Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholars Program. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda supports academically talented, service-oriented youth yet still facing social and economic barriers in Rwanda and Africa to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential. The program creates conditions that enable young people to attain inclusive and relevant quality university education, transition smoothly into dignified and fulfilling work, and lead transformative lives.
The Program is recruiting Scholars for Cohort 5 for the 2026-2027 academic year across selected undergraduate programs. This call presents an opportunity for recent high school graduates to enroll at the University of Rwanda and pursue their studies. It also provides a second chance for applicants who missed previous recruitment cycles and have not yet secured alternative opportunities to begin their tertiary education to apply for the scholarship. Interested applicants will undertake their academic training at the University of Rwanda in the following 7 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, and College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production) operating on 6 Campuses namely Nyarugenge, Huye, Rukara, Busogo, Nyagatare and Rwamagana.
Selection Criteria
- Be a citizen of Rwanda to benefit from the national scholarship quota.
- Be a citizen of any African country, a refugee, or displaced youth in Africa.
- Academically qualified, with limited access to opportunities.
- Not above 28 years at the time of application, and not above 30 years for those with certified proof of protracted life condition (refugees, single mothers, in child-headed family, etc).
- Meeting admission criteria to eligible programs at the University of Rwanda.
- Must demonstrate commitment to leadership and proof of community engagement (give back) and/or transformation initiatives.
- Refugees and those with disabilities are expected to provide legal proofs of their status (From UNHCR or NCPD respectively, or any other duly recognized organization).
Scholarship Worth
The scholarship will cover:
- Comprehensive financial support (full tuition fees, fully paid on-campus accommodation, 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 (Goback Give- Back),
- The prestige of becoming part of the growing family of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars
- Alumni and networking with the Global Scholars Community.
Method of Application
For More Information,
Application Deadline: October 12, 2026.