The University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is inviting applications for full undergraduate scholarships under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Cohort 5) for the 2026–2027 academic year. The opportunity is open to eligible African students with limited access to higher education opportunities, including recent high school graduates and eligible applicants who missed previous recruitment cycles.  Register for 2nd intake of our coaching class for the Duolingo English Test  

The 10-year Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda (2021–2031) aims to expand access to quality higher education for 1,400 talented young Africans with limited access to opportunities. The program particularly focuses on females pursuing STEM programs, young people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth, while supporting inclusive pathways toward academic success, community engagement, and employment.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

Successful scholars will receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including:

·       Full tuition fees

·       Fully paid on-campus accommodation

·       A laptop

·       Learning materials

·       Annual return ticket allowance

·       Full-year monthly stipend

·       Psycho-social support services

·       Academic mentorship, virtual learning, and tutoring

·       Industry-sourced internships for professional development

·       Career development services, including career guidance, industrial mentorship, professional development, and enterprise development

·       Personal and professional development activities with fellow scholars

·       Opportunities to participate in leadership congresses, community service, and mentoring activities

·       Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni and Global Scholars Community

The scholarship is intended to support scholars throughout their academic journey while preparing them for leadership, community engagement, and transition to employment.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

·       Be an African student with limited access to opportunities.

·       Rwandan citizens may benefit from the national scholarship quota.

·       Applicants may also be citizens of any African country, refugees, or displaced youth in Africa.

·       Be academically qualified and meet the admission requirements for an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Rwanda.

·       Be not above 28 years of age at the time of application. The age limit is 30 years for applicants with certified proof of a protracted life condition, such as refugees, single mothers, or those from child-headed families.

·       Have generated a University of Rwanda reference number and applied for admission to UR in one of the earmarked programs.

·       Demonstrate commitment to leadership and provide evidence of community engagement, giving back, and/or transformation initiatives.

·       Refugees and applicants with disabilities must provide legal proof of their status from UNHCR, NCPD, or another duly recognized organization.

·       Continuing students are not eligible.

·       Applicants who already hold another scholarship must be willing to discontinue it if selected, as holding two scholarships is not permitted.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

The scholarship is available for selected undergraduate programs across University of Rwanda campuses and colleges, including programs in:

Nyarugenge Campus

·       Civil Engineering

·       Electrical Power Engineering

·       Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

·       Transportation Engineering

·       Architecture

·       Environmental Planning & Management

·       Urban and Regional Planning

·       Biochemistry

·       Applied Mathematics

·       Applied Physics

·       Statistics

·       Computer Engineering

·       Information Technology

·       Information Systems

·       Mining Engineering

·       Economics

·       Transport & Logistics Management

·       Business Information Technology

·       Accounting & Finance

·       Medicine and Surgery

·       Pharmacy

·       Clinical Psychology

·       Dental Therapy

·       Anesthesia

·       Midwifery

·       Nursing

·       Creative and Performing Arts

·       English and African Languages

·       Law

·       Social Work

·       Crop Production

·       Food Science & Technology

·       Horticulture

Nyagatare Campus

·       Aquaculture & Fisheries Management

·       Animal Production

·       Veterinary Medicine

Rukara Campus

·       Computer Science

·       Science Education (Physics-Chemistry)

·       Special Needs Education

·       Early Childhood Education

Applicants should consult the official call for the specific number of scholarships allocated to each program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants are required to upload all supporting documents requested in the online application.

Important document requirements include:

·       Supporting documents required by the application form

·       Proof of refugee status, where applicable

·       Proof of disability status, where applicable

·       Documents containing the applicant's name and University of Rwanda reference number

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1.     Ensure they have generated a University of Rwanda reference number and applied for admission to an eligible program.

2.     Prepare all required supporting documents.

3.     Complete the online Mastercard Foundation scholarship application form.

4.     Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format, ensuring that each file is less than 250 KB.

5.     Review all information and attachments carefully.

6.     Click Submit only after all required fields and documents have been completed and attached. Contact us on whatsapp at 0798611161 (MK SCHOLARS)

Once the application is submitted, the application fields are closed and cannot be completed again. Applicants are therefore encouraged to carefully review their applications before final submission.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The application process is conducted on a rolling/staggered basis. Eligible candidates may begin the application while gathering their supporting documents.

Pre-selected applicants will be invited for an oral interview conducted by independent panels. Successful candidates at each stage will be notified.

The University of Rwanda may conduct unannounced on-site validation visits to the homes of selected students.

Applicants must provide active telephone numbers and email addresses and keep them accessible throughout the application process to receive important information.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

12 October 2026

#UR