MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

🇺🇬

by MasterCard Foundation in partnership with Makerere University · Makerere University

🏆 Fully Funded 🟢 Active 🎓 Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Masters) 🌍 Uganda 📌 Merit-based and Need-based

⚡ Apply Now 🤖 Check Eligibility

75%

Match

Win Rate

9/10

Effort

10/10

Reward

60–80 hrs

Time Needed

Award

Varies (Covers total c

Duration

3 to 4 years for Undergraduate; 2 years for Masters

Deadline

Usually May or Jun

Level

Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Masters)

Acceptance

Estimated at 3-5%

Difficulty

Very High

🌍 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

🏷 Tags

Uganda Africa Mastercard Foundation Leadership Fully Funded Makerere University Refugee Scholarships

📊 Statistics & Competitiveness

Over 5,000 per cycle

Applicants Last Year

Approximately 100-200 depending on the cohort phase

Winners

Estimated at 3-5%

Acceptance Rate

Low

Competition Level

Win Probability

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

✈️ 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

Research eligibility and gather requirements

Start Early

Collect all required documents

Start Early

Request recommendation letters early

Write compelling essays and personal statement

⚠ High Risk Stage

Submit complete application before deadline

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 & 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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📚 Application Resources

📝

Essay Writing Guide

Winning SOP framework & tips

🎤

Interview Prep Guide

Questions & STAR answers

📄

Document Templates

CV & recommendation templates

✅

Application Checklist

Step-by-step submission guide

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University?

Open to academically talented African students with demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to refugees, girls, and persons with disabilities.

What does MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University cover?

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.

When is the application deadline?

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.

How competitive is this scholarship?

Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Estimated at 3-5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.

Is MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University renewable?

Yes

What documents do I need?

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.

🌐 Official Information

📧

Contact

info@mcfsp.mak.ac.ug

Last updated: May 20, 2024

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