Makerere University in Kampala is one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious institutions. Its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is a massive operation aimed at funding the next generation of East African leaders, specifically focusing on students transitioning from high school to undergraduate degrees, and increasingly, master's programs.
Quick Overview
Full Requirements & Details
Academic Requirements
- Min. CGPA
- 3.0
- Offer Degrees
- Bachelors, Masters
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine
- Seats Available
- Hundreds annually
- Study Gap Allowed
- No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
- Research Publication
- No
- Work Experience
- No
- Age Range
- No Min - 35
Language Requirements
- IELTS
- No
- TOEFL
- No
- GRE
- Not Required
- Local Language
- English
- Local Lang Test
- No
- Study Languages
- English
Financial Details
- Type
- Full
- Fund Details
- See Description
- Monthly Stipend
- UGX 0/mo
- Tuition
- Full
- Living Costs
- Full
- Travel & Health
- Yes / Yes
- Application Fee
- Free (No Application Fee)
- Spouse Allowed
- No
What Matters Most
Required Documents
Why You Should Apply
Makerere is an academic heavyweight. Securing this scholarship means your entire educational journey is paid for, from full tuition and hostel fees to a laptop and a monthly living allowance. You are also assigned mentors and provided with psychological support, which is critical for students coming from highly disadvantaged backgrounds.
Application Process
You must secure admission to a specific, approved program at Makerere (usually in STEM, agriculture, or critical humanities). You then submit the physical or online Mastercard Foundation application, which requires extensive endorsements from local community leaders or school headteachers proving your financial destitution.
How to Win This Scholarship
Makerere reserves a massive percentage of these scholarships specifically for women, refugees, and students with disabilities. If you fall into these categories, you must center your narrative around how you have overcome systemic barriers. The interview is an emotional stress test; they want to see resilience and a burning desire to return to your village or community and enact change.
Do not apply for a generic business degree without a plan to use it for social entrepreneurship.
Benefits After Completing Study
Makerere alumni hold massive influence across East African politics, medicine, and law.
The administrative process at Makerere can be chaotic. You must be relentless in following up on your application status and ensuring your recommendation letters are actually submitted by your referees.
Official Source
For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.
Visit Official Source