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Home› Scholarships› Uganda
🇺🇬
Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Fellowship
by Government of the Republic of Uganda · Makerere University
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded 🟩 Active 🎓 PhD, Postdoctoral, and Academic Staff Research 🌍 Uganda 📌 Research Grant / Fellowship
⚡ Apply Now 🤖 Check with ScholarAI
72%
Match
23%
Win Rate
9/10
Effort
10/10
Reward
60-80 hrs
Time Needed
Award
Varies (Up to UGX 300,000,000 for large-scale innovation grants)
Duration
12 to 24 months
Deadline
Varies by Call (Typically March or April annually)
Level
PhD, Postdoctoral, and Academic Staff Research
Acceptance
Varies (Approximately 20-30% of applicants depending on the funding round)
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary

For students aiming to study in Uganda, Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship from Government of the Republic of Uganda. The award covers Varies (Up to UGX 300,000,000 for large-scale innovation grants) and is open to phd, postdoctoral, and academic staff research students studying multidisciplinary (agriculture, health, engineering, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences). The scholarship runs for 12 to 24 months. Eligibility is generally based on open to Makerere University staff and doctoral students. External collaborators are allowed as part of a team led by a Makerere University Principal Investigator. The application deadline is Varies by Call (Typically March or April annually), with an acceptance rate of varies (Approximately 20-30% of applicants depending on the funding round). Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.

✨ Should I Apply for Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
72%
Eligibility Match
23%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Competitive
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies (Up to UGX 300,000,000 for large-scale innovation grants)
⏳
Duration
12 to 24 months
📅
Deadline
Varies by Call (Typically March or April annually)
🔬
Fields
Multidisciplinary (Agriculture, Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences)
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Usually 150+ grants awarded per financial year)
🌏
Study Country
Uganda
🏛️
Provider
Government of the Republic of Uganda
📊
Acceptance
Varies (Approximately 20-30% of applicants depending on the funding round)
The Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) is a multi-million dollar grant scheme funded by the Government of Uganda to support high-impact research. It aims to foster innovation that informs national policy, solves community problems, and drives economic development. The fund supports multidisciplinary teams and individual fellowships for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to Makerere University staff and doctoral students. External collaborators are allowed as part of a team led by a Makerere University Principal Investigator.
🏛️ Host University
Makerere University
🤝 Sponsor
Government of Uganda / Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
🔬 Fields of Study
Multidisciplinary (Agriculture, Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences)
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship covers the full cost of conducting research, including data collection, specialized equipment, monthly stipends for designated fellows, and travel for dissemination of findings.
🎯 Target Students
Post-graduate Students and Faculty Members
🏷 Tags
Research Innovation Uganda Post-doc PhD Research Makerere University
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Over 600 applications across all categories
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 180 grants across different funding windows
Winners
Varies (Approximately 20-30% of applicants depending on the funding round)
Acceptance Rate
Competitive
Competition Level
Win Probability
23%
Match Score
72%
Competition
75%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
No (Focused on research costs rather than tuition fees)
Living Stipend
Yes (Included for Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants)
Total Award
Varies (Up to UGX 300,000,000 for large-scale innovation grants)
✈️ Travel: Yes (Specifically for fieldwork and dissemination of results) 🏠 Accommodation: No 💊 Health Insurance: No 🔄 Renewable: No 💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
No (Focused on research costs rather than tuition fees)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Included for Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants)
🏡 Accommodation
No
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Specifically for fieldwork and dissemination of results)
💊 Health Insurance
No
🎁 Other Benefits
Publication fees, equipment procurement, patenting support, and conference sponsorship
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; requires a new application for subsequent phases
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a registered PhD student or a permanent member of academic staff at Makerere University
🎓 Academic Level
PhD, Postdoctoral, and Academic Staff Research
📊 Minimum GPA
Check official website (Focus is on research quality rather than undergraduate GPA)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English is required as the language of instruction and research
💼 Work Experience
Required for Principal Investigators (Academic/Research track)
🏆 Leadership
Principal Investigators must demonstrate ability to manage research teams and budgets
💰 Financial Need
Low priority (Selection is based on merit and research impact)
🎯 Target Students
Post-graduate Students and Faculty Members
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Comprehensive Research Proposal and…
Rec Letters
Yes (Letters of support from the Head of…
Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates for large grants…
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Passport / National ID
  • Recommendation Letters
  • CV / Resume
  • Personal Statement / Essays
  • English Proficiency Proof
  • Interview
  • Minimum GPA Requirement
📋 Application Process
Align your research proposal directly with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP III) and the Makerere University Strategic Plan.
💡 Insider Tip: Focus on 'Innovation for Development' and ensure your budget is detailed and strictly follows the Government of Uganda procurement guidelines.
🗾️ 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
Varies (Announced via the Mak-RIF portal)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by Call (Typically March or April annually)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates for large grants often undergo a technical defense)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies by grant award cycle
Varies (Announced via the Mak-RIF portal)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by Call (Typically March or April annually)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Shortlisted candidates for large grants often undergo a technical defense)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies by grant award cycle
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Scientific merit, relevance to national priorities, potential for impact, innovation, and team composition.
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📚 Application Resources
📝
Essay Writing Guide
Winning SOP framework and tips
 🎤
Interview Prep Guide
Questions and STAR answers
 📄
Document Templates
CV and recommendation templates
 ✅
Application Checklist
Step-by-step submission guide
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Open to Makerere University staff and doctoral students. External collaborators are allowed as part of a team led by a Makerere University Principal Investigator.
The fellowship covers the full cost of conducting research, including data collection, specialized equipment, monthly stipends for designated fellows, and travel for dissemination of findings. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by Call (Typically March or April annually). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Competitive. Acceptance rate: Varies (Approximately 20-30% of applicants depending on the funding round). Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English is required as the language of instruction and research, Yes (Letters of support from the Head of Department and Dean) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.
🌎 Official Information
🌎
Official Website
Visit →
✍️
Apply Now
Apply →
📧
Contact
info@rif.mak.ac.ug
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
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