The University of Rwanda in partnership with Mastercard Foundation is implementing a 10-year Scholars Program (MCF-SP@UR) aimed at enabling higher education access to qualified young Africans, yet economically disadvantaged and/ or coming from conflict and post-conflict affected areas with a focus on women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), young people with disabilities, and refugee and displaced youth and strengthen the UR capability for inclusive and supportive tertiary education pathways to dignified work.
The program is committed to developing Africa’s next generation of ethical and transformative leaders who would influence positive forward-looking changes in their respective home countries specifically, and on the African Continent. It aims to drive and support transformation at three levels: individual (Scholars), institutional (the University), and system (higher education ecosystem and beyond).
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda informs the prospective applicants that the online Program application portal for receiving applications for Postgraduate Academic Programs (Masters) for Academic year 2026-2027 will be open from 24/07/2026 to 22/08/2026.
Benefits
The scholarship will cover:
- Comprehensive financial support (full tuition fees, a laptop, learning materials, annual return ticket allowance, and a full-year monthly stipend.
- Psycho-social Support Services.
- Uniquely sourced internships with industry for professional development.
- Continued academic support through academic mentorship, virtual learning, and tutoring.
- Career Development Services (including Industrial Mentorship, Career Guidance, Professional Development, and Enterprise Development, among others)
- Regular group meetings with other scholars that focus on personal and professional development opportunities and activities tailored to build societal relationships and scholars’ capacity.
- Opportunities to participate in leadership congresses, community services and mentoring (Go-back Give- Back), The prestige of becoming part of the growing family of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni and networking with the Global Scholars Community.
- Considering the level of investment, successful applicants will be required to become high achievers, highly engaging and focused scholars, able to give back and make changes in their respective communities and Africa in general.
Requirements
- Applicants must have applied for admission to the University of Rwanda for the September 2026 intake in programs with a duration of two years. Pre-selection will be conditional to admission into UR Masters Programs for the September intake.
- Priority will be given to candidates enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, with 80% of the selected candidates to be from STEM fields.
- Priority shall also be accorded to Qualified Females (70%), Certified Refugees (25%), and Persons with Disabilities (10%), who are academically talented, yet economically disadvantaged and with leadership potential.
- Continuing students are NOT eligible.
Selection Process
- To apply for the scholarship, one must have successfully completed his/her bachelor’s degree in fields of study related to the UR Masters program s/he is applying for.
- Be Rwandan or African citizen (Refugees must be certified by UNHCR, MINEMA, or another related legal agency).
- Not above 40 years of age for male, and not above 45 years for female at the time of application.
- The applicant must demonstrate their critical social and/or economic needs and/or disability.
- The applicant must have proven records of leadership and community engagement(s).
- The applicant must have a strong commitment to community engagement and be prepared to GoBack and/or Give-Back to his/her community. 70% of all scholarships shall be accorded to Female and 80% of all scholarships shall be given to students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs.
- The applicant must not be enrolled in any other tertiary institution.
Method of Application
- A general application form must be completed online using the following link: https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/
- Allapplicants are required to upload supporting documents as required.
- Applicant can complete the online application form in more than one session.
However, it is recommended that you start the application when you have all the supporting documents in place, but the application will be considered only after formal submission steps below:
- Through the application process, there are different documents to be attached.
- Please make sure you name each document you will attach with your names and ensure they are saved in PDF format (with size less that 250 kb).
- Click Submit at the end of the online application, only when all the fields and attachments have been fully completed.
For More Information,
Application Deadline: August 22, 2026.