The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Makerere University 2026 is now open for the 2026/2027 academic year.
This is one of the few fully funded scholarships on the African continent that deliberately targets students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. You do not need to be the top student in your country. You need to be talented, financially constrained, and genuinely committed to making an impact in your community.
The deadline is June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM EAT. Applications are completely free of charge.
If you are a Nigerian student who cannot afford private university tuition but has demonstrated academic ability and leadership, this scholarship was built for you. Makerere University in Uganda, ranked among the top universities in Africa — is offering both undergraduate and Masters scholarships under this program.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Makerere University 2026
To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Makerere University 2026, follow these steps in order:
- Apply for admission to Makerere University main campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme — this must be done first
- Visit the official scholarship portal at apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug
- Select either the undergraduate or postgraduate scholarship category
- Read the eligibility guidelines carefully and prepare all required documents
- Complete and submit the online application form at no cost before June 5, 2026
- Hard copy applications must be hand delivered to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Office at Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University if required
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a long-term partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation designed to support 1,000 young African students over 10 years through fully funded undergraduate and Masters scholarships.
The program is now in its second phase running through 2034. For the 2026/2027 academic year, Makerere University has announced 245 undergraduate and 13 Masters scholarships — totaling 258 awards for students joining the main campus.
The program goes beyond funding. Scholars receive leadership training, career development support, financial literacy coaching, and access to a powerful network of African professionals and alumni who have walked the same path.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is genuinely comprehensive. Here is exactly what selected scholars receive:
Full tuition fees for the entire duration of your programme. Monthly living stipend to cover daily expenses. Accommodation on or near Makerere University campus. Meals — catering support is included for scholars. Laptop — every scholar receives a personal laptop for academic work. Return airfare — travel costs to and from Uganda are covered for international students.
No IELTS required. The application is free. And the scholarship does not have to be repaid.
Who Can Apply — Eligibility Requirements
This is the section most applicants skip and then wonder why they were rejected.
The scholarship targets five specific groups: Ugandan nationals, refugees and internally displaced persons, students with disabilities, young people from refugee hosting communities, and international students from Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigerian students fall under the international students category.
For Undergraduate Applicants: You must have applied for admission to Makerere University under the Private Sponsorship Scheme. You must have completed Advanced Level secondary education or its equivalent in an African country — WAEC and NECO results qualify. You must demonstrate financial hardship. You must not be a holder of any other scholarship. You must not have completed any previous undergraduate degree. You must have demonstrated leadership potential or community service. You must be 28 years old or younger at the deadline. Refugees and students with disabilities may be up to 32 years old.
For Masters Applicants: You must have completed your undergraduate degree in an African country. You must demonstrate financial hardship. You must not be pursuing or have completed any Masters degree previously. You must have demonstrated leadership potential or community service. You must be 35 years old or younger at the deadline. Refugees and students with disabilities may be up to 40 years old.
What Nigerian Students Specifically Need to Know
Nigerian students qualify under the international students category. You are fully eligible.
However there is one step that trips up most Nigerian applicants — you must apply for Makerere University admission first before your scholarship application can proceed. The university admission and the scholarship are two separate processes that must run simultaneously.
Start your Makerere University admission application immediately at the university's admissions portal. Select your preferred programme from the list of prioritized courses under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — these are listed on the scholarship application form. Then proceed to the scholarship portal.
callout_tip_start Beware of fraudsters. Makerere University has explicitly warned the public that the application process is completely free. No individual can guarantee your scholarship in exchange for money. Anyone who contacts you promising to secure your admission for a fee is a fraudster. The official portal is apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug — use nothing else. callout_tip_end
Key Dates for the 2026/2027 Cycle
Applications open. Apply for Makerere University admission under the Private Sponsorship Scheme immediately. June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM EAT: Scholarship application deadline. Strictly enforced. End of August 2026: If you have not heard from the program by this date, consider your application unsuccessful for this cycle. 2026/2027 Academic Year: Successful scholars commence studies at Makerere University main campus.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Makerere University 2026 is one of the most accessible fully funded opportunities on the African continent for students from financially constrained backgrounds. It does not demand that you be perfect. It demands that you be talented, community-minded, and genuinely in need of support to access higher education.
258 scholarships are available. The deadline is June 5, 2026. The application is free.
Start your Makerere University admission application today. Then proceed to the scholarship portal. Do both this week — not next month.
