Applications for the 2023 intake have closed.
Please check back in the fall of 2023 for the next round of applications.
Mission
Malengo’s Uganda–Germany Program prepares Ugandan Secondary School Graduates for admission to an English-speaking Bachelor’s program at a German university, and provides help with financing. We are specifically looking to support students who have limited means and could not otherwise afford to study at a university. We support students who want to complete a full Bachelor’s degree in Germany.
Why Germany?
German universities are unique in that they offer high quality education but do not charge tuition fees to any student, including those from outside Europe. In addition, there is now a growing number of Bachelor’s programs that are taught fully in English; German skills are therefore not required when entering the program. (Malengo requires students take a German course once they take up their studies. Courses are typically offered free of charge by the universities.)
How it works
Students are selected in a competitive process consisting of an application and a series of interviews. The primary criteria for selection are academic excellence, limited financial means, and motivation to make the most of the opportunity to study in Germany. If we receive more applications from qualified students than we have slots, we will choose by lottery. (This will also allow us to study the impacts of the program.) If you are unsuccessful in the lottery in one year, you can try again in the following year if you still meet the criteria.
Once you become a Malengo Scholar, you receive support in selecting up to five Bachelor’s programs of your choice in Germany from our list of eligible programs. Out of these five programs, at least two of them must allow for low TOEFL scores (a test of English skills that most universities require) in case you do not meet the general requirements for TOEFL scores across universities. Once you have obtained your TOEFL scores, we will shortlist three of the five programs you have chosen, and Malengo will support you in applying to the three programs. We will also pay for your application fees, and for the fees to complete the TOEFL.
After being admitted to a university of your choice, Malengo supports you in applying for a student visa (including paying for the fees), find housing, organize travel, and start your studies. We also provide an orientation seminar before departure to prepare your for your new adventure.
Financing
As a Malengo Scholar, you receive financial support that covers your first-year living expenses, semester fees, and travel and application costs.
After the first year, we expect that you will be able to support yourself with part-time jobs.
After you finish your studies and take a job, we expect you to make contributions back to Malengo to allow us to continue our work. This happens through a so-called Income Share Agreement. An income share agreement means that you agree to contribute a share of your income for a limited period of time. For example, if you live in Germany and earn more than EUR 27,000 per year, we will ask you to contribute 14% of your income for up to 10 years or a maximum of EUR 56,220. If you return to Uganda and earn more than EUR 27,000 per year, you contribute 7% of your pre-tax income for 5 years or a maximum of EUR 56,220.
If you do not have an income, or if your income is lower than EUR 27,000, you are not expected to make contributions.
During your studies
While you are studying, our network of staff and mentors will support you. We provide help with everyday issues like dealing with university administration, authorities, and businesses. We also support you in finding a side job to help you pay for your living expenses after the first year of studies. And finally, our network is a place for social activities and friendships.
After your studies
After you graduate, you continue to be part of the Malengo family. You may choose to continue your studies with a higher degree, such as a Master’s degree, MBA, or Doctorate; or you may choose to take a job, in Germany, Uganda, or elsewhere. The Malengo team and our network of mentors is always there to support you with advice.
Research
We are committed to evidence, and therefore we will study the impacts of the program on your and your family’s lives. After you apply, you will receive the occasional questionnaire from us that asks you about how and what you are doing. Participation is not mandatory. You can still become a Malengo Scholar even if you don’t wish to complete these questionnaires.