Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda 2026/2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is now accepting applications for its 2026/2027 undergraduate scholarship intake. The program is implemented in partnership with the University of Rwanda and supports academically talented young people who face significant social or economic barriers to accessing higher education.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the program is recruiting its fifth undergraduate cohort and will offer 170 scholarships across selected programs at the University of Rwanda. The scholarship is designed to provide comprehensive financial support while also helping scholars develop academically, professionally and personally.

The program particularly seeks to support young Africans with limited access to educational opportunities, with a strong focus on women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields, young people with disabilities, refugees and displaced youth. Scholars are also expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community engagement.

About the Opportunity

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s broader effort to expand access to quality higher education and support the development of Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders.

The 2026/2027 undergraduate intake provides 170 scholarships across selected programs offered through seven University of Rwanda colleges and several campuses. The participating colleges include the 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.

The scholarship supports students throughout their university experience and places emphasis on academic success, leadership, community service and preparation for dignified work. The program also encourages scholars to use their education and skills to contribute to their communities through its “Go Back, Give Back” approach.

Opportunity Benefits

• Full tuition fees

• Fully paid on campus accommodation

• Laptop

• Learning materials

• Full year monthly stipend

• Annual return ticket allowance

• Psychosocial support services

• Academic mentorship

• Virtual learning and tutoring support

• Career guidance and professional development

• Industrial mentorship

• Internship opportunities with industry partners

• Leadership development opportunities

• Participation in leadership congresses

• Community service opportunities

• Mentoring through the “Go Back, Give Back” initiative

• Membership of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni network

• Connection to the Global Scholars Community

Programme Areas

The 170 scholarships are distributed across selected undergraduate programs in the following areas:

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Power Engineering

• Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering

• Transportation Engineering

• Architecture

• Environmental Planning and Management

• Urban and Regional Planning

• Biochemistry

• Applied Mathematics

• Applied Physics

• Statistics

• Computer Engineering

• Information Technology

• Information Systems

• Mining Engineering

• Economics

• Transport and Logistics Management

• Business Information Technology

• Accounting and Finance

• Medicine

• Pharmacy

• Clinical Psychology

• Dental Therapy

• Anesthesia

• Midwifery

• Nursing

• Creative and Performing Arts

• English and African Languages

• Law

• Social Work

• Crop Production

• Food Science and Technology

• Horticulture

• Aquaculture and Fisheries Management

• Animal Production

• Veterinary Medicine

• Computer Science

• Science Education

• Special Needs Education

• Early Childhood Education

The 2026/2027 call allocates scholarships across six campuses and seven colleges, with the largest allocation going to selected programs within the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen of Rwanda or another African country, or be a refugee or displaced young person in Africa.

• Be academically qualified for an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Rwanda.

• Demonstrate significant social or economic need and or disability.

• Be no older than 28 years at the time of application.

• Applicants with certified evidence of a protracted life condition may be up to 30 years old.

• Meet the University of Rwanda admission requirements for the selected program.

• Have a University of Rwanda reference number and complete the required admission process.

• Demonstrate leadership potential.

• Provide evidence of community engagement, service or transformation initiatives.

• Demonstrate commitment to giving back to the community.

• Refugees and applicants with disabilities must provide appropriate legal documentation confirming their status.

• Continuing students are not eligible for this intake.

Applicants are assessed using three main considerations: Academic Talent, Economic Disadvantage and Leadership Potential. The current recruitment system assigns respective weights of 30 percent, 45 percent and 25 percent to these areas.

Required Application Materials

• University of Rwanda student or reference number

• Digital passport photograph with a white background

• Scanned National ID showing date of birth

• Passport for international applicants where applicable

• Refugee ID or supporting refugee documentation where applicable

• Disability certificate where applicable

• Leadership certificates where available

• Information relating to educational background

• Family and socioeconomic information

• Leadership and community engagement information

Applicants are advised to prepare clear copies of their supporting documents before beginning the online application. The current undergraduate recruitment portal accepts PDF, JPG or PNG files of up to 5 MB for the listed documents.

Selection Criteria

Selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program considers:

• Academic talent and readiness for university study

• Economic disadvantage and limited access to educational opportunities

• Leadership potential

• Community engagement and service

• Commitment to contributing to community transformation

• Eligibility for an approved University of Rwanda program

How to Apply

1. Review the eligible undergraduate programs offered under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and identify a program for which you meet the University of Rwanda admission requirements.
2. Apply for admission to the University of Rwanda and obtain your University reference number.
3. Prepare the required identification, educational, leadership and supporting documents.
4. Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program undergraduate recruitment portal.
5. Create or verify your account using your University of Rwanda student number.
6. Complete the online scholarship form, including the identification, education, family, socioeconomic and leadership sections.
7. Upload the required supporting documents in the specified formats.
8. Carefully review all information and attachments before submitting the application.
9. Submit the completed application before the deadline.
10. Use the recruitment dashboard to track your application and any subsequent communication from the program.