University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Undergraduate & Master's Scholarships for African Students
The University of Rwanda (UR) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026–2027 is a prestigious fully funded scholarship designed to support academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young Africans who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Through a partnership between the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation, the programme provides access to quality higher education while preparing scholars to become transformative leaders across Africa.
The scholarship is open to eligible applicants from African countries, including Tanzania, who wish to pursue Undergraduate or Master's degree programmes at the University of Rwanda. Beyond financial support, scholars receive leadership training, mentorship, career development, entrepreneurship support, and community engagement opportunities. (mastercardfoundation.org, ur.ac.rw)
Scholarship Summary
- Scholarship Name: University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026–2027
- Host University: University of Rwanda (UR)
- Host Country: Rwanda
- Funded By: Mastercard Foundation
- Study Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Master's Degree
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: African Students
- Eligible Countries: African countries, including Tanzania
- Application Mode: Online
- Official University Website: https://ur.ac.rw
- Official Mastercard Foundation Website: https://mastercardfoundation.org
About the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was established to develop the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible African leaders. The programme focuses on providing access to higher education for talented students who face financial barriers while equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to contribute to Africa's development.
At the University of Rwanda, the programme combines academic excellence with leadership development, innovation, mentorship, and practical experience, ensuring that scholars graduate ready to create meaningful impact in their communities.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.
- Monthly living stipend.
- Health insurance.
- Learning materials and textbooks.
- Laptop computer (where applicable).
- Research and academic support.
- Leadership and life-skills training.
- Mentorship and coaching.
- Career guidance.
- Entrepreneurship training.
- Internship opportunities.
- Community service and volunteer engagement.
- Participation in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Network.
The exact benefits may vary depending on the level of study and programme requirements.
Available Study Levels
The scholarship supports:
Undergraduate Programmes
For students beginning their first university degree.
Master's Degree Programmes
For graduates wishing to pursue advanced studies in eligible fields offered by the University of Rwanda.
Eligible Fields of Study
The University of Rwanda offers programmes across several colleges, including:
- Agriculture
- Veterinary Medicine
- Business and Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Environmental Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Sciences
- Law
- Arts and Humanities
- Development Studies
- Public Administration
Eligible programmes for the scholarship are announced in each admission cycle.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Meet the admission requirements for the selected programme.
- Demonstrate academic excellence.
- Show financial need.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Be committed to giving back to their communities.
- Meet any age or programme-specific requirements announced in the scholarship call.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are typically expected to:
- Have strong academic records.
- Meet the University of Rwanda admission requirements.
- Demonstrate economic disadvantage or limited financial means.
- Show leadership experience through school, community, or volunteer activities.
- Demonstrate commitment to community development and social impact.
- Be willing to participate in all leadership and mentorship activities organized by the programme.
Preference is often given to:
- Young women.
- Refugees and displaced persons.
- Students with disabilities.
- Internally displaced youth.
- Other marginalized or vulnerable groups.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship is intended to remove financial barriers to higher education by covering the major costs associated with university study, allowing scholars to focus on academic success and leadership development.
Support generally includes:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Living expenses.
- Learning materials.
- Student support services.
- Leadership development activities.
- Mentorship programmes.
- Career preparation initiatives.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to submit:
- Completed online application form.
- National ID or passport.
- Academic certificates.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Birth certificate (where required).
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Personal statement or motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- Proof of financial need (where applicable).
- Additional documents requested by the University of Rwanda.
Leadership Development
One of the unique features of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is its strong emphasis on leadership.
Scholars participate in:
- Leadership workshops.
- Mentorship programmes.
- Community engagement projects.
- Entrepreneurship training.
- Innovation programmes.
- Volunteer activities.
- Career readiness training.
- Professional networking events.
Why Study at the University of Rwanda?
The University of Rwanda is the country's largest public university and offers:
- Internationally recognized qualifications.
- Modern teaching and research facilities.
- Highly qualified academic staff.
- Strong partnerships with global universities.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship programmes.
- Diverse student community.
- Excellent graduate employment prospects.
- Opportunities for regional and international collaboration.
Why This Scholarship Is Important for Tanzanian Students
Students from Tanzania can benefit by:
- Studying at one of East Africa's leading universities.
- Receiving a fully funded education.
- Building leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
- Expanding regional professional networks.
- Participating in community development initiatives.
- Enhancing career opportunities across Africa.
How to Apply
- Visit the University of Rwanda admissions portal.
- Review the scholarship announcement and eligibility requirements.
- Apply for admission to an eligible programme.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the official deadline.
- Await communication regarding shortlisting and selection.
Applicants should carefully follow all instructions provided in the official scholarship call.
Tips for Applicants
To increase your chances of success:
- Maintain excellent academic performance.
- Demonstrate genuine leadership experience.
- Highlight your community service activities.
- Clearly explain your financial need.
- Write a compelling personal statement.
- Submit complete and accurate documents before the deadline.
Important Notes
- Admission to the University of Rwanda does not automatically guarantee selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Scholarships are awarded competitively.
- Applicants should regularly monitor the University of Rwanda website for admission schedules and scholarship deadlines.
- Only shortlisted applicants are contacted for subsequent stages of the selection process.
Official Links
University of Rwanda
University of Rwanda Admissions
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
https://mastercardfoundation.org/all/scholars-program/
University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program