Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 (Updated April 2026): Full Admission Guide, Eligibility, and Application Process

Getting access to quality education is not just about being smart or hardworking, sometimes it comes down to having the right financial support at the right time. A lot of young people across Africa have the passion and ability to succeed, but funding becomes the major barrier holding them back. That’s exactly where structured scholarship programs step in, not just to sponsor education, but to completely change life direction.

Over the years, more students are beginning to understand how powerful these opportunities can be when used properly. Instead of struggling endlessly with school fees or putting their dreams on hold, many are now taking advantage of fully funded programs that cover everything and still provide long-term career support. One of the most consistent and well-structured options right now is the Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Overview of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is built to expand access to university education for young Africans who have strong academic potential but limited financial support. It is not just a scholarship, it is a full system designed to train, support, and prepare students for meaningful careers after school.

The program is currently in its second phase, running from 2024 to 2034. The first phase already supported over a thousand students, with hundreds of successful graduates who have moved into different professional fields.

For the 2026/2027 academic session, the focus is currently on Master’s degree scholarships. A total of 13 fully funded Master’s slots are available under this intake.

The program also follows a clear inclusion structure:

• A large percentage is reserved for female applicants
• Refugees and internally displaced persons are strongly considered
• Applicants with disabilities are also given priority

This makes it one of the few programs that actively balance both academic merit and social impact.

Who Can Apply for the 2026/2027 Master’s Scholarship

Before applying, you need to clearly understand the eligibility requirements. This is where most applicants make mistakes, either by skipping details or assuming they qualify without checking properly.

To be eligible, you must fall into at least one of these groups:

• A refugee or internally displaced person
• A person living with a disability
• A student from an underrepresented or disadvantaged community
• A young African with clear financial challenges

Beyond that, there are strict conditions you must meet:

• You must have completed your undergraduate degree in an African country
• You must apply for admission into Makerere University first
• You must not already have a Master’s degree
• You must not be holding another scholarship at the same time
• You must show clear proof of financial need
• You must have leadership experience or community involvement

Age requirement is also important:

• Maximum of 35 years for general applicants
• Up to 40 years for refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities

If any part of your application is incomplete, it is automatically disqualified, so attention to detail matters a lot here.

Approved Master’s Courses for the Scholarship

Not all courses are covered under this scholarship. Only specific programs across different colleges in the university are eligible.

Some of the major fields include:

• Education and teaching-related programs
• Business administration and economic policy
• Social work, journalism, and psychology
• Law
• Health-related medical programs
• Computer science and information science

Each of these programs is carefully selected based on impact, demand, and career relevance. So when choosing your course, make sure it falls within the approved list.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process is straightforward, but only if you follow it in the correct order.

First, apply for admission into Makerere University under your chosen Master’s program. This step is compulsory because you cannot apply for the scholarship without it.

Once that is done, move to the scholarship application form and fill it completely. The application is free, so do not pay anyone claiming to “assist” you.

Make sure you prepare all necessary documents early. This includes:

• Academic certificates
• Proof of financial need
• Evidence of leadership or community work
• Identification documents (especially for refugees or special categories)

The deadline for submission is June 5, 2026, by 11:59 PM East African Time. There is no extension, so late applications are not considered.

After submission, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and final feedback is expected around August 2026.

What the Scholarship Covers

This is a fully funded scholarship, meaning selected candidates are supported from start to finish.

The benefits typically include:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Monthly living allowance
• A personal laptop
• Academic and career support

Beyond financial support, scholars also receive mentorship, leadership training, and access to a strong network that helps with career opportunities after graduation.

Undergraduate Scholarship Update for 2026/2027

At the moment, undergraduate applications for this program are not yet open.

The portal will only become active after Makerere University officially announces its private sponsorship undergraduate admissions for the same academic year.

So if you are planning for undergraduate level, your first step is to wait for that admission announcement and apply immediately once it opens.

General Admission Requirements (Important for Undergraduates)

For those planning ahead, these are the basic requirements for undergraduate admission at Makerere:

• At least five passes in O-Level results
• At least two principal passes in A-Level results obtained in one sitting
• Certain grades are not accepted, especially low or incomplete results

Meeting these requirements is necessary before you can even think about applying for the scholarship.

Cut-Off Marks and Admission Competitiveness

The official cut-off points for 2026/2027 are not yet released.

However, previous years give a good idea of what to expect. Competitive courses like engineering, health sciences, and architecture usually require higher scores.

So the stronger your academic record, the better your chances.

What Most Applicants Get Wrong

A lot of people focus only on grades, but this program goes beyond academics.

Your leadership experience and community impact play a big role in selection. They want people who are not just educated, but also ready to contribute to society.

Another common mistake is applying late or submitting incomplete forms. These two alone can completely ruin your chances.

Best Time to Apply

The best time to apply is immediately after you complete your university admission application.

Do not wait until the deadline is close. Technical issues, missing documents, or simple mistakes can cost you the opportunity.

Early preparation gives you a clear advantage.

Final Thoughts

The Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not just another scholarship you apply for and forget. It is a serious opportunity that can completely change your academic and career path if you approach it the right way.

Everything about the program is structured, from eligibility to selection and support. If you meet the requirements and prepare properly, your chances are real.

Take your time, go through the process carefully, and make sure every detail in your application reflects your story, your effort, and your potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the application really free?

Yes, the entire process is free. Anyone asking for payment is not part of the official process.

Can I apply without university admission first?

No, you must apply to Makerere University before submitting the scholarship application.

How many students will be selected?

For the 2026/2027 Master’s intake, only 13 slots are available, making it highly competitive.

When will results be released?

Final feedback is expected around August 2026, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

No, applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible.