Application Deadline: August 22, 2025
Location: Rwanda
About the Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is now accepting applications for the academic year 2025/2026. This award is intended for African students of all genders and areas who face barriers to study and employment. It is consistent with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy, which seeks to provide 30 million young people in Africa with dignified and rewarding jobs by 2030.
Young women, refugees and displaced people, and people living with disabilities receive special consideration. To be considered, applicants must have submitted for admission to approved first-year academic programs at the University of Rwanda for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- On-campus accommodation
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Laptop and learning materials
- Annual return ticket allowance (for international students and refugees)
- Psycho-social support and academic mentorship
- Career development services, including internships and professional mentorship
- Leadership training, community engagement, and networking events
- Access to the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni network
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the 2025/2026 intake, applicants must:
- Be a Rwandan citizen (for the national scholarship quota), or a citizen of any African country, or a refugee/displaced youth residing in Africa.
- Be 28 years or younger at the time of application (or 30 years for youth with protracted life conditions, e.g., refugees, single mothers, child-headed households).
- Be academically qualified, with limited financial means and access to opportunities.
- Have already applied to the University of Rwanda and received a UR Reference Number in one of the eligible undergraduate programs.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, community service, and social transformation.
- Provide proof of refugee or disability status, where applicable (issued by UNHCR, NCPD, or another recognized authority).
The scholarship covers various programs.
- 80% of the scholars pursue programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- 90% will be enrolled in undergraduate programs
- 10% will be enrolled in Postgraduate programs
- Among them, 85% will be Rwandans and 15% International.
Follow the link to see eligible prgrams
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Apply for Admission to the University of Rwanda
▪ Submit your application to an eligible undergraduate program.
▪ Obtain your UR Reference Number.
- Fill Out the Scholars Program Application Form
▪ Complete the online application form: https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/public-home?Welcome
▪ Refugees and displaced youth must fill out the specific refugee application form available on the portal.
- Prepare and Upload Required Documents
▪ Name each document using your full name and UR Reference Number.
▪ Save all documents in PDF format (less than 250 KB each).
▪ Ensure documents are complete before submission.
- Submit the Online Application
▪ Applications can be filled in multiple sessions, but must be fully completed and submitted before the deadline.
▪ Once submitted, applications cannot be edited.
Required Documents
- National ID or Passport
- Residence Permit
- Academic Transcript
- Degree Certificate (Mandatory)
- Admission Letter (Mandatory once released by the University of Rwanda)
- Certificate of Disability (If any)
- Leadership Certificate (If available)
- Work Experience Certificate (If available)
For more information, please visit University of Rwanda official webpage:
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