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Makerere University, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering an incredible opportunity for talented yet economically disadvantaged youth across Sub-Saharan Africa to access world-class education. Through this renewed partnership, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to empower a new generation of African leaders by providing full scholarships to 1,000 young men and women over the next decade. This life-changing initiative targets youth who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to community service. The 2025/2026 academic year marks the launch of the second cohort, where 190 undergraduate and 11 master's scholarships will be awarded under the Private Sponsorship Scheme.

Makerere University, located in Kampala, Uganda, is one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. The university is known for its academic excellence, innovation, and commitment to inclusive education. With this program, Makerere University aims to deepen access to university education for marginalized populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), students with disabilities, and young women. The Scholars Program emphasizes merit, integrity, and community engagement, helping beneficiaries to become change agents in their societies. Successful applicants will study at the university’s main campus and receive comprehensive support that includes tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and mentorship throughout their academic journey. Also watch how to Apply for MASTERCARD FULL SCHOLARSHIP AT UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS:

• Full tuition fees for the entire duration of the undergraduate program
• Accommodation and meals at the university
• Learning materials and laptop support
• Medical insurance
• Stipend for personal expenses
• Leadership training and mentorship
• Career guidance and psychosocial support
• Participation in community service and alumni networks

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must:

• The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University's main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
• The Applicant must have either;
o Completed their advanced secondary level education (or its equivalent) in an African country or
o Hold second class/credit diploma from any recognized institution or
o Must have passed the mature age entry of Makerere University

• The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country (for those applying for Masters)
• The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship, including the Government of Uganda Scholarship.
• The Applicant should not have completed any undergraduate degree Programme (for those applying for undergraduate)
• The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies (for those applying for Masters)
• The Applicant should have demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service.
• The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships.
• A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
• Applicants in the Refugee or Persons with Disabilities categories should be 32 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline (For those applying for undergraduate).
• The other Applicants should be 28 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline (for those applying for Undergraduate).
• The Applicant should not be over 35 years of age at the application deadline (for those applying for Masters)
• Other applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years of age at the application deadline (for those applying for Masters).

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further selection engagements.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:
The scholarship is available for all undergraduate and master's degree programs offered at Makerere University Main Campus under the private sponsorship scheme. These include programs in:

• Health Sciences
• Agriculture
• Engineering
• Business
• Education
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Information Technology, and more.

NOTE: Applicants are advised to refer to the list of prioritised programs for the 2025/2026 academic year:

• Click here to view the list of Undergraduate Programs.
• Click here to view the list of Master's Programs.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:

• Proof of application to Makerere University under the Private Sponsorship Scheme
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• A detailed personal statement and responses to leadership and community service questions
• Birth certificate or national ID
• Recommendation letters (especially for IDPs from the Office of the Prime Minister)
• Refugee applicants must submit a valid Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation
• Proof of disability for applicants in the disability category

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

1. Apply for Admission to Makerere University
Begin by applying for admission through the application link provided at the bottom. This will give you an Application Identification Number.

2. Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Use your Application ID to apply for the scholarship based on your program level:

For Undergraduate Programmes
For Master’s Programmes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• At least 70% of the scholarships will be awarded to young women
• 25% are reserved for refugees and internally displaced persons
• 10% will be allocated to students with disabilities
• Incomplete or falsified applications will be automatically disqualified
• Admission to Makerere University is handled separately by the Department of Academic Registrar
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and further assessments
• Only successful applicants will be notified. If you do not receive feedback by August 2025, consider your application unsuccessful

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before the following deadlines:

• Undergraduate Private Admission
Deadline: 27th May 2025
• Postgraduate Private Admission
Deadline: 30th May 2025
• Scholarship Applications
Deadline: 6th June 2025


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