Bright female students from disadvantaged backgrounds have a fresh shot at studying at Uganda’s premier university free of tuition. Makerere University’s Gender Mainstreaming Directorate has officially announced its Fees Waiver Female Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year, with 40 slots up for grabs.
The scholarship, approved by the Makerere University Council back in December 2010 and first rolled out in 2011, exists to help academically strong female students from genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds access higher education. For successful applicants, the university waives off tuition and functional fees for the entire duration of their study programme.
What the Scholarship Covers — and What It Doesn’t
Before you celebrate, read the fine print carefully. The scholarship covers tuition and functional fees only. Successful applicants must be able to meet their own feeding, accommodation, and other learning necessities for the duration of their studies.
All programmes across the colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible. Importantly, applicants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Who Is Eligible
To qualify, all scholarship applicants must:
- Be female Ugandans
- Be admitted as first-year students at Makerere University Main Campus or Jinja Campus for the 2026/2027 academic year under the Direct Entry Scheme
- Come from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background
- Not be admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university
- Not hold any other scholarship or government support (such as the District Quota system, the Loan Scheme, or Mastercard Foundation)
- Be willing to participate in a competitive selection process determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee
What to Attach to Your Application
An application form is only considered complete once it includes:
- Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents
- One passport-size photograph
- A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
- In the case of deceased parent(s), a copy of the death certificate(s)
- A hand-drawn physical map of the applicant’s home or residence, with clear directions from the nearest main road and approximate distances in kilometres
- A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University
Deadline and How to Apply
Mark your calendar: the application deadline is Friday, 7th August 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402, or download a copy from the Makerere University website at http://www.mak.ac.ug.
For more information or inquiries, applicants can reach the Directorate on +256 757 391098, +256 700 198999, or +256 774 618071 during working hours, or via email at director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug.
The announcement was issued by Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD), Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer.
Why This Matters
For many talented young women, the gap between qualifying for university and actually affording it is where dreams quietly die. Schemes like this one have, since 2011, offered a lifeline — turning admission letters into actual degrees for students who would otherwise be locked out.
If you or someone you know fits the criteria, the message is simple: get the documents in order and beat the August 7 deadline. Forty slots may not sound like many, but for the women who land them, it could be the difference that changes everything.
Spread the word — share this with a sister, friend, or classmate who qualifies.
