The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt, has opened applications for the 2026 scholarship programme for qualified and interested candidates.
The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that covers tuition, accommodation, laptop provision, research support, conference participation, workshops, and monthly stipends for successful applicants.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Mastercard Foundation / University of Port Harcourt
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Reward:
- Full Scholarship
- Monthly Stipend
- Accommodation
- Laptop
- Research Support
- Internship Opportunities
- Entrepreneurship Training
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
Scholarship Details
Applications are currently open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme for the 2026/2027 academic session at the University of Port Harcourt. This initiative is implemented by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation as part of a 10-year programme (2023–2033) aimed at transforming African agricultural universities.
The programme is designed to strengthen universities and technical institutions to better serve their communities by equipping young Africans with the skills and knowledge needed to drive inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformation in agriculture and food systems. It specifically targets academically capable but economically disadvantaged students, providing them with the support needed to complete their education and contribute meaningfully to society.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen or a refugee residing in Nigeria
- Be from economically disadvantaged or marginalized communities, including conflict or post-conflict areas
- Be below 25 years (undergraduate) or below 30 years (masters) at the time of application
- Refugees/IDPs:
- Undergraduate: not above 30 years
- Masters: not above 35 years
- Have completed previous studies within:
- 2 years (general applicants)
- 4 years (refugees/IDPs)
- Meet admission requirements for the University of Port Harcourt
- Demonstrate:
- Interest in agriculture and agribusiness
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to agriculture and value chains
- Dedication to community transformation
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Undergraduate Requirements
Candidates must:
- Possess at least five O’Level credits including:
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Biology/Agricultural Science
- Plus one of Physics, Economics, or Geography
- Pass UTME with relevant subjects
- Choose University of Port Harcourt as first choice
- Pass the Post-UTME screening
- Foreign applicants are exempted from UTME and first choice requirements
Postgraduate Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have credit passes in English Language and Mathematics
- Possess at least a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant field
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Masters applicants)
- Hold a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
- Submit required documents including:
- Degree certificates
- NYSC discharge certificate (for Nigerians)
- O’Level results
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Local government ID or international passport
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Research funding
- Conference and workshop sponsorship
- Monthly stipends and accommodation
- Laptop provision
- Internship placement
- Community engagement opportunities
- Field attachments
- Entrepreneurship training
Available Programs
Undergraduate Programmes:
- BSc Agricultural Economics
- BSc Agribusiness Management
- BSc Agricultural Extension and Development Studies
- BSc Animal Science
- BSc Food Science and Nutrition
Postgraduate Programmes:
- MSc Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- MSc Agribusiness Management
- MSc Crop Science
How to Apply
To apply for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship:
- Fill out the Google application form via the official link
- Apply for admission (Undergraduate or Postgraduate) at the University of Port Harcourt for the 2026/2027 session
- Proceed to apply for the Mastercard RUFORUM Scholarship
- Navigate to: Calls → Scholarship Calls
- Select Call ID: RU/2026/TAGDev-2.0/001
- Click “Apply” and complete the application form
- Save progress using “Save Draft” where necessary
- Download and print the completed form
- Submit alongside your university admission application
- Upload or submit required documents via the university portal
For assistance, contact: [email protected]
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