The Mastercard Foundation has recently announced the renewal of its partnership with Makerere University, extending the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program into its second phase, set to span from 2023 to 2034. Over the course of ten years, this phase will offer a total of 1000 scholarships, catering to both undergraduate and master’s academic programs at Makerere University’s main campus. The overarching aim of this program is to deepen the inclusivity of university education, fostering empowerment among young individuals to evolve into transformative leaders capable of making substantive contributions to both national and regional development endeavors.

This transformative program empowers young individuals from economically disadvantaged communities by providing them with opportunities to pursue quality secondary and tertiary education. By equipping them with essential skills and support, it enables these scholars to successfully navigate their educational journey and make meaningful contributions to their home countries, whether through further academic pursuits or entry into the workforce.

Only students who meet the minimum requirements for admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus from the specified categories are eligible to apply. Below are essential details of the MasterCard Foundation fully funded Undergraduate and Master’s scholarship for Makerere University.

About the fully funded MasterCard Foundation Scholarship for Makerere University

• Study in Uganda
• Study at Makerere University
• For international students 
• For Undergraduate and Master’s studies 
• Full tuition fee waiver
• On-campus Accommodation
• Monthly living allowance
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Monthly living allowance

Application deadline: The deadline for submission is Friday 14th June 2024 at 5.00 pm EAT.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Master Card Scholarship Program.

All Undergraduate applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.

• Applicants must qualify for admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus for Undergraduate Degree Programmes under the Private Sponsorship Scheme. Therefore, all applicants are required to apply for admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme (when advertised). Only upon admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus will their application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship be considered for the selection process.

• The applicant must have successfully completed Advanced level education (or its equivalent) in an African country.

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars are limited to individuals experiencing significant financial hardship.

• Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a track record of community service.

• Applicants should not hold any other scholarships concurrently.

• Applicants must not have enrolled in or completed any other undergraduate degree program.

• The applicant’s age should not exceed 28 years at the time of applying for the scholarship. However, for applicants under the categories of refugees and students with disabilities, the age limit is 32 years at the time of application.

• Refugee applicants must be officially recognized and registered refugees, with proof of refugee status (refugee attestation) attached to the application form.

All Masters applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.

• All aspiring applicants must meet the requirement of qualifying for admission to Makerere University’s Main Campus for a Master’s Degree Programme. It’s imperative to note that only those who successfully secure admission to Makerere University will be deemed eligible for consideration in the scholarship selection process.

• The applicant, in order to fulfill the eligibility criteria, must have satisfactorily completed their Bachelor’s Degree studies within an African country.

• Eligibility is extended to individuals who find themselves grappling with significant financial hardships, thus making access to education a challenge.

• An essential aspect of eligibility is the demonstration of leadership potential and a commendable track record of community service.

• Candidates are expected not to hold any other scholarships concurrently, as this may affect their eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

• Additionally, applicants must not have enrolled in or completed any other master’s studies prior to this application.

• In terms of age, applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of the application deadline. However, exceptions are made for refugees and students with disabilities, who are allowed to be under 40 years old.

• For refugee applicants, it’s crucial to be officially recognized and registered, with proof of refugee status attached to the application form to meet the eligibility criteria.

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Please note:

•  It’s imperative to highlight that a maximum allocation of 70% of the available scholarship opportunities will be earmarked for female applicants, while the remaining 30% will be designated for male applicants, with further segmentation based on specific criteria. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to seize this opportunity and submit their applications.
• Additionally, up to 25% of the scholarships will be specifically reserved for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals in these circumstances. Consequently, young individuals falling under this category are highly encouraged to actively pursue this scholarship opportunity.
• Furthermore, a maximum of 10% of the scholarships will be set aside for Youth with Disabilities, acknowledging the importance of providing equitable access to education for all. Thus, young people within this demographic are encouraged to embrace this chance and submit their applications.
• It’s crucial to emphasize that any instances of incomplete application forms will automatically disqualify applicants from further consideration in the selection process.
• The program operates on strict merit principles and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of dishonesty. Any attempts at influence peddling or unethical behavior will result in immediate disqualification of the applicant.
• Instances of impersonation, document falsification, or the provision of false/incomplete information, whether detected during the award process or post-award, will lead to automatic cancellation of the scholarship and may also result in legal consequences.
• Makerere University earnestly advises the public to remain vigilant against potential fraudsters, both within and outside the University, who may seek to exploit the scholarship application process for personal gain. It’s crucial to emphasize that the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application form is provided free of charge. Any individuals caught engaging in deceptive practices will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
• The Department of Academic Registrar holds sole responsibility for all university admissions. Hence, prospective scholarship applicants must ensure they meet the admission requirements for the private sponsorship schemes.
• Only successful applicants will receive notifications at every stage of the scholarship application process, and it’s important to recognize that the decision of the Program Steering Committee will be final in the awarding of the scholarships.
• Applicants who have not received any communication regarding their application status by the specified date of August 16, 2024, should consider their applications unsuccessful.
• It’s essential to understand that while completing and submitting an application form is a crucial step, it does not guarantee the eventual award of a scholarship. Therefore, applicants should remain diligent and focused throughout the entire process.

Required Documents 

• Passport Photo(s):
  • a)For physical submissions: One Passport size photograph with the 

applicant’s name is written at the back in block letters

• b)For Submissions via Email as an attachment: Scan the Application 

form with a passport-size photo pasted on the Front Page

• c)For Online Portal form submission: Scan and attach the Passport 

Photo as shall be instructed 

• A certified photocopy of the Undergraduate Degree certificate or transcript 
• A photocopy of the Refugee Identity document, where applicable
• A photocopy of the National Identification/Passport
• A medical Report for the nature and level of disability, where applicable
• Recognitions for leadership engagements (if applicable)
• Recognition For Community Service (if applicable)
• Proof of Death for Biological Parents/Guardian (e.g. death certificate )
• Recommendation from the former sponsoring organization for undergraduate 

studies(if applicable)

• EndorsementbytheLocal Leadership for the Village Residence (for all 

non-refugee applicants) 

• EndorsementbytheCamp Commandant for Refugee applicants
• A Motivation Statement for Master’s Studies(Max. 500 words)
• Hand-drawn map of the Applicant’s residence with clear directions 

Application Procedure for the MasterCard Scholarship

Ready to start applying? Choose one of these 3 options

Undergraduate application 

• Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships directly online through the application portal
• Alternatively, download the PDF version of the application form. Fill it out, print, and hand-deliver the hard copy form to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Offices situated at Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University.
• Another option is to send the completed application form as an attachment via email to: makscholarsapplications@gmail.com

Masters application 

• Apply for Graduate Scholarships directly online through the application portal 
• Alternatively, download the PDF version of the application form. Fill it out, print, and hand-deliver the hard copy form to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Offices situated at Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University.
• Another option is to send the completed application form as an attachment via email to: makscholarsapplications@gmail.com 

Find the link to the official scholarship page HERE.