University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

About the scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda offers scholarships for African students for the 2025/2026 academic year, emphasizing women, refugees, and disabled individuals. Applications close on August 22, 2025.

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).

How to Apply

1. Apply for Admission to the University of Rwanda
2. Submit your application to an eligible undergraduate program.
3. Obtain your UR Reference Number.
4. Fill Out the Scholars Program Application Form
5. Complete the online application form: https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/public-home?Welcome.
6. Refugees and displaced youth must fill out the specific refugee application form available on the portal.
7. Prepare and Upload Required Documents
8. Name each document using your full name and UR Reference Number.
9. Save all documents in PDF format (less than 250 KB each).
10. Ensure documents are complete before submission.
11. Submit the Online Application
12. Applications can be filled in multiple sessions, but must be fully completed and submitted before the deadline.
13. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited.
14. 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)

About the author

The Health Pulse Administrator