University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Fully Funded

Are you an academically talented young African facing significant socio-economic barriers to higher education? The University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers a life-changing opportunity to pursue fully funded undergraduate and master’s degree studies in Kigali and secondary campuses across Rwanda. Supported by a 10-year strategic partnership (2021–2031) with the Mastercard Foundation, this high-impact fellowship equips emerging African leaders with world-class tertiary education, comprehensive leadership development, entrepreneurship skills, and career transition support.

If you are searching for how to get Mastercard Foundation scholarships in Africa, fully funded university scholarships in Rwanda for international students, or STEM higher education grants for African youth, this complete guide provides every detail you need. The program actively prioritizes young women (70% quota), certified refugees and displaced youth (25%), persons with disabilities (10%), and students pursuing STEM fields (80%), removing financial burdens so scholars can focus on driving social and economic transformation across the continent.

Selected scholars receive complete financial assistance—covering 100% of academic tuition fees, living allowances, on-campus accommodation, learning materials, a laptop, and health insurance. In addition, the program provides comprehensive career counseling, industrial internships, academic tutoring, and continuous leadership training. Below is the complete breakdown of eligibility requirements, program coverage, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027.

Program Summary: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR

Also Check: Twente University Netherlands Scholarship 2027 (Funded)

Available Academic Fields & Disciplines

The scholarship covers a wide range of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by the University of Rwanda, with a primary emphasis on fields that contribute directly to regional socio-economic growth:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM): Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Applied Physics, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science.

Agriculture & Environmental Sciences: Agronomy, Forestry, Soil Science, Environmental Management, Agribusiness.

Health Sciences & Public Health: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Epidemiology.

Education, Business & Social Sciences: Educational Leadership, Economics, Public Policy, Management, Development Studies.

Scholarship Benefits & Financial Coverage

Recipients of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Rwanda receive an all-inclusive support package designed to guarantee academic and personal success:

100% Tuition Waiver: Full coverage of all university tuition, registration, and examination fees.

Living Allowance & Housing: Paid on-campus accommodation (or stipend) plus a monthly stipend to cover meals and daily living expenses.

Personal Technology & Books: A new laptop computer, course textbooks, laboratory tools, and learning materials.

Travel Expenses: Annual return travel allowance for international scholars and refugees returning home or traveling to campus.

Mentorship & Support: Tailored psychosocial counseling, academic tutoring, language support, and career guidance.

Professional Development: Exclusive access to industry internships, entrepreneurship incubation funds, leadership workshops, and regional Mastercard Foundation scholar networks.

Also Check: Saïd Foundation Scholarships In UK 2027 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

To qualify for consideration under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality: Must be a citizen of Rwanda or any African country, or a certified refugee/displaced person residing in Africa.
2. Academic Merit: Possess an outstanding academic background meeting the entry criteria for your chosen degree program at the University of Rwanda.
3. Financial Hardship: Demonstrate genuine socio-economic disadvantage, financial need, or severe barriers to accessing tertiary education.
4. Age Limits:
   • Undergraduate Applicants: Under 28 years of age (up to 30 years for individuals with certified protracted life conditions, such as refugees or child-headed households).
   • Postgraduate (Master’s) Applicants: Under 40 years for male candidates and under 45 years for female candidates at the time of application.
5. Leadership & Community Impact: Show a proven track record of community involvement, volunteer service, and a strong commitment to “give back” to your home community upon graduation.
6. Enrollment Status: Must be a newly entering student applying for admission (currently enrolled students at UR or other universities are not eligible).

Also Check: University of Oxford Skoll Scholarship In USA 2027 (Fully Funded)

How to Apply for University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Apply for official academic admission to an eligible undergraduate or two-year master’s degree program at the University of Rwanda through the main UR admissions portal.

Access the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program online recruitment portal at mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw.

Create an applicant account using a valid email address and log in to begin a new scholarship application.

Complete the online form across all seven mandatory sections, including personal identification, academic background, family information, socio-economic circumstances, and leadership experience.

Upload clear, high-resolution scans of all required supporting documents (digital passport photo on a white background, national ID or valid passport, refugee status ID or disability certificate where applicable, secondary school certificates or bachelor’s degree transcripts, and leadership certificates).

Provide detailed, authentic statements explaining your financial hardship, personal background, and your long-term plan to give back to your community.

Review all uploaded files and entries for accuracy, then submit your finalized application online before the official closing date.

Please Subscribe to Our Telegram Channel And WhatsApp Channel To Get The Latest Scholarship Updates.

Please Check Out Our LinkedIn Company Page And LinkedIn Group And Get All the Latest Scholarships Updates.

Also Check: Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships In UK | Fully Funded