Young women with a passion for science and teaching have a golden opportunity knocking. The Leaders in Teaching Uganda Program has announced a call for applications for 400 scholarships targeting pre-service female STEM students admitted to pursue a Bachelor of Science with Education (BSc-Ed) during the 2026/2027 academic year.
The scholarships are open to Ugandan women, female refugees, and young women with disabilities — and the package is a game-changer for anyone facing financial barriers to university.
About the Program
The Leaders in Teaching Uganda Program is a five-year Mastercard Foundation initiative aimed at transforming secondary education in Uganda by improving the quality of teaching and learning.
Implemented under the strategic leadership of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the program is delivered through a consortium that includes the Luigi Giussani Foundation (LGF), UNICEF, British Council, VVOB, Edukans International Uganda, Brainwave Careers Uganda, STiR Education, Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS) Uganda, Teach For Uganda, and the Forum for Education NGOs in Uganda (FENU).
Anchored on the pillars of teacher recruitment, teacher training, school leadership, and teacher motivation, the program is investing in the next generation of female Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teachers.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be female Ugandan citizens, females with refugee status, or females with disabilities residing in Uganda
- Be young women aged 18 to 35 years
- Have secured admission to pursue a Bachelor of Science with Education (BSc-Ed) with a STEM subject combination in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Agriculture, or Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/Computer Studies
Applicants must also demonstrate genuine financial need and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in teaching in secondary education.
Importantly, in-service Science and Mathematics teachers intending to upgrade to a Bachelor of Science in Education degree are also encouraged to apply.
Where You Can Study
The scholarship is tenable at the following universities: Busitema University, Gulu University, Islamic University in Uganda, Kabale University, Kyambogo University, Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mountains of the Moon University, Muni University, and Uganda Martyrs University.
It also covers UNITE Campuses in Kabale, Kaliro, Mubende, Muni, and Unyama.
What the Scholarship Covers
This is a comprehensive package that removes the biggest barriers to higher education. The scholarship covers:
- Tuition and functional fees
- Accommodation costs
- A laptop computer
In return, successful beneficiaries will be required to serve in the teaching profession for a minimum period of two years upon completion of their studies.
How to Apply
The scholarship program is managed by the Luigi Giussani Foundation. To apply, visit www.lgfug.org or log in at https://scholarships.lgfug.org/ and follow the prompts to complete the application form and upload the required documents.
For technical support, applicants can contact Mr. Ian Murari, the IT officer, on +256 782940777 or via email at i.murari@lgfug.org. General inquiries can be sent to info@lgfug.org.
Mark the Deadline
Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted not later than July 15, 2026.
A Warning to Applicants
The program has issued a firm notice: no fees are charged for application, processing, selection, verification, or award of the scholarship. Applicants should not make any payment to any individual or organization claiming to facilitate the scholarship process.
Why This Matters
Beyond the free tuition and laptops, this opportunity speaks to a bigger mission — closing the gender gap in Uganda’s STEM classrooms. By investing in female science and mathematics teachers, the program is not only changing individual lives but shaping who teaches the next generation of Ugandan students.
The program has made clear that refugees, persons with disabilities, and young women from disadvantaged and underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
If you or someone you know fits the bill, the advice is simple: get the documents ready and beat the July 15 deadline. Opportunities this comprehensive don’t come around often.
