At MK Scholars, we are passionate about connecting Rwandan students with life-changing opportunities. One of the most impactful scholarship programs available in Rwanda is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which partners with leading universities and organizations to provide fully funded scholarships to talented young people who are committed to giving back to their communities.

Through its partnerships, the Mastercard Foundation supports thousands of students to access quality education, leadership development, and career support. Below, we explore all the major Mastercard Foundation partnerships in Rwanda and how you can benefit from them. 📚Register Now for Deutsch Class at MK Deutsch Academy! Both Physical and online classes are available for your convenience

1. UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA (UR)

Overview:
The University of Rwanda is one of the largest beneficiaries of the Mastercard Foundation’s support. In 2021, the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation launched a 10-year, $55 million initiative to support 1,200 young Africans. The partnership provides full scholarships to academically gifted students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

What It Covers:
• Full tuition and on-campus accommodation
• Laptop and academic materials
• Monthly stipend and health insurance
• Leadership and entrepreneurship training

Eligibility:
• African citizens, including refugees and displaced youth
• Strong academic performance
• Commitment to giving back to the community

Application Timeline:
Applications open annually for the upcoming academic year. The 2025/2026 second intake is currently open until 29th September 2025

2. AFRICAN LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY (ALU)

Overview:
ALU and the Mastercard Foundation are collaborating to develop 2 million young African leaders by 2030. ALU focuses on real-world learning, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

What It Covers:
• Full tuition and on-campus accommodation
• Monthly stipends and academic materials
• Laptop and academic materials
• Leadership and entrepreneurial training
• Access to ALU’s leadership accelerator and mentorship programs

Eligibility:
• African citizens with a demonstrated passion for leadership and problem-solving
• Strong academic record and commitment to social impact

Application Timeline:
ALU admits students three times a year: in January, May, and September. Applications for the January and May 2026 intakes are now open and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

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3. KEPLER COLLEGE
Kepler partners with the Mastercard Foundation to create education-to-employment pathways for refugees, underserved youth, and poor communities across Africa.

a) ITEGEM PROGRAM (2018 – Ongoing)

Overview:
Launched in 2018, The Iteme Program prepares refugee and host community youth for higher education. It focuses on bridging gaps in language, technology, and soft skills to ensure successful university entry.

What It Covers:
• Intensive English language training
• Numeracy and technology courses
• Soft skills and university readiness preparation
• One-on-one mentorship and scholarship advising

Pathway to Scholarship:
All students enrolled in the Iteme Program must successfully complete the training and pass the final examination. Upon meeting these requirements, they are awarded a full Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to pursue their studies at Kepler College.

Impact:
Over 650 graduates from Rwanda’s six refugee camps and Kigali have benefited.

b) INNOVATION & TECHNOLOVY GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS (2025 – 2030)

Overview:
In partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Mastercard Foundation, Kepler supports 160 fully funded graduate scholarships in technology and engineering fields.

What It Covers:
• Full tuition fees
• In-person academic and career support in Kigali
• Mentorship, job-readiness training, and career guidance

Eligible Programs:
• Global Technology and Development
• Business Analytics
• Information Technology
• Sustainable Engineering

Application Timeline:
Applications open annually from 2025 through 2030.

📚Register Now for Deutsch Class at MK Deutsch Academy! Both Physical and online classes are available for your convenience

4. UNIVERSITY OF GLOBAL HEALTH EQUITY (UGHE)

Overview:
UGHE, located in Butaro, Rwanda, is a world-class institution focused on training the next generation of global health leaders. In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, offers graduate full scholarships designed to train the next generation of global health leaders.

What It Covers:
• Full tuition and living expenses
• Monthly allowance and return airfare
• Access to an entrepreneurial fund for innovative health solutions
• Accommodation, meals, and other academic expenses

Eligibility:
• African citizens with a background in health or related fields
• Passionate about improving healthcare systems and outcomes in Africa

5. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY AFRICA (CMU-AFRICA)

Overview:
Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), based in Kigali’s Innovation City, partners with the Mastercard Foundation to provide full scholarships for graduate studies in technology and engineering.

What It Covers:
• Full tuition and living expenses
• Leadership development and career mentoring
• Opportunities for community service and networking
• CMU-Africa scholars receive tuition, living stipends, health insurance, and leadership development programs.

Eligible Programs:
• Master of Science in Information Technology
• Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence

Application Timeline:
CMU-Africa accepts applications on a rolling basis. Visit their website for exact deadlines.

📚Register Now for Deutsch Class at MK Deutsch Academy! Both Physical and online classes are available for your convenience

CONCLUSION:
If you're a student in Rwanda (or elsewhere in Africa) with ambition and talent who faces financial challenges, the Mastercard Foundation’s partnerships with UR, ALU, UGHE, Kepler, and CMU-Africa open doors to life-changing opportunities. These scholarships go beyond covering tuition; they also provide mentorship, leadership training, and holistic support to ensure scholars thrive both academically and professionally.

At MK Scholars, we are committed to helping you take full advantage of these opportunities. If you need assistance with the application process - including writing compelling essays, personal statements, or other required documents- feel free to contact us for guidance and support.


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