Varies (Covers total cost of attendance for the duration of the program)
Duration
3 to 4 years for Undergraduate; 2 years for Masters
Deadline
Usually May or June annually (Check official website for specific dates)
Level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Masters)
Acceptance
Estimated at 3-5%
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
MasterCard Foundation in partnership with Makerere University offers MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, a fully funded opportunity designed for international students heading to Uganda. The award covers The scholarship provides full tuition, functional fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, books, medical insurance, a laptop, travel costs, and extensive leadership training. and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate (masters) students studying all fields available at makerere university, with a focus on agriculture, health sciences, engineering, business, and natural sciences. The scholarship runs for 3 to 4 years for undergraduate; 2 years for masters and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on open to academically talented African students with demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to refugees, girls, and persons with disabilities. The application deadline is Usually May or June annually (Check official website for specific dates), with an acceptance rate of approximately Estimated at 3-5%. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
6%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies (Covers total cost of attendance for the duration of the program)
⏳
Duration
3 to 4 years for Undergraduate; 2 years for Masters
📅
Deadline
Usually May or June annually (Check official website for specific dates)
🔬
Fields
All fields available at Makerere University, with a focus on Agriculture, Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, and Natural Sciences
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 1,000 scholars targeted over the program phases
🌏
Study Country
Uganda
🏛️
Provider
MasterCard Foundation in partnership with Makerere University
📊
Acceptance
Estimated at 3-5%
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is a comprehensive scholarship initiative that provides academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people, particularly from Africa, with access to quality university education. The program aims to develop the next generation of African leaders who are committed to social and economic transformation.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to academically talented African students with demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to refugees, girls, and persons with disabilities.
🏛️ Host University
Makerere University
🤝 Sponsor
MasterCard Foundation
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields available at Makerere University, with a focus on Agriculture, Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, and Natural Sciences
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship provides full tuition, functional fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, books, medical insurance, a laptop, travel costs, and extensive leadership training.
🎯 Target Students
African students, refugees, displaced persons, and students with disabilities
Approximately 100-200 depending on the cohort phase
Winners
Estimated at 3-5%
Acceptance Rate
Low
Competition Level
Win Probability
6%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100% Tuition and Functional Fees
Living Stipend
Monthly stipend provided for meals and personal expenses
Total Award
Varies (Covers total cost of attendance for the duration of the program)
✈️ Travel: Economy class airfare for international scholars at start and end of program🏠 Accommodation: On-campus or University-approved housing included💊 Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance provided🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: None (The scholarship application is free of charge)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% Tuition and Functional Fees
🏠 Living Stipend
Monthly stipend provided for meals and personal expenses
🏡 Accommodation
On-campus or University-approved housing included
✈️ Travel Allowance
Economy class airfare for international scholars at start and end of program
💊 Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance provided
🎁 Other Benefits
Laptop computer, textbooks, learning materials, mentorship, leadership development, internship support, and psychosocial support
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Contingent upon maintaining a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 CGPA) and adhering to the University code of conduct.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be an African citizen, from a socio-economically disadvantaged background, demonstrate leadership potential, and meet the university's academic admission requirements.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Masters)
📊 Minimum GPA
High academic standing (typically top 10% of graduating class or equivalent)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficient in English (Ugandan system standards or IELTS/TOEFL if coming from a non-English speaking country)
🍢 Age Limit
Under 28 years for Undergraduate; Under 35 years for Masters
💼 Work Experience
Not required for Undergraduate; relevant experience preferred for Masters applicants
🏆 Leadership
Must demonstrate active participation in community service and leadership roles
💰 Financial Need
High; must provide documented evidence of financial disadvantage and inability to pay fees
🎯 Target Students
African students, refugees, displaced persons, and students with disabilities
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal statement and specific essays on leadership and community impact)
Rec Letters
Yes (Academic and character recommendations required)
Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates undergo a rigorous interview process)
Application Fee
None (The scholarship application is free of charge)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Academic and character recommendations required) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficient in English (Ugandan system standards or IELTS/TOEFL if coming from a non-English speaking country)
Interview: Yes (Shortlisted candidates undergo a rigorous interview process)
Min GPA: High academic standing (typically top 10% of graduating class or equivalent)
📋 Application Process
Focus heavily on your 'give-back' story and how you intend to impact your community. Ensure all financial documents and academic transcripts are authenticated.
💡 Insider Tip: Start gathering recommendation letters early and be honest about your socio-economic background, as field visits may be conducted for verification.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Typically March or April
⏰ Deadline
Usually May or June annually (Check official website for specific dates)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates undergo a rigorous interview process)
🎓 Study Starts
August (Beginning of the Academic Year)
Typically March or April
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Usually May or June annually (Check official website for specific dates)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Shortlisted candidates undergo a rigorous interview process)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
August (Beginning of the Academic Year)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, socio-economic disadvantage, leadership potential, and commitment to the development of the African continent.
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Open to academically talented African students with demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to refugees, girls, and persons with disabilities.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship provides full tuition, functional fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, books, medical insurance, a laptop, travel costs, and extensive leadership training.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Usually May or June annually (Check official website for specific dates). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Estimated at 3-5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficient in English (Ugandan system standards or IELTS/TOEFL if coming from a non-English speaking country), Yes (Academic and character recommendations required) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.