Deadline: August 22, 2025
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda 2025–2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded opportunity offers academically gifted African youth from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to pursue undergraduate studies in a range of high-impact disciplines, with special consideration given to young women, refugees, displaced youth, and persons with disabilities.
This transformative programme is part of a 10-year partnership (2021–2031) between the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Rwanda. It aims to empower 1,400 young Africans with not just education, but holistic support including mentorship, leadership development, and career guidance.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda 2025–2026
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda 2025-2026 aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s broader vision of supporting over 100,000 African youth by 2030. The University of Rwanda has already welcomed hundreds of scholars since the programme’s launch, with 80% enrolled in STEM fields and over 70% of beneficiaries being women.
The programme is designed to foster not only academic excellence but also a strong sense of community impact, with an emphasis on leadership and ethical citizenship.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be citizens of any African country, including refugees and displaced youth.
- Have applied for and received a University of Rwanda (UR) reference number for an eligible undergraduate programme.
- Be 28 years or younger (or up to 30 years old for individuals with certified protracted-life circumstances, such as refugees, single mothers, etc.).
- Demonstrate:
- Proven academic merit;
- Leadership potential;
- Commitment to “Go-Back / Give-Back” values (community transformation);
- Limited access to economic or educational opportunities.
Applicants with disabilities and refugees must provide legal proof of their status.
Eligible Fields and Programmes
The scholarship supports a wide range of undergraduate degree programmes across seven colleges and five campuses at the University of Rwanda. Programmes include, but are not limited to:
Colleges:
- Science and Technology
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Agriculture and Animal Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Education
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
Campuses:
- Nyarugenge
- Huye
- Rukara
- Busogo
- Nyagatare
Examples of eligible courses: Engineering, Architecture, ICT, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Law, Veterinary Medicine, Education, and many others.
What the Scholarship Covers
Selected scholars will receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- On-campus accommodation
- Monthly living allowance
- Laptop and study materials
- Return air travel (where applicable)
- Psycho-social support and mentorship
- Career development services including internships and enterprise development
- Leadership training and access to a global alumni network
How to Apply
Follow these key steps carefully:
Step 1: Apply to the University of Rwanda
- First, apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate course at the University of Rwanda.
- Secure your UR reference number, which is mandatory for the scholarship application.
Step 2: Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Visit the official application portal and complete your scholarship application.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format, under 250 KB each, and name them using your full name and UR reference number.
Required documents include:
- Secondary school transcripts and certificates
- Motivation letter
- Proof of leadership and community engagement
- Identification document or passport
- Legal proof of refugee/disability status (if applicable)
Important: Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any changes, so be sure to review everything carefully before final submission.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda 2025-2026 is:
🗓 22 August 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
This is more than a scholarship—it’s a life-changing opportunity that offers:
- Access to quality education in high-impact sectors
- Long-term support for career growth and leadership development
- Integration into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network
- A platform to make a transformational difference in your community and beyond
Application Links
- 🔗 Click here to apply via the official portal
- 🔗 Read more about the programme on the University of Rwanda’s website
Need Help with Your Application?
If you require assistance in drafting, refining, or reviewing your proposal or motivation letter, contact grantsdatabase.org for expert support.
