Applications are now open for the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation TVET Bursary Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. The programme offers financial support to young Rwandans interested in pursuing technical and vocational education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with priority given to young women and applicants facing social and economic barriers. Register for the ALU English proficiency test 

The programme is implemented by the Forum for African Women Educationalists in Rwanda (FAWE Rwanda) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It aims to expand access to quality technical education and create opportunities for young people, particularly women, persons with disabilities and refugees, to acquire skills that contribute to their communities and the development of Rwanda.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

Selected beneficiaries will receive bursary support to pursue eligible STEM-related technical and vocational education programmes at participating institutions.

The programme targets the following participant composition:

·       80% female participants: Priority is given to young women pursuing STEM education.

·       20% male participants: Young men are also encouraged to apply.

·       5% persons with disabilities: Dedicated consideration for applicants with disabilities.

·       10% refugees: Priority consideration for eligible refugee applicants.

The programme particularly supports young people experiencing significant social and economic barriers to accessing education. Register for our coaching class for the Duolingo English Test  

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation TVET Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1.     Be aged between 15 and 25 years.

2.     Hold a Rwanda Advanced Certificate of Education (A2) or Rwanda Technical Certificate of Education.

3.     Have obtained at least 70% in the national examinations.

4.     Have completed secondary education in 2024, 2025 or 2026.

5.     For applicants to Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) colleges, have an admission letter for the 2026/2027 academic year.

6.     Be willing to pursue a STEM-related course and commit to a three-year programme leading to an Advanced Diploma.

7.     Not be currently benefiting from another bursary programme.

8.     Be willing to contribute to their communities after completing their studies.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

The bursary supports students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related programmes at the following participating institutions.

1. Rwanda Polytechnic Colleges

·       RP-Huye College

·       RP-Tumba College

·       RP-Kitabi College

·       RP-Gishari College

·       RP-Musanze College

·       RP-Kigali College

·       RP-Karongi College

·       RP-Ngoma College

2. Private Polytechnic Institutions

·       ULK Polytechnic

·       Saint Joseph Integrated Technical College

·       Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic College

·       Hanika Anglican Integrated Polytechnic

Applicants should confirm the availability of their preferred STEM programme at their chosen institution before applying.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants should prepare the following documents for submission alongside the completed application form:

·       Completed FAWE/Mastercard Foundation TVET Bursary Application Form.

·       Copy of the Rwanda Advanced Certificate of Education or Rwanda Technical Certificate of Education.

·       Academic results showing the required national examination performance.

·       Admission letter for the 2026/2027 academic year (for applicants to Rwanda Polytechnic colleges).

·       Any additional supporting documents requested in the official application form.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the eligibility questions

Applicants should first complete the preliminary eligibility questions provided through the official application process.

Step 2: Download and complete the application form

After submitting the eligibility questions, eligible applicants will be directed to the application form. Download it, carefully read the instructions and complete all required sections.

Step 3: Prepare supporting documents

Attach all the required academic and supporting documents to your completed application form.

Step 5: Submit your application

Email the completed application form and all supporting documents to:

bursaryapplication@fawerwa.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The application deadlines differ depending on the type of institution:

·       Rwanda Polytechnic Colleges: 13 November 2026, at 11:59 PM (Rwanda Time).

·       Private Polytechnic Institutions: 22 November 2026, at 11:59 PM (Rwanda Time).