Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026/2027: 13 Master’s Scholarships Open
Applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University 2026/2027. This program offers 13 master’s scholarships to talented young people from Africa who face tough barriers to higher education. The deadline is June 5, 2026. It aims to help 1,000 young Africans get quality education and move into good jobs. If you are a refugee, displaced person, youth with disabilities, or from other groups in Sub-Saharan Africa, this could change your future. Read on for details on eligibility, how to apply, and more.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works to make university education more inclusive at Makerere University Main Campus. It targets smart young people from Sub-Saharan Africa who deal with social and economic roadblocks. Overall, the program supports 1,000 youth to gain skills for strong careers. For the 2026/2027 year, it provides 13 master’s scholarships to join the main campus.
To qualify, you must fit one of these groups:
- Refugee or Internally Displaced Person (IDP)
- Young persons with disabilities
- International students
- Young people living in a refugee host community
- Young people from underrepresented ethnic groups in Uganda
- Other Ugandan youth
You also need to meet these key requirements:
- Have applied for admission to Makerere University’s main campus for 2026/2027.
- Completed your undergraduate degree in an African country.
- Face money problems that make graduate school hard to afford.
- Not hold any other scholarship.
- Not be pursuing or have finished a Master’s degree.
- Show involvement in leadership or community service.
- Be 35 years old or younger by the deadline (under 40 for refugees, IDPs, and those with disabilities).
- For refugees, have a valid Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
- Applied for degree programs that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program prioritizes.
Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT
Start your application through the official scholarship form. Submit everything by the deadline to stay in the running. For full details, check the program announcement page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
You qualify if you are a refugee, IDP, person with disabilities, or from other targeted groups in Sub-Saharan Africa, and meet academic and age requirements.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Apply through the official scholarship form at https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/forms/scholarship-form-masters-programmes-20262027 after applying to Makerere University.
What are the key requirements besides group eligibility?
You need to have an undergraduate degree from an African country, face financial barriers, show leadership, be under 35 (or 40 for some groups), and not hold another scholarship.