The University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2025/2026 academic year is currently accepting applications.
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Through a collaborative partnership between the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation, this decade-long initiative (2021–2031) seeks to provide quality higher education access to 1,400 academically gifted young Africans who face limited opportunities.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program particularly prioritises women in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, individuals with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth.
This initiative is designed to enhance the University of Rwanda’s institutional capabilities while creating inclusive and supportive pathways to meaningful employment.
For the 2025 academic year, the program is selecting scholars for specific undergraduate courses. Successful candidates will pursue their studies at the University of Rwanda across 7 different 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 Sciences.
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These colleges operate across 5 campus locations: NYARUGENGE, HUYE, RUKARA, BUSOGO, and NYAGATARE.
Eligibility Criteria
- Rwandan citizenship for national scholarship allocation.
- Citizenship of any African nation, refugee status, or displaced youth status within Africa.
- Strong academic qualifications combined with limited access to educational opportunities.
- Maximum age of 28 years during application (extended to 30 years for individuals with certified proof of challenging life circumstances, such as refugees, single mothers, or those from child-headed households).
- Fulfilment of the University of Rwanda admission requirements for eligible programs.
- Possession of a UR Reference number and a completed University of Rwanda application for one of the designated programs.
- Demonstrated leadership commitment and evidence of community involvement or transformational initiatives.
- Legal documentation of refugee or disability status from UNHCR, NCPD, or other officially recognised organisations (where applicable).
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Scholarship Coverage
The program provides:
- Complete financial assistance, including full tuition coverage, fully funded on-campus housing, laptop provision, educational materials, annual return flight allowance, and comprehensive monthly stipend for the entire year.
- Mental health and psychosocial support services.
- Exclusive industry internship opportunities for professional growth.
- Ongoing academic assistance through mentorship programs, virtual learning platforms, and tutoring services.
- Professional development services encompass industrial mentorship, career counselling, professional skill building, and entrepreneurship development.
- Regular scholar gatherings focused on personal and professional advancement with activities designed to strengthen social connections and individual capabilities.
- Access to leadership conferences, community service programs, and mentoring opportunities (Give-Back initiatives).
- Membership in the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni network with global scholar community connections.
Application Closing Date: August 22nd, 2025. Click HEREÂ to apply.
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