Application Deadline: August 22nd, 2025
LOCATION: Rwanda
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is committed to developing Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders and aims to drive and support transformation at three levels: individual (Scholars), institutional (the University), and system (higher education ecosystem and beyond). The initiative specifically focuses on females pursuing Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); young people with disabilities; refugees; and displaced youth.
ELIGIBILITY:
Be a citizen of Rwanda to benefit from the national scholarship quota.
Be a citizen of any African country, a refugee, or a 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 conditions (refugees, single mothers, in child-headed families, etc.).
Meeting admission criteria to eligible programs at the University of Rwanda.
Must have generated a UR Reference number and have submitted an application for admission to UR in one of the earmarked programs (refer to the list of Eligible Programs in section 2 above).
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 proof of their status (From UNHCR or NCPD respectively, or any other duly recognized organization).
This scholarship opportunity is open to African students of all races, colors, or descent with limited access to opportunities.
The applicants will have to be admitted into one of the above eligible programs at the University of Rwanda (Section 2 above—eligible programs).
Selected applicants with other scholarships of any kind must be willing to discontinue other scholarships.
Anyone with a double scholarship will automatically be discontinued once found. Continuing students are not eligible.
BENEFIT:
This is a comprehensive scholarship that will be managed by the University of Rwanda.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda also offers an opportunity for the scholars to receive holistic training that empowers them and leads them to academic success, community engagement, and transition to employment opportunities, which will equip the scholars to be global citizens.
The scholarship will cover: Comprehensive financial support (full tuition fees, fully paid on-campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, an 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 (Goback Give-Back),
The prestige of becoming part of the growing family of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni and networking with the Global Scholars Community.
