📚 Undergraduate Scholarships Guide

Complete guide to bachelor's degree scholarships for Ugandan students

Earning a bachelor's degree is a dream for many Ugandan students, but the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, there are numerous undergraduate scholarships available – both locally and internationally – that can make this dream a reality.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of undergraduate scholarship opportunities for Ugandan students, along with practical advice on how to find, apply for, and win these life‑changing opportunities.

💡 Key insight: Undergraduate scholarships are often less competitive than postgraduate scholarships because fewer students know about them or apply. With the right preparation, you have a strong chance of success.

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships

Undergraduate scholarships come in various forms. Understanding these categories helps you target the right opportunities.

🎓 Merit‑Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, or special talents. Require outstanding grades and test scores.
💰 Need‑Based Scholarships: Awarded based on financial need. You must demonstrate that you cannot afford tuition and other costs.
🌍 Country‑Specific Scholarships: Designed for students from specific countries (e.g., Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program).
🔬 Field‑Specific Scholarships: For students pursuing particular fields of study (e.g., STEM, medicine, education).
👩‍🎓 Gender‑Specific Scholarships: For women or men in certain fields to address gender imbalances.
🏛️ Government Scholarships: Funded by governments – e.g., Chinese Government Scholarships, Uganda Government Scholarships.
🏫 University Scholarships: Offered directly by universities to attract talented students.

Top Undergraduate Scholarships for Ugandans

Undergraduate | Deadline: 5 June 2026

245 Undergraduate scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year at Makerere University.

Eligibility:

Ugandan nationals, refugees, IDPs, persons with disabilities, or youth from underrepresented ethnic groups
Must be 35 years or younger (40 for refugees and persons with disabilities)
Must demonstrate leadership and/or community service
70% reserved for young women, 30% for young men

Apply: Apply online →

HEAC & TVET | Deadline: 8 May 2026

600 bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year targeting underrepresented youth.

Eligibility:

Ugandan nationals aged 18–25 years
Completed Senior Four or Senior Six between 2022 and 2025
80% of bursaries reserved for female applicants

Apply: Pick up application forms from District Education Offices, partner institutions, or FAWE Uganda offices.

STEM Undergraduate | February 2026

Fully funded scholarships worth over UGX 3.85 billion for 20 students to pursue STEM degree programmes at Ugandan universities.

Beneficiaries study at Makerere, Kyambogo, ISBAT, Uganda Christian University, and Mbarara University.

Undergraduate & Diploma | 2026/2027 Academic Year

4,000 students sponsored at various public universities in the 2026/2027 academic year. Makerere University received 1,672 slots.

Apply: Through the Ministry of Education and Sports or directly through public universities.

Undergraduate & Postgraduate | 2026/2027 Academic Year

UGX 750 million scholarship package for Ugandan students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Undergraduate | January 2026 Intake

100% Tuition and Fees Covered for academic merit scholarships at Cavendish University Uganda.

Undergraduate | 5 January 2026

Applications for undergraduate studies in Chinese Universities for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.

Eligibility:

Minimum of 'C' in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Completed A-Level in 2023 or 2024
Maximum age: 25 years
Must have a valid biometric passport

Apply: Ministry of Education and Sports website (education.go.ug)

Bachelor's | 1 February 2026

Fully funded Bachelor's study opportunities in Flanders, Belgium, starting September 2026.

Covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and international travel costs.

📌 For a complete list of current opportunities, visit our Scholarships in Uganda page.

How to Find Undergraduate Scholarships

🌐 Scholarship Search Platforms:
- Scholars4Dev – includes undergraduate opportunities.
- Scholarship Positions – global database.
- Opportunity Desk – curated opportunities for young Africans.
🏛️ Government Sources:
- Ministry of Education and Sports – announces government scholarships.
- Uganda Embassy websites – many countries post scholarship information.
🎓 University Websites:
- Check the scholarships page of universities you're interested in.
🏢 Embassies and High Commissions:
- British High Commission, US Embassy, German Embassy, Chinese Embassy, etc.
📱 Social Media Groups:
- Join WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook groups dedicated to scholarships.

💡 Pro tip: Start your search at least 12–18 months before your intended start date. Undergraduate scholarships often have long application windows.

Application Tips for Undergraduate Scholarships

📝 Start early: Most scholarship deadlines are 6–12 months before the academic year begins. Start researching and preparing your documents well in advance.

📄 Gather documents: Prepare academic transcripts, certificates, CV, passport copy, reference letters, and language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) early.

✍️ Write a compelling motivation letter: Explain why you deserve the scholarship, your goals, and how you'll make an impact. Be authentic and specific.

🤝 Secure strong recommendations: Choose referees (teachers, community leaders, mentors) who know you well and can speak to your character and potential.

✅ Proofread: Spelling and grammar errors suggest carelessness – get someone to review your application.

🎯 Apply to multiple scholarships: Don't put all your hopes in one application. Apply to as many as you qualify for.

💡 Final word: Undergraduate scholarships are life‑changing opportunities. With the right preparation and persistence, you can secure funding for your bachelor's degree. Employ Uganda is here to support you every step of the way.

Additional Resources

📌 Scholarships in Uganda 2026 – list of current opportunities.
📌 Scholarship Application Guide – step‑by‑step guidance.
📌 Motivation Letter Guide – craft a powerful statement.
📌 CV Writing Guide – perfect your CV for scholarship applications.
📌 Fully Funded Scholarships Guide – how to win full scholarships.

Last updated: August 2026

📚 Undergraduate Scholarships Guide

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships

Top Undergraduate Scholarships for Ugandans

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Makerere University

FAWE Uganda – Mastercard Foundation Bursaries

Airtel Africa Foundation Tech Fellowship

Government Sponsorship – Undergraduate & Diploma

Madhvani Foundation Scholarships

Cavendish University Academic Merit Scholarships

Chinese Government Scholarships – Undergraduate

VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships

How to Find Undergraduate Scholarships

Application Tips for Undergraduate Scholarships

Additional Resources