and women from Sub-Saharan Africa facing financial constraints. The program provides 1,000 scholarships over a 10-year period (2023–2034) for both undergraduate and master’s degree programs at Makerere University’s main campus in Kampala, Uganda.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Undergraduate Applicants:
- Must qualify for admission to Makerere University’s main campus under the private sponsorship scheme.
- Must have completed Advanced Level education (or its equivalent) in an African country.
- Should demonstrate leadership potential and a record of community service.
- Should not hold any other scholarship.
- Must not exceed 28 years of age at the time of application.
- Applicants who are refugees or have disabilities should not exceed 32 years of age.
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Master’s Applicants:
- Must have applied for admission to Makerere University’s main campus for the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Must have completed a bachelor’s degree in an African country.
- Should demonstrate leadership potential and a record of community service.
- Should not hold any other scholarship.
- Must not exceed 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Applicants who are refugees or have disabilities should not exceed 40 years of age.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation in a university residence.
- Meals.
- Books and printed materials.
- A modest monthly stipend.
- Medical aid.
- Travel costs (one return trip for the duration of the study period).
- Cost of one visa application for the duration of the study period.
Application Process:
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Apply for Admission:
- Undergraduate applicants must apply for admission to Makerere University’s main campus under the private sponsorship scheme.
- Master’s applicants must apply for admission to Makerere University’s main campus for the 2025/2026 academic year.
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Complete the Scholarship Application:
- Access and complete the application form through the Online Application Portal: https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/.
- Alternatively, download the application form from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website: https://mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/.
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Submit the Application:
- Hand-deliver the completed application form and required documents to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Offices located at Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University.
- Or send the application as an email attachment to: “makscholarsapplications@gmail.com”.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form.
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
- Copy of a valid identity document (e.g., national ID or passport).
- Motivation statement (maximum 500 words) for master’s applicants.
- Hand-drawn map with clear directions to the applicant’s residence/home.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: June 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time (EAT).
Additional Information:
- Applicants are advised to be cautious of fraudsters who may solicit money with promises of securing a scholarship. The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is free of charge.
- Only successful applicants will be notified at every stage of the application process.
- For inquiries or clarifications, contact the program office at +256 700-716-128 or email “info@mastercardfdn.mak.ac.ug”.
For more detailed information, visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website at Makerere University: https://mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/.
