Applications are now open for the 3rd Cohort of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Postgraduate Scholarships at the University of Rwanda for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Eligible and academically talented candidates are invited to apply for this fully funded scholarship opportunity before the application deadline. JOIN OUR Coaching class for ALU ENGLISH TEST

The scholarship is offered through a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Rwanda. The 10-year program aims to expand access to quality higher education for economically disadvantaged young Africans, with a strong focus on developing ethical, transformative leaders who will contribute to the development of their communities and the African continent.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes:

·       Full tuition fees

·       Monthly living stipend

·       Laptop

·       Learning materials

·       Annual return ticket allowance

·       Psycho-social support services

·       Academic mentorship, tutoring, and virtual learning support

·       Career development services

·       Industry internship opportunities

·       Leadership development programs

·       Community engagement and mentoring opportunities

·       Access to the Mastercard Foundation Global Scholars Alumni Network

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must:

·       Have applied for admission to a two-year Master's program at the University of Rwanda for the September 2026 intake.

·       Hold a Bachelor's degree related to the Master's program they are applying for.

·       Be a Rwandan or African citizen.

·       Be aged 40 years or below (male) or 45 years or below (female).

·       Demonstrate financial need and/or disability.

·       Show proven leadership potential and community engagement.

·       Be committed to giving back to their communities.

·       Not be enrolled in another tertiary institution.

·       Be a new applicant (continuing students are not eligible).

Priority will be given to:

·        Students enrolled in STEM programs

·        Female applicants

·        Certified refugees

·        Persons with disabilities

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

The scholarship supports eligible two-year Master's degree programs offered by the University of Rwanda for the September 2026 intake. Priority will be given to students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. JOIN OUR Coaching class for ALU ENGLISH TEST

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants are required to upload all supporting documents requested during the online application process. Documents must:

·        Be named using the applicant's full name.

·        Be submitted in PDF format.

·        Not exceed 250 KB per file.

Applicants are advised to prepare all required documents before completing the online application.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

To apply:

1.     Apply for admission to an eligible two-year Master's program at the University of Rwanda (Deadline was 7^Th July 2026)

2.     Open the scholarship link at the bottom and Complete the online Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form.

Only fully completed and formally submitted applications will be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·        A total of 30 postgraduate scholarships will be awarded under the 3rd Cohort.

·        Shortlisted applicants will be invited for oral interviews.

·        Home verification visits may be conducted for selected candidates.

·        Providing false information or attempting to influence the selection process will result in disqualification.

·        Scholarship renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance.

·        Successful scholars are expected to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers while maintaining engagement with the University of Rwanda for at least five years after graduation.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

22 August 2026 (11:59 PM Central Africa Time)