Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE Uganda), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced a call for applications for 600 bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year aimed at supporting underrepresented youth to access higher education and technical training.
The bursaries are part of a seven-year scholarship programme (2024–2030) being implemented across 10 Sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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According to FAWE Uganda, the programme seeks to empower academically talented young women and men from disadvantaged communities by supporting their transition into higher education and eventually into the world of work.
2,000 Youth to Benefit
Under the programme, FAWE Uganda plans to support 2,000 underrepresented young people over seven years, providing financial, academic, and social support throughout their studies.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the organisation is offering:
400 bursaries for the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme
200 bursaries for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
The programme will be implemented across Eastern, Central, Northern and Western Uganda, targeting youth from 65 districts, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Gulu, Kasese, Kabale, Tororo, Moroto, Moyo, and Yumbe among others.
Focus on STEM and Skills Development
The TVET bursaries will support students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related courses.
Successful applicants will study at selected technical institutions including:
Uganda Technical College Elgon
Uganda Technical College Lira
Uganda Technical College Kichwamba
Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba
Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery
Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery
School of Hygiene Mbale
Bukalasa Agricultural College
The training focuses on building practical skills and competencies needed in sectors such as health sciences, engineering, agriculture, and petroleum studies.
Alternative Pathway to University
The Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme targets students who do not meet direct university admission requirements but have the potential to pursue higher education.
After completing the one-year HEAC programme, successful participants will be supported to enroll in degree programmes at partner universities, including:
Busitema University
Gulu University
Kabale University
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Uganda Martyrs University
Cavendish University Uganda
Islamic University in Uganda
Out of the 400 HEAC bursaries, 80 percent will be awarded to female applicants and 20 percent to male applicants, reflecting the programme’s commitment to advancing gender equality in education.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be Ugandan nationals aged 18–25 years (or up to 30 years for refugees and persons with disabilities).
Have completed Senior Four or Senior Six between 2022 and 2025.
Be born in and reside in one of the target districts.
Not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship programme.
Be willing to give back to their communities through development service.
FAWE Uganda also encourages orphans, refugees, persons living with disabilities, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to apply.
Application Process
Application forms can be obtained free of charge from:
Academic registrars’ offices at participating universities and TVET institutions
District Education Offices in the targeted districts
FAWE Uganda offices in Kampala, Fort Portal, and Mbarara
Completed application forms must be submitted to the District Education Office, partner institutions, or FAWE Uganda offices.
The deadline for submission is Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:00 pm (EAT).
FAWE Uganda emphasized that no payment or facilitation is required at any stage of the application process, warning that any attempt to falsify documents or influence the selection process will lead to automatic disqualification.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial, academic, and social support throughout their academic programmes.