The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the University of Rwanda, is inviting applications from qualified young Africans for its Scholars Program.
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition fees, a laptop, learning materials, an annual return ticket allowance, and a monthly living stipend for selected scholars.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Mastercard Foundation | University of Rwanda
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Applicants: African citizens | Refugees | Displaced youth in Africa
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipend | Laptop | Learning Materials | Travel Costs | Academic Support
- IELTS: Not Required
- Deadline: October 12, 2026
Scholarship Details
The University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a 10-year Scholars Program (2021–2031) aimed at expanding access to quality higher education for 1,400 talented young Africans who have limited access to educational opportunities.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the program is recruiting scholars for Cohort 5 across selected undergraduate programmes. The scholarship provides an opportunity for recent high school graduates to gain admission to the University of Rwanda and pursue their higher education.
The program also provides an opportunity for applicants who missed previous recruitment cycles and have not secured alternative opportunities to begin their tertiary education to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Undergraduate Requirements
- Be a citizen of Rwanda to benefit from the national scholarship quota.
- Be a citizen of any African country, or be a refugee or displaced young person in Africa.
- Be academically qualified while having limited access to educational opportunities.
- Be 28 years old or younger at the time of application. Applicants with certified proof of a protracted life condition may be up to 30 years old.
- Meet the admission requirements for an eligible programme at the University of Rwanda.
- Have generated a University of Rwanda Reference Number and applied for admission to an eligible programme.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and evidence of community engagement, giving back, and/or transformation initiatives.
- Refugees and applicants with disabilities must provide valid documentation confirming their status from UNHCR, NCPD, or another recognised organisation.
Postgraduate Requirements
- Have applied for admission to the University of Rwanda for the September 2026 intake in an eligible programme with a duration of two years. Pre-selection is conditional upon admission into a University of Rwanda Master’s programme for the September intake.
- Have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the Master’s programme being applied for.
- Be a Rwandan or African citizen. Refugees must have their status certified by UNHCR, MINEMA, or another relevant legal agency.
- Be 40 years old or younger for male applicants and 45 years old or younger for female applicants at the time of application.
- Demonstrate significant social and/or economic need and/or disability.
- Have a proven record of leadership and community engagement.
- Show a strong commitment to community engagement and willingness to Go Back and/or Give Back to their community.
- Not be enrolled in another tertiary institution.
Priority will be given to applicants in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes, with 80% of scholarships allocated to students in STEM fields. In addition, 70% of all scholarships will be awarded to female applicants.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will receive comprehensive support throughout their studies, including full tuition fees, a laptop, learning materials, an annual return ticket allowance, and a full-year monthly stipend.
Other benefits of the scholarship include:
- Psycho-social support services.
- Access to specially sourced internships with industry for professional development.
- Continued academic support through mentorship, virtual learning, and tutoring.
- Career development services, including industrial mentorship, career guidance, professional development, and enterprise development.
- Regular group meetings with other scholars focused on personal and professional development.
- Opportunities to participate in leadership congresses, community service, and mentoring activities through the Go-Back and Give-Back initiative.
- Membership of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni network and access to the Global Scholars Community.
Eligible Programmes
Successful applicants will undertake their studies at the University of Rwanda across the following colleges:
- College of Science and Technology.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
- College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences.
- College of Business and Economics.
- College of Education.
- College of Arts and Social Sciences.
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production.
These colleges operate across six campuses: Nyarugenge, Huye, Rukara, Busogo, Nyagatare, and Rwamagana.
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Completed application form.
- Digital passport photograph with a white background.
- National ID showing the applicant’s date of birth.
- Scanned copy of National ID.
- Scanned passport for international applicants.
- Refugee ID or supporting documentation for refugee applicants.
- Disability certificate for applicants applying under the disability category.
- Leadership certificates.
How to Apply
To apply for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholarship:
- Visit the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation scholarship webpage.
- Create an account using your email address to begin your application.
- Complete the application form and upload all required documents.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Applicants can log into their dashboard to track their application status.
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