By DigiVibers
Makerere University and Google DeepMind have renewed their partnership to advance training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, announcing two fully funded scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The initiative aims to strengthen Uganda’s capacity in emerging digital technologies while nurturing a new generation of AI specialists.
The scholarships will be offered under the MSc in Computer Science programme (AI and Data Science track) at the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University. This continues an ongoing collaboration that has previously supported students in the 2021/22, 2022/23, 2024/2025, and 2025/2026 academic years.
The 2026/2027 intake is targeted at Ugandan students with strong academic performance and proven financial need. The programme is designed to broaden access to advanced training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven technologies—fields that are increasingly shaping global innovation and economic growth.
The scholarships provide comprehensive financial support for up to two academic years. Beneficiaries will receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend for living expenses, a laptop for academic work, and funding to participate in international AI conferences. The package also includes mentorship opportunities linking students with global AI researchers and experts.
In addition, selected students may receive relocation support where applicable, easing the transition into postgraduate study.
Applicants must first apply for admission to the MSc in Computer Science programme at Makerere University. At the scholarship application stage, candidates are only required to provide proof of application, not admission. However, successful awardees must later present proof of admission to secure final selection.
Applications are open until June 30, 2026. Interested candidates must complete the Google DeepMind Scholarship Application Form, which will be made available online. The Department of Computer Science has also provided an official contact email, computer.science@mak.ac.ug, for inquiries and guidance.
The scholarship is strictly open to Ugandan citizens and will be awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Selection will focus on applicants who demonstrate strong potential in AI and data science research and who are best positioned to benefit from the opportunity.
The renewed partnership reflects increasing investment in Africa’s digital skills development as artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide. Uganda is among the countries working to close the skills gap in advanced computing to boost innovation, research capacity, and economic competitiveness.
Google DeepMind, the AI research arm of Google, is globally recognised for pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Its landmark innovations include AlphaGo, which defeated a world champion in the game of Go; Transformers, the foundation of modern large language models; AlphaFold, which revolutionised biology through protein structure prediction; and the Gemini model family, which enables advanced multimodal AI across text, images, audio, video, and code.
Through these innovations, Google DeepMind continues to position itself as a leader in responsible AI development, focusing on scientific discovery and real-world applications that can improve lives globally.
For Makerere University, the renewed collaboration reinforces its growing role as a regional hub for AI education and research. The institution continues to expand postgraduate training in computer science to meet rising demand for professionals in data science, machine learning, and digital transformation.
The partnership is also expected to support Uganda’s broader digital transformation agenda by equipping graduates with skills applicable across key sectors such as health, agriculture, finance, and public service delivery.
As the deadline approaches, both institutions are urging eligible students to apply early and take advantage of one of the region’s most competitive AI training opportunities. The initiative underscores a long-term vision of positioning Uganda not only as a consumer of AI technologies but also as an active contributor to their development and ethical application.