Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the University of Rwanda, is offering full scholarship opportunities to scholars from the African continent.
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship includes a comprehensive package that covers full tuition fees, a laptop, learning materials, annual return ticket
allowance, and a full-year monthly stipend.
In this post, we will highlight the full details of the scholarship, including the requirements, benefits, and application procedure for interested candidates.
University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship Summary
- Host: Mastercard, Africa
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Undergraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | Laptop | Accommodation | Travel Costs | Learning Materials
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: October 12, 2026
- Scholarship Alerts: To receive Scholarship Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE
Details of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Rwanda:
The University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a 10-year Scholars Program (2021–2031) designed to expand access to quality higher education for 1,400 talented young Africans with limited access to opportunities.
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.
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Requirements for University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
To be considered for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you must meet the criteria below:
Undergraduate Requirements
- 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 have generated a UR Reference number and has applied for admission to UR under eligible programs.
- 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).
Postgraduate Requirements
- Have applied for admission to the University of Rwanda for the September 2026
intake in programs with a duration of two years. Pre-selection will be conditional to admission into
UR Masters Programs for the September intake. - Have successfully completed his/her bachelor’s degree in fields of study related to the UR Masters program s/he is applying for.
- Be Rwandan or African citizen (Refugees must be certified by UNHCR, MINEMA, or another related
legal agency). - Not above 40 years of age for male, and not above 45 years for female at the time of application.
- Demonstrate their critical social and/or economic needs and/or disability.
- Have proven records of leadership and community engagement(s).
- Have a strong commitment to community engagement and be prepared to GoBack and/or Give-Back to his/her community.
70% of all scholarships shall be accorded to Female and 80% of all scholarships shall be given to
students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs. - Not be enrolled in any other tertiary institution.
Priority will be given to candidates enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, with 80% of the selected candidates to be from STEM fields.
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Benefits of University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship will cover:
- Comprehensive financial support (full tuition fees, 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 (Go-back
Give- Back), - The prestige of becoming part of the growing family of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni
and networking with the Global Scholars Community.
Eligible Programmes for University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
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.
Required Documents for University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Application Form
- Digital Passport Photo (white background)
- National ID (showing date of birth)
- Scanned National ID
- Scanned Passport— International applicants
- Refugee ID / Supporting Document— Refugee applicants
- Disability Certificate— Disability category
- Leadership Certificates
How to Apply for University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 (Step by Step)
Deadline: October 12, 2026
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