Uganda’s Ministry of Education Lists Three Irish Scholarships and a Confirmed Mastercard Foundation Deadline — Start Here
The Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports scholarship portal at education.go.ug/scholarships/ is one of the most useful official sources for Ugandan students and it currently lists several programs with active 2026/2027 cycles that most scholarship guides don’t highlight:
The Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports lists the following active programs for 2026/2027: IRELAND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 2026/2027 OPPORTUNITIES, FR. DECLAN O’TOOLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 2026/2027 OPPORTUNITIES, JAPANESE GOV’T (MEXT) SCHOLARSHIP FOR RESEARCH AND STUDENTS, SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR THE EGYPTIAN GOV’T SCHOLARSHIPS 25/26.
Two separate Irish fellowship programs with active 2026/2027 cycles. MEXT Japan active. Egyptian Government Scholarship active with a shortlisted candidates list already published.
Additionally, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University has a confirmed June 5, 2026 deadline for its current cycle, a program targeting 1,000 young people from across Africa for undergraduate study at Uganda’s most prestigious university.
Beyond these immediate opportunities, Uganda has a structural scholarship advantage that most guides overlook: like Togo (covered in this series), Uganda is included in the IsDB-France joint scholarship program despite NOT being an OIC member. Uganda qualifies as a developing country, not as a Muslim-majority nation, making it one of the few predominantly Christian countries in the 42-country IsDB-France eligible list.
1. Ireland Fellowship Program — Ireland (2026/2027 Confirmed)
IRELAND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 2026/2027 OPPORTUNITIES is listed on the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports official scholarship portal.
The Ireland-Africa Fellows Program provides fully funded opportunities for Ugandan students and professionals to study at Master’s level at Irish universities. As confirmed in the Tanzania guide in this series, this is a well-established Irish Aid program in East Africa and Uganda’s Ministry of Education has confirmed the 2026/2027 cycle is active.
What it covers: Full tuition + living expenses + travel + professional development activities.
How to apply: Contact the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports at education.go.ug/scholarships/ for the 2026/2027 application form and guidance. You can also contact the Embassy of Ireland in Kampala directly.
English proficiency note: Like Tanzania’s Ireland Fellowship, Duolingo English Test is accepted alongside IELTS.
2. Fr. Declan O’Toole Fellowship Programme — Ireland (2026/2027 Confirmed)
FR. DECLAN O’TOOLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 2026/2027 OPPORTUNITIES is also listed on Uganda Ministry of Education’s scholarship portal.
This is a separate Irish fellowship program specific to Uganda, named after Fr. Declan O’Toole, reflecting the Catholic educational mission in Uganda that has deep historical roots. This fellowship provides fully funded opportunities for Ugandan students at Irish universities.
How to apply: Through the Uganda Ministry of Education — education.go.ug/scholarships/ — or contact the Embassy of Ireland in Kampala. Confirm specific eligibility requirements (this may target specific fields or institutions).
This is a fellowship that virtually no scholarship guide for Uganda mentions, yet it is confirmed active for 2026/2027 directly from the official government portal.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University (June 5, 2026!)
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University aims to deepen inclusive university education and support 1,000 young people from Africa to access quality education and transition into dignified and fulfilling work. The deadline for the current cycle is June 5, 2026.
Makerere University — founded in 1922, described by Winston Churchill as evidence of Africa’s intellectual capacity, and often called “the Harvard of Africa” is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most prestigious universities. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program here supports 1,000 African students (not just Ugandans) for undergraduate study.
What it covers: Full scholarship including tuition, accommodation, meals, and academic support.
Target profile: Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential. Priority for students from economically and socially marginalized backgrounds.
Deadline: June 5, 2026 for the current cycle.
Apply at: mak.ac.ug — search Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
4. IsDB-France Scholarship — Uganda Listed Despite Non-OIC Status (200 Places/Year)
Like Togo (covered in the previous guide in this series), Uganda is included in the list of 42 countries eligible for the joint scholarship between France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Islamic Development Bank, despite Uganda not being an OIC member.
Uganda qualifies as a developing country in need of educational support not as a Muslim-majority country, making this one of the few predominantly Christian African countries in the IsDB-France eligible list.
What it covers: Full support for Master’s or PhD study in France — tuition, stipend, living allowance — 200 scholarships per year.
Fields covered: Life and health sciences, Environmental studies, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, Computing and IT, Economics, Social sciences.
Apply through: Campus France — campusfrance.org for the IsDB-France program.
Deadline: Typically January-February.
5. Chevening Scholarship — United Kingdom (£1,378-1,690/month)
Chevening is the UK Government’s prestigious international scholarships program. Uganda has a dedicated Chevening page at chevening.org/scholarship/uganda/ — confirming it is an active program.
What it covers:
- Full university tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance: £1,690 (London) / £1,378 (outside London)
- Economy class return airfare
- Additional academic grants
Requirements:
- 2 years of work experience (~2,800 hours)
- IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 79+
- Must return to Uganda after scholarship
Uganda’s Chevening narrative: Uganda’s extraordinary natural wealth, the Source of the Nile at Jinja, Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake, shared with Kenya and Tanzania), the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the Pearl of Africa epithet given by Winston Churchill, combined with its growing tech sector and complex governance context provides compelling scholarship narratives for environmental governance, public health, and economic development.
Apply at: chevening.org/scholarship/uganda/
Next cycle: Opens August 2027, closes November 2027.
6. Commonwealth Scholarships — United Kingdom
Uganda is a Commonwealth member. Uganda is listed among African Commonwealth countries alongside Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Active categories:
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS): Uganda hosts incoming QECS scholars, meaning Uganda’s universities (including Makerere) are study destinations for QECS students from other Commonwealth countries. This is a signal of Makerere’s academic standing.
Apply through: Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission at cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk.
7. Egyptian Government Scholarship
The Uganda Ministry of Education has published shortlisted candidates for Egyptian Government Scholarships for 2025/26, confirming this scholarship program is actively administered through Uganda’s Ministry.
Egypt offers bilateral scholarships for students from African countries including Uganda to study at Egyptian public universities including Al-Azhar and major state institutions.
Apply through: Uganda Ministry of Education (education.go.ug/scholarships/) — the scholarship is government-nominated.
8. DAAD Scholarships — Germany (€934-1,300/month)
DAAD is fully accessible for Ugandan students through Sub-Saharan Africa programs.
Key programs:
DAAD Study Scholarships: €934/month for Master’s. Deadline mid-October.
DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Courses): For Ugandan students in environmental conservation (gorillas, Nile basin, Lake Victoria), agricultural development, public health, and governance.
Uganda’s DAAD narrative: Lake Victoria is the source of the White Nile and faces serious environmental pressures from pollution, invasive species (water hyacinth), overfishing, and climate change. For DAAD EPOS environmental science and water management students, Uganda’s Nile basin provides an internationally recognized and scientifically critical research context.
Language: MOI Certificate accepted for English-medium programs — generate at: MOI Generator
9. CSC China Scholarship (CNY 3,000-3,500/month + Free Tuition)
Uganda and China have active diplomatic relations and Uganda receives FOCAC scholarship allocations. Chinese investment in Uganda’s infrastructure (hydropower, roads) has deepened bilateral ties.
What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend + free accommodation + health insurance.
No IELTS required — MOI Certificate accepted.
Apply through: Chinese Embassy in Kampala.
Deadline: Embassy track December-January.
10. Fulbright Foreign Student Program — USA
The US Embassy in Kampala administers Fulbright for Uganda. Applications in public health, governance, environmental conservation, and economic development are competitive.
Apply through: US Embassy Kampala — ug.usembassy.gov
Deadline: Typically July-August.
11. GKS Korea (Global Korea Scholarship)
No English test, minimum GPA 2.64/4.0 — one of the most accessible major scholarships.
What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend (~USD 650-700) + funded Korean language year + round-trip airfare.
Apply through: Korean Embassy. Embassy Track closes February.
12. MEXT Japan Scholarship
The Uganda Ministry of Education lists JAPANESE GOV’T (MEXT) SCHOLARSHIP FOR RESEARCH AND STUDENTS as active for 2025/26, confirming active administration through Uganda’s Ministry.
What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend JPY 143,000-147,000 (~USD 950-980) + round-trip airfare + Japanese language year.
Apply through: Uganda Ministry of Education — education.go.ug/scholarships/ — or Japanese Embassy in Kampala.
13. Australian Awards — Australia
Uganda is among eligible developing countries for Australian Awards.
What it covers: Full tuition + return economy airfare + establishment allowance + monthly living stipend + health insurance.
Apply through: Australian Embassy covering Uganda — dfat.gov.au/australiaawards
Deadline: Typically February-April.
14. Erasmus Mundus — Europe (€1,100-1,400/month)
Open to all nationalities. Ugandan students are eligible for all English-medium consortium programs.
Deadline: Most consortiums January-February.
15. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
As a Commonwealth developing country, Uganda is eligible for New Zealand postgraduate scholarships in development-relevant fields.
Apply at: mfat.govt.nz
Quick Reference: Scholarships for Ugandan Students 2026
| Scholarship | Coverage | IELTS? | Key Feature | Deadline/Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland Fellows | Full funding | Duolingo OK | 2026/27 confirmed — MoE Uganda | Check MoE |
| Fr. Declan O’Toole | Full fellowship | Per prog | Uganda-specific Irish fellowship | Check MoE |
| Mastercard Makerere | Full scholarship | No | 1,000 scholars, all Africa | June 5, 2026 |
| IsDB-France | Full (France) | Per program | Uganda listed despite non-OIC | Jan-Feb |
| Chevening (UK) | £1,378-1,690/mo | YES 6.5+ | Dedicated Uganda page | November |
| Commonwealth | Full + living | YES | Uganda listed Commonwealth | Oct-Dec |
| Egyptian Govt | Full + stipend | No | Via MoE Uganda — shortlist published | Via MoE |
| DAAD (Germany) | €934-1,300/mo | No (MOI) | EPOS + Nile/gorilla narrative | Aug-Oct |
| CSC China | CNY 3,000-3,500/mo | No (MOI) | FOCAC + infrastructure ties | Dec-April |
| Fulbright (USA) | Living stipend | YES | US Embassy Kampala | July-Aug |
| GKS Korea | ~$650-700/mo | No | Min GPA 2.64 only | February |
| MEXT Japan | ~$950-980/mo | No | Via MoE Uganda — confirmed | Via MoE |
| Australian Awards | Full living | YES 6.5+ | 2-yr return required | Feb-April |
| Erasmus Mundus | €1,100-1,400/mo | Per program | All nationalities | Jan-Feb |
Uganda’s Unique Scholarship Advantages
1. Ministry of Education as Your Scholarship Hub The Uganda Ministry of Education scholarship portal (education.go.ug/scholarships/) is one of East Africa’s most comprehensive government scholarship listings. Irish fellowships, MEXT Japan, Egyptian Government scholarships, and local bursaries are all listed and administered through this portal. Check it regularly, scholarships open and close throughout the year.
2. Three Irish Programs (Ireland Fellows + Fr. Declan O’Toole + Tanzania/Rwanda-shared) Uganda has not one but two separate Irish government scholarship programs listed for 2026/2027: the Ireland Fellowship Programme and the Fr. Declan O’Toole Fellowship. This reflects Ireland’s deep Catholic educational mission in Uganda and the strength of Ireland-Uganda development ties.
3. IsDB-France Despite Non-OIC Status Like Togo, Uganda is included in the IsDB-France 42-country list as a developing country — not as an OIC member. This gives Ugandan students access to 200 fully funded scholarships per year for study in France that most Anglophone East African students don’t know about.
4. Makerere University — The Harvard of Africa Makerere University’s international standing, one of Africa’s oldest universities, ranked among Africa’s top 5, called the “Harvard of Africa” by some, gives Ugandan graduates competitive CVs for international scholarship applications. A Makerere undergraduate degree is a strong foundation for Chevening, Commonwealth, and DAAD applications.
5. Pearl of Africa — Environmental Research Narrative Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity — mountain gorillas (approximately half the world’s remaining population), chimpanzees, the Source of the Nile, Africa’s largest lake, and the equatorial forest, provides environmental scholarship contexts of global scientific significance. For DAAD EPOS, Fulbright, and conservation-focused programs, Ugandan researchers studying these ecosystems have internationally recognized subject matter.
Practical Tips for Ugandan Applicants
1. Check education.go.ug/scholarships/ regularly The Uganda Ministry of Education scholarship portal is one of the most comprehensive in East Africa. New scholarship cycles open throughout the year. Check it monthly and subscribe to notifications if available.
2. Mastercard Foundation at Makerere — apply by June 5, 2026 This is your most immediate major deadline. If you are a young Ugandan or African student seeking undergraduate funding at one of Africa’s most prestigious universities, submit your application to Makerere’s Mastercard Foundation program by June 5, 2026.
3. Contact the Embassy of Ireland in Kampala about both Irish fellowships Ireland maintains active scholarship programs in Uganda. The Ireland Fellowship Programme and Fr. Declan O’Toole Fellowship both have 2026/2027 cycles confirmed. Contact the Embassy directly for application guidance and deadlines.
4. IsDB-France — Uganda is eligible despite not being OIC Apply through Campus France. Uganda’s inclusion in the 42-country list as a developing country (not an OIC member) gives Ugandan students access to 200 annual scholarships for study in France. Most Ugandan students don’t know this is available to them.
5. Use MOI Certificate for DAAD and CSC China Both accept a free Medium of Instruction Certificate for English-medium programs. Uganda’s English-medium education makes this straightforward. Generate at: MOI Generator
FAQ
Is Uganda eligible for the IsDB-France scholarship without being an OIC member?
Yes, Uganda is included in the list of 42 countries eligible for the IsDB-France joint scholarship as a developing country, not as an OIC member. This is one of the key findings of this guide.
What is the Fr. Declan O’Toole Fellowship?
The Fr. Declan O’Toole Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 is listed on the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports scholarship portal as a separate Irish fellowship specific to Uganda. Contact the Embassy of Ireland in Kampala for current application details.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University supports 1,000 young people from Africa to access quality education at Makerere and transition to dignified work. The June 5, 2026 deadline is currently active.
Is Makerere University internationally recognized for scholarship purposes?
Yes, Makerere University, founded in 1922, is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities, consistently ranked among Africa’s top institutions. A Makerere degree is a competitive foundation for international scholarship applications.
What is the easiest major scholarship for Ugandan students?
GKS Korea: no IELTS, minimum GPA 2.64/4.0, fully funded with Korean language year.