5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027

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 initiative specifically focuses on females pursuing Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), young people with disabilities, refugees and displaced youth. The Program aims to strengthen the University of Rwanda's institutional capacity and foster inclusive, supportive pathways toward dignified work.

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 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. 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.

• Table of Content
• About MasterCard Foundation
• 5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of 5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship
• Requirements for 5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of 5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship

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 lead them to the 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, 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.

Considering the level of investment, successful applicants will be required to be high achievers, highly engaging and focused scholars, able to give back and make changes in their respective communities and Africa in general.

Requirements for 5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship Qualification

• 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 eligible programs at the University of Rwanda.
• 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.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• 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).

Application Deadline

How to Apply

1. A general application form must be filled online using the following link: https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/
2. Before completing the online application form, please read through all instructions, and required information. It is recommended that you start the application when you have all the supporting documents in place to ensure smooth and effective completion of the exercise. Application Guidance PDF
3. The application will be considered only after submission, and all steps below are completed:
4. The application form and processes are fully completed.
5. All required documents are attached (Please make sure you name each document attached with your names and reference number during the initial application to UR, then ensure that the documents are saved in PDF format (with size less than 250 kb).
6. Click Submit at the end of the online application, only when all the fields and attachments have been fully completed.
7. All applicants are required to upload all supporting documents as required, prior to final submission (Note that once the application is submitted, all application fields are closed and cannot be repeated).

For more Information, visit University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program Call of Application