University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026–2027: 170 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for African Students
Applications are open for the 5th Cohort of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering 170 undergraduate scholarships to eligible African students, refugees, and displaced young people in Africa.
Overview
The University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is accepting applications for the fifth cohort of its undergraduate scholars program for the 2026–2027 academic year. The initiative offers 170 fully funded undergraduate scholarships across selected programs spanning various university campuses and colleges. It aims to increase higher education access for talented youth facing financial or structural barriers, placing special emphasis on women pursuing STEM subjects, individuals with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth.
Benefits
- Full university tuition fees
- Fully paid on-campus accommodation
- A laptop and necessary learning materials
- A full-year monthly stipend
- An annual return ticket allowance
- Psychosocial support services
- Academic mentorship, tutoring, and virtual learning
- Career development, guidance, enterprise development, and industry internships
- Leadership training and community engagement opportunities
Eligibility
- Open to Rwandan citizens, nationals of other African countries, refugees, and displaced youth in Africa.
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements for an approved undergraduate program at the University of Rwanda and obtain a university reference number.
- Must not be older than 28 years at the time of application, or up to 30 years for qualifying applicants with certified proof of circumstances delaying their education (such as refugees, single mothers, or members of child-headed families).
- Must demonstrate a commitment to leadership and community engagement.
- Must not be continuing university students or holding another active scholarship that they are unwilling to discontinue.
- Applicants with foreign qualifications must secure academic equivalence from the Higher Education Council (HEC) or the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA).
How to Apply
The application is completed entirely online through the official recruitment portal. Candidates must complete the following steps:
- Apply for admission to an approved undergraduate program at the University of Rwanda and obtain a reference/student number.
- Visit the official application platform to verify your eligibility using your student number and create an account.
- Complete the digital application form with accurate personal, educational, socioeconomic, and leadership details.
- Upload all required supporting documents in the accepted format (such as your identification document, passport photograph, disability certificate if applicable, and leadership certificates).
- Review all responses carefully and submit the application before the final deadline.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by October 12, 2026 at 23:59.