Overview: Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027
Makerere University, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is proud to announce one of the most impactful fully funded scholarship opportunities for African students — the Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027. This prestigious programme offers 50 Master’s and 12 PhD scholarships to academically exceptional but financially disadvantaged students across the African continent who are passionate about climate resilience, sustainability, and green innovation.
Delivered through a world-class consortium that includes the University of Cape Town, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Ghana, this programme is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to becoming part of Africa’s next generation of climate change leaders and researchers. Whether you are a young woman from rural Uganda, a refugee with ambitions in environmental science, or a youth with a disability determined to make your mark in renewable energy, this scholarship was designed with you in mind.
If you are searching for fully funded graduate-level opportunities in Africa, the Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027 stands alongside some of the most competitive and inclusive programs in the world — much like the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarship at Oxford, which similarly targets high-achieving African students with transformative potential.
About the Programme
The Africa Climate Collaborative is a multi-institutional initiative anchored at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Its core mission is to build a critical mass of African scholars who can drive evidence-based policy, conduct cutting-edge climate research, and develop practical, community-centered solutions to the pressing environmental challenges facing the continent.
The programme is structured to cultivate not just academic excellence but transformative leadership. Scholars are embedded in a rich network of peer mentors, international faculty, and industry partners, equipping them to translate research into real-world impact upon graduation.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027 cover graduate-level studies in the following disciplines:
- Soil Science
- Crop Science
- Environmental Management
- Agriculture (various specializations)
- Renewable Energy
These fields reflect Africa’s most urgent development needs — food security, land degradation, clean energy access, and ecosystem management — making this programme not only academically rigorous but deeply relevant.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027, carefully review the following eligibility requirements:
Nationality & Residency
- Open to citizens of African countries
- Also open to international students currently studying in Africa
Academic Level
- Master’s degree applicants
- PhD degree applicants
Age Limits
- Master’s applicants: Maximum age of 35 years (40 for refugees and persons with disabilities)
- PhD applicants: Maximum age of 40 years (45 for refugees and persons with disabilities)
Priority Groups
The programme strongly prioritizes the following groups in its selection process:
- Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Youth with disabilities
- Minority and marginalized groups
- Economically disadvantaged youth
- Female applicants — 70% of all scholarships are reserved for women
General Requirements
- Must demonstrate academic excellence
- Must show financial need
- Must have a genuine commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa
Benefits & Funding — What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?
The Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027 are fully funded, meaning successful scholars receive comprehensive financial support throughout their studies. While the exact breakdown of benefits should be confirmed on the official portal, fully funded programmes of this nature — supported by the Mastercard Foundation — typically cover:
- Full tuition and academic fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance coverage
- Research and fieldwork funding
- Conference and networking allowances
- Return airfare (where applicable for international travel)
- Mentorship, leadership training, and career development support
This level of support means you can focus entirely on your studies and research without financial burden — a transformative opportunity for scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds across Africa.
How to Apply for the Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027
The application process is conducted entirely online through the official Makerere University portal. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal
Go to https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/ and create an account or log in if you already have one.
Step 2: Choose Your Programme
Select either the Master’s or PhD track and choose your preferred field of study from the eligible disciplines listed above.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents before starting your application. These typically include:
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
- A compelling personal statement or statement of purpose
- A research proposal (especially for PhD applicants)
- Two or three academic/professional reference letters
- A valid national ID, passport, or UNHCR refugee card
- Proof of financial need (where required)
- CV or résumé
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in all sections carefully and honestly. Ensure your personal statement clearly reflects your commitment to climate action and your potential to contribute to Africa’s sustainable future. Highlight any community work, research experience, or leadership activities.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your completed application before June 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Double-check every section before clicking submit.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: June 5, 2026 (11:59 PM East Africa Time)
- Academic Year: 2026/2027
We strongly recommend applying at least two to three weeks before the deadline to allow time to gather references and revise your personal statement.
Tips for a Winning Application
Competition for the Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027 will be intense. Here are expert tips to help your application stand out:
1. Tell a Compelling Story
Your personal statement is your most powerful tool. Go beyond listing qualifications — connect your background, lived experience, and career goals to the programme’s mission of climate resilience and African development.
2. Tailor Your Research Proposal
For PhD applicants especially, a focused, well-researched proposal that addresses a specific African climate challenge will significantly strengthen your candidacy. Reference local data, cite credible sources, and show how your work will create measurable impact.
3. Emphasize Community Impact
The Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University are looking for scholars who will give back. Showcase any community development work, youth leadership, or environmental advocacy you have been involved in.
4. Get Strong References Early
Reach out to your referees well in advance. Provide them with details about the programme and your research interests so they can write specific, persuasive letters on your behalf.
5. Explore Other Scholarships in Parallel
While preparing your Africa Climate Collaborative application, consider applying to other fully funded opportunities to maximize your chances. For instance, if your background is in STEM-related development fields, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 is another excellent option that supports development-focused graduate students from eligible countries. Similarly, students from across Africa and beyond with interests in sustainability and policy may also want to review the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship 2026–2027, which funds graduate studies with a strong focus on environmental and social justice themes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can students outside Africa apply for the Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027?
The scholarships are primarily targeted at African citizens. However, international students who are currently enrolled in academic institutions within Africa may also be eligible. Review the official portal for precise nationality guidelines.
2. Is the scholarship available for both on-campus and distance learning?
Based on the programme structure, studies are conducted through Makerere University and its consortium partners. Applicants should confirm the mode of delivery (on-campus or blended) on the official application portal at https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/.
3. What is the selection process like?
Shortlisted candidates are typically reviewed based on academic merit, financial need, alignment with the programme’s thematic areas, and commitment to the Mastercard Foundation’s vision of inclusive development. Some candidates may be invited for an interview.
4. Is a prior background in climate science required?
Not necessarily. As long as your undergraduate training aligns with one of the eligible fields (e.g., Agriculture, Environmental Management, Renewable Energy), you can apply. Passion, potential, and commitment to the programme’s goals are equally important.
5. Can refugees and displaced persons apply?
Absolutely — and the programme actively encourages applications from refugees and internally displaced persons. Special age limit provisions apply (40 for Master’s, 45 for PhD), and this group is among the priority categories for selection.
Start Your Application Today
The Africa Climate Collaborative Scholarships 2026/2027 represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for African students to access world-class graduate education, join a powerful network of climate changemakers, and build the skills needed to transform their communities and continent. With full funding from the Mastercard Foundation and the academic excellence of Makerere University and its global partners, this programme is truly one of the most valuable scholarships available in Africa today.
Do not let financial barriers hold back your potential. If you are passionate about climate resilience, sustainability, and building a better future for Africa — this scholarship was made for you.
Apply now before the June 5, 2026 deadline: Submit Your Application on the Official Africa Climate Collaborative Portal