The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, which began as a 10-year worldwide program in 2012, seeks to develop the next generation of leaders who will promote social and economic growth, particularly in Africa. This program focuses on young people from economically disadvantaged homes, providing them with opportunity to pursue quality secondary and postsecondary education. This makes it easier for them to continue their studies or enter the workforce in their home nations.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s central objective is to build a network of empowered young leaders and institutions that actively contribute to inclusive and equitable socioeconomic transformation throughout Africa. Over the years, the program has achieved great progress, helping approximately 45,000 young Africans pursue secondary or postsecondary education.
Recognizing the difficulties experienced by Scholars and other young people throughout Africa, the initiative emphasizes the necessity of overcoming systemic impediments in higher education. It highlights the need of building institutional capacity, promoting creative solutions across vital sectors, and encouraging collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the education ecosystem in order to maximize its influence on the continent.
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program seeks to foster inclusive and relevant education by collaborating with young people, universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other higher education partners. It aims to guarantee that kids have smooth transitions into dignified and fulfilling jobs, ultimately helping them to live transforming lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
How Beneficial is the 2024 Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship provides a variety of substantial benefits that contribute to the overarching goal of expanding inclusive university education and empowering young people to become transformative leaders who make significant contributions to national and regional development.
Requirements
- To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, applicants must meet the following program-specific criteria:
- To be eligible for undergraduate degree programs under the Private Sponsorship Scheme, applicants must be admitted to the university’s main campus. This requires applying for admission when it is advertised, and then getting admitted to the main campus.
- Applicants must have completed Advanced level schooling (or equivalent) in an African country.
- The program is designed exclusively to assist people who are experiencing substantial financial hardship.
- Applicants must have demonstrated leadership potential as well as a track record of community service. This reflects the program’s emphasis on training future leaders who are devoted to positively impacting their communities.
- Applicants may not hold any other scholarships.
- Candidates should not have enrolled in or finished another undergraduate degree program.
- The applicant must not be older than 28 years old while applying for the scholarship. However, refugees and students with impairments have a somewhat higher age limit of 32 years at the time of application.
- If applying as a refugee, the applicant must be a recognized and registered refugee and provide proof, such as a refugee attestation, which is attached to the application.
Selection process
Provide precise details about your parents’ or guardian’s occupation. Insufficient information may jeopardize your application. The categories below serve as a guide..
- If your father/mother/guardian is a business owner, describe the nature of their business. For example, indicate if they own a car garage, a retail store, a wholesale firm, or a manufacturing enterprise. Additionally, describe the types of goods or services they trade in. Include the physical address of the business.
- If your father/mother/guardian worker, specify their role inside the organization, whether it is a ministry, firm, or agency. Also, include their pay, if applicable.
- If your father/mother/guardian is involved in any other economic activity, please provide precise information about their occupation or work.
How to Apply
To apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, follow these steps:
- Via Online Applications:
- Go to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page at apply.mcfsp.mak.ac.ug.
- Navigate to the Undergraduate Scholarships section.
- Fill out the online application form immediately from the website.
- Via the PDF Application Form:
- Access the PDF version of the application form at https://apply.mcfsp.mak.ac.ug/forms/undergraduate-applications.
- Print the form and fill out all relevant fields.
- Submit the completed hard copy of the application form to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program office at Plot 144, Pool Road, Makerere University.
- Email submission:
- Alternatively, send the completed application form as an attachment by email to makscholarsapplications@gmail.com.
Note the Following
Please note that,
- 70% of all scholarships are reserved for female students, encouraging them to apply.
- 30% of scholarships are awarded to male applicants, with further categories available.
- Up to 25% of scholarships are reserved for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), so young people in this group are encouraged to apply.
- A maximum of 10% of scholarships are reserved for youth with disabilities.
- Incomplete application forms will result in immediate disqualification.
- The curriculum is based on merit principles and has zero tolerance for dishonesty.
- Influence peddling by any party will result in the applicant being automatically disqualified.
- Impersonation, document falsification, or giving incorrect or insufficient information will result in the automatic cancellation of the award, a refund of the funds spent on the Scholar, and possible legal action.
- Makerere University warns the public about scammers attempting to manipulate the scholarship application process for financial gain. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form is free of charge, and those who engage in fraudulent actions will face legal consequences.
- The Department of Academic Registrar handles all university admissions, and applicants must meet the university’s private sponsorship scheme conditions.
- Only successful applicants will get notifications at each level of the scholarship application process. The Program Steering Committee’s decisions on scholarship awarding are final.
- Applicants who do not receive a response before the end of August 2024 should consider their application unsuccessful.
- Filling out an application form does not guarantee a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Makerere University.
For further information and application forms, go to the Mastercard Foundation website.
