Makerere University Management and the Mastercard Foundation renewed their partnership for the second phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program from 2023 to 2034.
The second phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University’s main campus in Kampala, Uganda will provide 1000 scholarships for 10 years at both the undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree) and graduate (Master’s degree) academic program levels. The scholarships are awarded to academically talented young men and women from Sub-Saharan Africa facing financial constraints to pursue their academic studies.
Makerere University is pleased to announce the first Cohort of 95 undergraduate and 05 Master’s scholarship opportunities to nationals, refugees, internally displaced youth, and international students joining Makerere University in the Academic Year 2024/2025 under the Private Sponsorship Scheme of Makerere University.
Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University’s main campus in the Academic Year 2024/2025, the following conditions must be met:
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: APPLICANTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES
To be eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, the following conditions must be met:
The applicant must be qualifying for admission at Makerere University’s main campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme. Therefore, all applicants should apply for admission at Makerere University, main campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme (when advertised). Once admitted to Makerere University’s main campus, then your application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship at Makerere University shall be considered for the due selection processes.
The Applicant must have completed the Advanced level education (or its equivalent) in an African country.
The Applicant should provide evidence of significant financial hardship.
The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship, including the Government Scholarship.
The Applicant should not have completed any undergraduate studies.
The Applicant must have served as a leader and with a record of community service.
The Applicant should be at the age of 28 years or younger at the time of the deadline of the application.
Applicants under the categories of Refugees, IDPs, and Students with Disabilities should be 32 years of age or younger at the time of the deadline of the application.
A refugee applicant must be a recognized and registered refugee with proof of refugee attestation.
Additional Consideration: The prioritized degree programmes are those aligned to the NDP III Strategic Development Areas of Agriculture, Tourism, Mineral Development, Infrastructure, and Human Capital Development (please refer to the application form for a list of programmes).
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIP FOR MASTER’S ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
The applicant must qualify for admission at Makerere University’s main campus for the Master’s degree programme. Therefore, all applicants should apply for admission at Makerere University’s main campus under the Private Sponsorship Scheme (when advertised).
Once admitted to Makerere University’s main campus, then your application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University shall be considered for the due selection processes.
The Applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in an African country.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarships are restricted to individuals facing significant financial hardship.
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a record of community service.
Applicants should not be holders of any other scholarship.
Applicants should not have registered for or completed any other Master’s degree.
The Applicant should not be over 35 years of age at the time of applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship.
Applicants under the category of Refugees and Students with Disabilities should not be over 40 years of age at the time of the deadline for the application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship.
A refugee applicant must be a recognized and registered refugee with proof (refugee attestation) attached to the application form.
Additional Considerations for Applying for Master’s Studies
The Applicant shall submit a motivation statement indicating the incentive/driver for applying for a given academic programme. The statement should articulate how the pursuance of the preferred degree programme shall enable the applicant to contribute to innovatively solving a given societal challenge— (Max. 500 words)
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Prospective applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship can obtain and fill out the Scholarship Application Form AT NO COST through the following avenues:
a) Physical/hard copy forms from the office of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, located at Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University (opposite the College of Computing and Information Sciences).
Please submit your application form in one of the following avenues:
Hard copy application forms and all required attachments should be submitted to the office of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, located at Plot 144, Pool Road by 5:00 pm on Friday 14th June 2024 for Applicants to join Academic Year 2024/25. For every application submitted, the applicant shall sign in the “Applications Received Book.”
b) Submit via email as an attachment – The filled application form and scanned copies of all requirement documents and send via email: makscholarsapplication@gmail.com
Note: For inquiries or clarifications please call our office mob line at +256 700-716-128
When submitting your application form please attach all the listed in the application form.
Please note the following:
70% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarships are reserved for young women.
25% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarships are reserved for Youth with Refugee status
10% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarships are reserved for Youth with Disabilities
Dishonesty and influence peddling will lead to automatic disqualification.
Falsification of documents or giving false information will lead to disqualification and/or prosecution.
Beware of fraudsters selling the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship forms as the APPLICATION FORM IS FREE.
Only successful applicants will be notified.
Note: Applications shall remain open for Persons with Disabilities, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons for the Academic Year 2025/26, for applicants who may not be in position to meet the deadline for Academic Year 2024/25.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.
University of Perugia has received funding from the European Commission to support six exchange mobility for students (for Traineeship purposes).
The present Call establishes the rules and criteria for participating in Erasmus+ Mobility Exchange.
Destination and Duration of the Exchange Mobility
Students interested in the Erasmus+ Programme can spend a Mobility Exchange during the Academic Year 2025/2026 or 2026/2027 at the University of Perugia (Italy) https://www.unipg.it/en/
Who can apply
In order to take part in a mobility exchange period at University of Perugia (Italy), interested students need to submit a formal application to the International Relations Office, Makerere University via email: international@mak.ac.ug
The subject areas involved in the exchange mobility are the following:
0811 Crop and livestock production
0841 Veterinary
0888 Inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary
See below for detailed call.
Deadline for submitting the application: Friday 07th August 2026
Hosts Makerere University have officially kicked off the East African Universities’ Debate Championship EAUDC ZAABU 2026, bringing together student debaters, university leaders, and representatives from universities across the region to promote intellectual engagement, critical thinking, leadership development, and regional collaboration. The championship provides a platform for students to exchange ideas, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop solutions through constructive dialogue. This year’s theme is: From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africa’s Transformation.
The event reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to nurturing student leadership, academic excellence, and regional integration by providing opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and build networks beyond national borders.
Debate as a Platform for Regional Engagement
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), Mr. Arthur Akatwijuka highlighted the importance of hosting the championship and bringing together universities from different countries across East Africa. He noted that the event demonstrates the role of debate in connecting young leaders, promoting intellectual diversity, and strengthening collaboration among institutions of higher learning.
‘We are excited to have representation from the different countries and universities. This championship is not only about competition but also about creating a platform where young leaders can engage, share ideas, and shape the future of our region,’ said Mr. Akatwijuka.
Mr. Akatwijuka further explained that the championship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, develop confidence, and build skills that will contribute to their leadership journey. He encouraged students to embrace the experience as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing regional integration and nurturing future leaders through the EAUDC2026. He descried the championship as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among universities.
‘Makerere was the first university in East Africa, so you are coming back home. This is your university, and its doors are always open to you,’ said Prof. Alinaitwe.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the championship builds on Makerere University‘s efforts to promote youth leadership and regional cooperation through debate. He said the competition equips participants with critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills while fostering unity among East African youth. ‘As we debate regionally, we are strengthening regional integration. By coming here, articulating your points and convincing others, you are being groomed to become formidable leaders and a force for production and transformation in our societies,’ he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that beyond the competition, the championship creates opportunities for participants to build regional networks and lasting partnerships that can support future academic, professional, and leadership opportunities. He encouraged all participants to view themselves as winners for contributing to East Africa’s shared vision of integration and development.
‘All of us are already winners simply by participating in this championship. Whether you finish first or sixth, you have strengthened your skills and contributed to building the future of our region,’ stated Prof. Alinaitwe.
Developing Responsible Leaders Through Debate
The Dean of Students Makerere University, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli warmly welcomed participants and described the championship as an important opportunity for developing responsible and innovative leaders. Dr. Namuwonge noted that debate enables students to improve their communication skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and become better prepared for future leadership roles.
Dr. Winfred Namuwonge Kabumbuli
Dr. Namuwonge encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect different viewpoints, and use the championship as a platform for learning and cultural exchange. ‘Makerere University is proud to host this championship because debate develops leaders who can engage society with knowledge, confidence, and respect,’ Dr. Namuwonge noted.
Communication Skills for Future Leaders
The Electoral Commission Uganda, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, Mr. Julius Mucunguzi congratulated the organizers and participants for promoting intellectual dialogue through the championship. He emphasized that debate plays a significant role in preparing young people to communicate effectively and participate in leadership.
Mr. Mucunguzi explained that the skills acquired through debating extend beyond competition and are valuable in professional and public spaces. ‘Debate equips young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. Makerere is proud to provide this platform for East Africa’s future leaders.’
He encouraged students to continue embracing debate as a tool for knowledge sharing, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to society.
Transform Dialogue into Action
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Idris A. Rai who was represented by Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye challenged young people across East Africa to move beyond discussions and take action in addressing challenges facing the continent. He described the championship as a platform for developing future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will contribute to Africa’s transformation.
‘We wish that the end comes not only with debate but with action. The role of youth in African transformation is very important,’ the keynote speaker said.
Dr. Ndayizeye emphasized that young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of Africa’s population, have the potential to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged the youth to change their mindset from seeking employment to creating solutions and opportunities for others.
‘The question should no longer be, ‘Who will employ me?’ The new question should be, ‘What problem can I solve?’ challenged Dr. Ndayizeye.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe addresses at the EAUDC2026
Dr. Ndayizeye urged young leaders to actively participate in governance by voting, engaging in public affairs, and holding leaders accountable. He also highlighted the importance of East African integration, calling on young people to embrace regional cooperation and take advantage of opportunities across member states.
‘You must vote. You must engage. You must contribute. You must hold leaders accountable. You must become part of the leadership,’ Dr. Ndayizeye stated.
He further stressed that discipline is essential for success, noting that talent and education must be supported by commitment and responsibility. ‘Talent without discipline is wasted potential. Discipline is what transforms goals into achievements,’ Prof. Idris said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ndayizeye challenged participants to become innovators, responsible citizens, and creators of opportunities who will turn ideas into action. ‘This generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed dialogue into action, challenges into opportunities, and possibilities into progress. The future of this East African Community is sitting in this room today,’ he concluded.
EAUDC ZAABU 2026 is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), the official student organization that promotes debate, public speaking, poetry, and critical discourse. The debate will be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.