UK Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (UK Government) / Uganda Ministry of Education
Ugandan citizens, Master's/PhD, Priority fields (Health, Engineering, etc.)
Check education.go.ug for Uganda-specific requirements.
Your complete guide to government and university scholarships. Find fully-funded opportunities to study abroad in 2025-2026.
Uganda has produced thousands of successful scholarship recipients who have studied at world-class universities across the globe. Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate degree, master's program, or doctoral research, numerous fully-funded scholarship opportunities are available to Ugandan students.
This comprehensive guide features 30 verified government and university scholarships with official application portals. From the prestigious Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships to opportunities in Asia, Europe, and North America, we've compiled current information including application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding details.
Key Insight: Most scholarship applications open between January and August each year, with deadlines typically 8-12 months before the academic year starts. Start preparing early—successful applicants often begin their applications 6-9 months before the deadline, gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, and crafting compelling personal statements.
Pro Tip: Focus on scholarships that align with your field of study and career goals. Many scholarships prioritize specific sectors like health, engineering, education, or development—areas where Uganda has critical skills needs. Demonstrating how you'll contribute to Uganda's development after your studies significantly strengthens your application.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (UK Government) / Uganda Ministry of Education
Ugandan citizens, Master's/PhD, Priority fields (Health, Engineering, etc.)
Check education.go.ug for Uganda-specific requirements.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission & British Council
Postgraduate, Ugandan citizens, any discipline fitting themes
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD, Germany)
Master's & PhDs, wide subject range, for African students
Some programs still open early Oct, most closed. Check database for specific program deadlines.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Master's, Ugandan citizens, any field
European Union
Master's, open to all nationalities, program specific
Most programs opening late Oct/Nov 2025 for 2026/2027 entry. Check individual program deadlines.
U.S. Department of State
Master's/PhD, Ugandan citizens, any field
Government of China
Undergraduate/Postgraduate, all disciplines
Government of Japan
Undergraduate/Postgraduate, various fields
Government of Turkey
UG/PG, for international students, all fields
Government of Korea
UG/PG, open to Ugandans, various fields
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
UG/PG, all fields, African nationals
African Union
Master/PhD; science, tech, governance, etc.
Swedish Institute
Master's, for eligible countries including Uganda, wide fields
Belgium Government / Flemish Universities
Master's, for development-related degrees, Africa focus
Opening late Oct/Nov 2025 for 2026/2027 entry. Check website.
Mastercard Foundation / Makerere University
UG/PG, low-income Ugandans, all fields
Government of Australia
Master's, for Africans, priority sectors
Government of Mauritius
UG/PG, for African students, any field
National Research Foundation (South Africa)
Master's/PhD, Africans, research-based
University of Cambridge
African PG students, various fields
Rhodes Trust, University of Oxford
Postgraduate, for select East Africans, any field
Gates Trust / University of Cambridge
PG, all nationalities, any field
DAAD, Germany / Makerere University
PG, specific fields (sci/eng), E. Africans
Association of Commonwealth Universities
Master's, citizens of Commonwealth, various fields
University of Edinburgh
African UG/PG students, all disciplines
University of British Columbia
UG, need- and merit-based, all fields
University of Toronto
UG, all nationalities incl. Ugandans, all fields
U.S. Embassy Kampala
Master/PhD, Ugandan citizens, mostly any field
Ministry of Health, Uganda
Ugandan UG/PG, Health & medical sciences
Uganda Ministry of Education
UG diplomas & degrees, based on need/merit
Virtual University of Uganda
Ugandan citizens, UG/PG, online fields
Check official site for scholarship updates
Begin preparing 6-9 months before deadlines. Gather transcripts, secure recommendation letters, and draft your personal statement well in advance.
Customize each application to match the scholarship's values and priorities. Research the program thoroughly and explain how it aligns with your goals.
Demonstrate how you'll contribute to Uganda's development after your studies. Scholarship committees value candidates committed to making a difference.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 5-10 scholarships that match your profile to maximize your chances of success.
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