Fully Funded Masters Scholarship for African Students at Makerere University

Young African students have a unique chance to pursue a Master’s degree at Uganda’s Makerere University with full financial support through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The initiative is designed to provide access to higher education for talented students who face financial barriers, while helping them develop skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The scholarships are available for the 2026/2027 academic year and offer not only tuition support but also mentorship, guidance, and connection to a community of scholars across Africa.

What the Scholarship Covers

The program provides comprehensive support, including tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, study materials, and leadership development opportunities.

Who Can Apply

The scholarship is open to African students who meet the following criteria:

• Have applied for and secured admission to a Master’s program at Makerere University’s main campus for 2026/2027.
• Hold an undergraduate degree from an African university.
• Demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing graduate studies.
• Are under 35 years of age, with exceptions up to 40 for refugees or students with disabilities.
• Show leadership experience or engagement in community service.
• Refugee applicants must provide valid identification or attestation documents.
• Apply to Master’s programs prioritized under the scholarship program.

Only shortlisted candidates who meet all requirements will proceed to the next stage of selection.

Priority Groups

The scholarship actively encourages applications from groups that face additional challenges in accessing higher education.These include young women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and students living with disabilities.

How to Apply

Applications are free but students should first secure admission to a Master’s program at Makerere University before submitting the scholarship application.

Applications must be submitted online before Friday, 5th June 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT through the official website of Makerere University.

Apply here

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