University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

The University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for talented young Africans with limited access to higher education opportunities.

The programme is implemented by the University of Rwanda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation as part of a 10-year Scholars Program running from 2021 to 2031. It aims to expand access to quality higher education and support talented young people across Africa.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the programme is recruiting scholars for its fifth cohort across selected undergraduate programmes. It also provides postgraduate scholarship opportunities for eligible African applicants seeking to pursue qualifying master's programmes at the University of Rwanda.

In addition to financial support, scholars receive academic mentorship, career development services, leadership opportunities, psychosocial support and opportunities for community engagement.

Scholarship Overview

University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 Benefits

Degree Level

• Undergraduate Degree
• Postgraduate / Master's Degree

Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements

• Be a citizen of Rwanda, where applicable under the national scholarship quota.
• Be a citizen of an African country, refugee or displaced youth in Africa.
• Have strong academic qualifications.
• Have limited access to higher education opportunities.
• Be 28 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Applicants with certified evidence of a protracted life condition may be eligible up to 30 years of age, according to the supplied criteria.
• Meet the University of Rwanda admission requirements for an eligible programme.
• Generate a University of Rwanda reference number.
• Apply for admission to the University of Rwanda under an eligible programme.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and community engagement.
• Demonstrate commitment to community transformation and giving back.
• Refugees and applicants with disabilities must provide recognized documentation confirming their status.

Postgraduate Eligibility Requirements

• Have applied for admission to the University of Rwanda for the September intake in an eligible two-year programme.
• Successfully complete a bachelor's degree in a field related to the master's programme being applied for.
• Be a Rwandan or African citizen.
• Refugee applicants must provide certification from UNHCR, MINEMA or another recognized legal agency.
• Be 40 years old or younger for male applicants and 45 years old or younger for female applicants at the time of application.
• Demonstrate significant social or economic need and/or disability.
• Have demonstrated leadership and community engagement.
• Show commitment to community engagement and giving back to their community.
• Not be enrolled in another tertiary institution.

The supplied source states that 70% of scholarships will be awarded to female applicants and 80% will be awarded to students in STEM programmes.

Eligible Programmes and Colleges

Selected scholars may undertake their studies through eligible programmes offered across the following University of Rwanda colleges:

1. College of Science and Technology.
2. College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
3. College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences.
4. College of Business and Economics.
5. College of Education.
6. College of Arts and Social Sciences.
7. College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production.

University of Rwanda Campuses

• Nyarugenge
• Huye
• Rukara
• Busogo
• Nyagatare
• Rwamagana

Required Documents

• Completed application form.
• Digital passport photograph with white background.
• National ID showing date of birth.
• Scanned national ID.
• Scanned passport for international applicants.
• Refugee ID or supporting documentation for refugee applicants.
• Disability certificate where applicable.
• Leadership certificates.

Additional programme-specific documents: Not Specified

How to Apply

1. Press the Apply Now button below to access the official scholarship page.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and confirm that you qualify for the relevant undergraduate or postgraduate scholarship category.
3. If required, apply for admission to the University of Rwanda and obtain your UR Reference Number.
4. Visit the official University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars application portal.
5. Create an account using your email address.
6. Complete the application form and provide accurate personal, academic and background information.
7. Upload the required supporting documents.
8. Review your application carefully before submitting it.
9. Submit the application and use the applicant dashboard to track your application status.

Application Deadline

October 12, 2026

Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline.