Applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 at Makerere University one of Africa’s top universities.

This highly competitive programme offers 245 fully funded undergraduate scholarships (plus 13 master’s scholarships) for African students who demonstrate strong academic potential but face financial barriers.

Scholarship Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a flagship initiative designed to support talented young Africans to access quality education and become transformative leaders.

For the 2026/2027 academic year:

245 Undergraduate scholarships available
13 Master’s scholarships also offered
Study location: Kampala, Uganda
Fully funded (tuition + living costs + more)

What the Scholarship Covers

Selected scholars receive comprehensive support, including:

Full tuition fees
Accommodation and living expenses
Books and academic materials
Leadership training and mentorship
Career development support
Access to a global alumni and professional network

This goes beyond financial aid it’s a leadership and career development programme.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship targets academically talented but financially disadvantaged students from across Africa.

Key Eligibility Highlights:

Must be from Sub-Saharan Africa
Must demonstrate financial need
Strong academic performance
Proven leadership potential and community impact
Must apply for admission to Makerere University first

Priority Groups Include:

Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)
Students with disabilities
Underrepresented communities
Young African leaders with limited access to education

Important note:

At least 70% of scholarships are awarded to women
At least 10% are reserved for students with disabilities

Application Deadline

Deadline: 5 June 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)

Applications are completely free — no fees required.

How to Apply

Apply for admission to Makerere University
Complete the scholarship application via the official portal
Submit all required documents before the deadline

Why This Opportunity Matters

This scholarship is part of a long-term initiative aiming to support over 1,000 African students at Makerere University alone.

It is not just about earning a degree it’s about:

Building leadership capacity
Driving social change in Africa
Creating a network of future African leaders

Apply Now

The 245 fully funded Mastercard scholarships at Makerere University represent one of the most significant higher education opportunities currently open to African students.

If you are a high-achieving student facing financial barriers and passionate about making an impact, this programme offers a powerful pathway to world-class education and leadership development.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.