Applications are open for the 5th Cohort of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering 170 undergraduate scholarships to eligible African students, refugees, and displaced young people in Africa.
The scholarship programme is being implemented by the University of Rwanda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under a 10-year Scholars Program running from 2021 to 2031. The initiative is designed to expand access to quality higher education for talented young people who have limited access to opportunities, with particular attention to groups including young women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), young people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the University of Rwanda is recruiting its fifth cohort of undergraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars across selected programmes offered through several University of Rwanda colleges and campuses.
The scholarship combines comprehensive financial support with academic, psychosocial, leadership, professional development, mentorship, community engagement, and career-development opportunities.
Application deadline: October 12, 2026 at 23:59.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is part of a 10-year initiative running from 2021 to 2031.
According to the official call, the programme is intended to expand access to quality higher education for 1,400 talented young Africans with limited access to opportunities. It places particular emphasis on women pursuing STEM disciplines, young people with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth.
The programme is designed to create impact at three interconnected levels:
- Individual level: supporting Scholars to succeed academically, develop leadership capacity, gain professional skills, and transition toward dignified employment.
- Institutional level: strengthening the University of Rwanda’s capacity to provide inclusive and supportive educational pathways.
- Higher education ecosystem level: contributing to broader transformation within Rwanda’s higher education system and beyond.
The 2026–2027 call represents the recruitment of the programme’s 5th cohort and provides an opportunity for eligible recent secondary-school graduates and other qualifying applicants to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of Rwanda.
What the 2026–2027 Scholarship Offers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is described by the University of Rwanda as a comprehensive scholarship.
For successful candidates, the scholarship covers a broad range of academic and student-support needs.
Full tuition fees
The scholarship provides financial support for the scholar’s university tuition fees for the approved undergraduate programme.
This means successful scholars do not have to independently finance the tuition component of their studies covered by the scholarship.
On-campus accommodation
The scholarship provides fully paid on-campus accommodation.
This is an important component of the financial package because accommodation costs can represent a substantial barrier to university access for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Laptop
Successful scholars receive a laptop as part of the scholarship support.
The recruitment portal also encourages students to have access to a smartphone to support blended learning while waiting to receive the laptop provided through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Learning materials
The scholarship includes support for learning materials, helping scholars meet academic requirements without having to shoulder all associated educational costs themselves.
Annual return ticket allowance
The scholarship includes an annual return ticket allowance.
This forms part of the comprehensive financial-support package described in the official call.
Monthly stipend
Successful scholars receive a full-year monthly stipend as part of the scholarship package.
This is intended to provide support for students’ basic needs during their studies.
Psychosocial support
The programme also provides psycho-social support services.
This reflects the programme’s broader approach to student success, which goes beyond academic performance to include the social and personal wellbeing of Scholars.
Academic mentorship and tutoring
Scholars receive continued academic support through:
- Academic mentorship
- Virtual learning
- Tutoring
The objective is to help Scholars successfully navigate their university studies and maintain strong academic performance.
Career development
The programme provides career development services, including:
- Industrial mentorship
- Career guidance
- Professional development
- Enterprise development
- Other career-oriented activities
These services are designed to help Scholars prepare for the transition from university into professional life.
Industry internships
The scholarship provides access to uniquely sourced industry internships for professional development.
This can give Scholars opportunities to connect academic learning with practical workplace experience.
Leadership and community engagement
Scholars participate in regular group meetings focused on personal and professional development.
They may also participate in:
- Leadership congresses
- Community service
- Mentoring
- “Go-back Give-back” activities
- Other initiatives designed to strengthen their capacity to contribute to their communities
The programme expects Scholars to develop not only academically but also as leaders and community contributors.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026–2027: 170 Scholarships Available
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the University of Rwanda has allocated 170 undergraduate scholarships across selected academic programmes.
The scholarships are distributed across six campuses and several colleges and schools.
The approved programmes cover fields including:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Environmental planning
- Urban and regional planning
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Biochemistry
- Information technology
- Information systems
- Computer engineering
- Mining engineering
- Economics
- Business
- Accounting and finance
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Clinical psychology
- Dental therapy
- Anesthesia
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Law
- Social work
- Creative and performing arts
- English and African languages
- Agriculture
- Food science and technology
- Horticulture
- Veterinary medicine
- Aquaculture and fisheries
- Animal production
- Education
- Special needs education
- Early childhood education
The programme therefore provides opportunities across both STEM and non-STEM disciplines.
Scholarship Allocation at Nyarugenge Campus
The Nyarugenge Campus has 41 scholarships under the College of Science and Technology.
School of Engineering
The following programmes each have three scholarships:
- BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Electrical Power Engineering — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Transportation Engineering — 3 scholarships
School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Bachelor of Architecture with Honours — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Environmental Planning & Management — 2 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Urban and Regional Planning — 3 scholarships
School of Science
- BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry — 2 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Mathematics — 2 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics — 2 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Statistics — 3 scholarships
School of ICT
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Engineering — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Information Technology — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Information Systems — 3 scholarships
School of Mining and Geology
- BSc (Hons) in Mining Engineering — 3 scholarships
Together, these programmes account for the 41 scholarships allocated to Nyarugenge Campus.
Scholarship Allocation at Huye Campus
The Huye Campus has scholarships across three major colleges:
- College of Business and Economics — 8 scholarships
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences — 87 scholarships
- College of Arts and Social Studies — 8 scholarships
This gives Huye Campus a combined allocation of 103 scholarships.
College of Business and Economics
Eight scholarships are available across the following programmes:
- BSc (Hons) in Economics — 2 scholarships
- BBA (Hons) in Transport & Logistics Management — 2 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Business Information Technology — 2 scholarships
- BBA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance — 2 scholarships
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences has 87 scholarships, making it the largest scholarship allocation among the listed colleges.
The programmes include:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery — 8 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Pharmacy — 4 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Clinical Psychology — 2 scholarships
- Bachelor in Dental Therapy — 16 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Anesthesia — 17 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Midwifery — 20 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Nursing — 20 scholarships
College of Arts and Social Studies
Eight scholarships are allocated as follows:
- BA (Hons) in Creative and Performing Arts — 2 scholarships
- BA (Hons) in English and African Languages — 2 scholarships
- Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) of Law — 2 scholarships
- BSoc (Hons) in Social Work — 2 scholarships
The detailed allocation table is contained in the official signed call for applications.
Scholarship Allocation at Busogo Campus
The Busogo Campus, through the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences, has 9 scholarships.
The approved programmes are:
- BSc (Hons) in Crop Production — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Technology — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Horticulture — 3 scholarships
The programme provides an opportunity for students interested in agriculture, food systems, crop production, horticulture, and related areas to pursue undergraduate study with comprehensive scholarship support.
Scholarship Allocation at Nyagatare Campus
The Nyagatare Campus, through the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, has 9 scholarships.
The approved programmes are:
- BSc (Hons) in Aquaculture & Fisheries Management — 3 scholarships
- BSc (Hons) in Animal Production — 3 scholarships
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine — 3 scholarships
These opportunities are particularly relevant to students interested in animal health, veterinary medicine, fisheries, aquaculture, and animal production.
Scholarship Allocation at Rukara Campus
The Rukara Campus, through the College of Education, has 8 scholarships.
The programmes are:
- BEd (Hons) in Computer Science — 2 scholarships
- BEd (Hons) in Science, with Physics-Chemistry — 2 scholarships
- BEd (Hons) in Special Needs Education — 2 scholarships
- BEd (Hons) in Early Childhood Education — 2 scholarships
These programmes create opportunities for applicants interested in teacher education, computer science education, science education, special needs education, and early childhood education.
Summary of the 170 Scholarship Places
The scholarship allocation can be summarized as follows:
| Campus | College/Area | Number of Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Nyarugenge | College of Science and Technology | 41 |
| Huye | College of Business and Economics | 8 |
| Huye | College of Medicine and Health Sciences | 87 |
| Huye | College of Arts and Social Studies | 8 |
| Busogo | College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences | 9 |
| Nyagatare | College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences | 9 |
| Rukara | College of Education | 8 |
| Total | All approved programmes | 170 |
The signed call confirms a total of 170 undergraduate scholarship places for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Who Is Eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The scholarship opportunity is designed for African students from all races, colours, and descent who have limited access to opportunities.
The official call identifies several categories of eligible applicants.
Rwandan citizens
Rwandan citizens can benefit from the national scholarship quota.
Applicants who are Rwandan citizens must meet the other stated eligibility and academic requirements.
Citizens of other African countries
The scholarship is also open to citizens of any African country, subject to the stated eligibility requirements and admission into one of the approved programmes.
This means the opportunity is not limited to applicants from Rwanda.
Refugees in Africa
Refugees are eligible to apply.
Applicants applying under refugee status are expected to provide appropriate legal documentation confirming their status.
The call specifies that refugee applicants should provide legal proof of their status from recognized bodies such as UNHCR or NCPD, respectively, or another duly recognized organization.
Displaced youth in Africa
The call also includes displaced youth in Africa among eligible applicants.
This expands the opportunity beyond conventional nationality-based scholarship categories and reflects the programme’s focus on young people facing barriers to higher education.
Young people with disabilities
Young people with disabilities are specifically among the groups the broader Mastercard Foundation programme seeks to support.
Applicants applying under a disability category are expected to provide the required disability certificate.
The programme therefore combines academic selection with an effort to expand access to higher education for students who face structural barriers.
Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be academically qualified for their chosen programme.
They must also meet the University of Rwanda’s admission requirements for the particular undergraduate programme they wish to study.
The scholarship call emphasizes that applicants must have:
- Appropriate academic qualifications.
- Met the admission requirements for their selected University of Rwanda programme.
- Applied for admission to the University of Rwanda.
- Obtained a University of Rwanda reference number.
- Selected one of the programmes approved under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Applicants should therefore not treat the scholarship application as a substitute for the University’s admission application.
The two processes are connected, and applicants need to complete the required University of Rwanda admission process before final scholarship consideration.
Age Requirements
The standard age requirement is:
Applicants must not be above 28 years of age at the time of application.
The call provides an extended maximum age of 30 years for applicants who can provide certified proof of circumstances that have prolonged their educational pathway.
The document gives examples including:
- Refugees
- Single mothers
- Members of child-headed families
- Other qualifying circumstances recognized under the programme
Applicants relying on the extended age provision should therefore be prepared to provide appropriate evidence supporting their circumstances.
Leadership and Community Engagement Requirement
Academic performance alone is not the only consideration.
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to leadership and provide evidence of community engagement, giving back, and/or participation in transformation initiatives.
This can include experiences in which an applicant has contributed to their school, community, organization, or wider society.
The programme is seeking Scholars who can eventually use their education and skills to contribute to positive change in their communities and Africa more broadly.
Economic Disadvantage and Limited Access to Opportunities
The online recruitment portal explains that scholarship applications are assessed using a standard weighting system based on three principal dimensions:
- Academic Talent — 30%
- Economic Disadvantage — 45%
- Leadership Potential — 25%
This means economic disadvantage carries the largest weighting among the three stated assessment areas.
Applicants should therefore accurately communicate their socioeconomic circumstances in the application rather than focusing exclusively on academic performance.
The programme is specifically designed for talented young people who have limited access to opportunities. The signed call also describes the scholarship as an opportunity for African students who face such access limitations.
Existing Scholarship Holders and Continuing Students
Applicants must pay close attention to the programme’s restrictions concerning other scholarships and existing university students.
The official call states that selected applicants who hold another scholarship must be willing to discontinue the other scholarship.
If a double scholarship is discovered, the Mastercard Foundation scholarship will be discontinued.
The call also states that continuing students are not eligible.
The opportunity is therefore primarily intended for applicants entering an approved undergraduate programme rather than students who are already continuing their undergraduate studies at the University of Rwanda.
Foreign Academic Qualifications and Equivalence
Applicants who obtained their academic qualifications outside Rwanda must pay attention to the equivalence requirement.
The online recruitment platform states that applicants with foreign academic qualifications must obtain equivalence from:
- Rwanda’s Higher Education Council (HEC)
- National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA)
Applicants with foreign qualifications should therefore begin the equivalence process early rather than waiting until the final stages of scholarship selection.
International Students and Visa Requirements
The scholarship is open to eligible African applicants outside Rwanda, including citizens of other African countries and qualifying refugees or displaced youth.
The recruitment portal provides information concerning entry and study visas.
It states that citizens of all countries can obtain an entry visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport.
International students must then apply for a study visa within 15 days of arrival.
The portal states that international students applying for the study visa will require:
- A police clearance
- A valid passport
Scholarship holders coming from outside Rwanda should therefore prepare their travel and immigration documentation carefully if selected.
University of Rwanda Student Number
A University of Rwanda student number/reference number is an important part of the scholarship application process.
The recruitment portal requires applicants to enter their University of Rwanda student number to verify eligibility and create an account.
The signed call also requires applicants to have generated a UR Reference Number and to have applied for admission to the University of Rwanda in one of the approved programmes.
Applicants should therefore complete the necessary University admission process before attempting to finalize the scholarship application.
Documents Required for the Online Application
The current Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program recruitment portal identifies several documents that applicants should prepare before beginning the application.
University of Rwanda student number
All applicants must have their University of Rwanda student number available.
Passport photograph
All applicants must provide a digital passport photograph with a white background.
Identification document
Applicants must provide a scanned copy of one of the accepted identification documents, such as:
- National ID showing date of birth
- Passport
- Refugee ID
Disability certificate
Applicants applying under the disability category should prepare their disability certificate.
Leadership certificates
Applicants who have leadership certificates should upload them as supporting evidence.
The live recruitment portal currently indicates that uploaded documents should be clear and can be submitted in PDF, JPG, or PNG format, with a stated maximum of 5 MB per file.
However, the signed September 2026 call contains a more restrictive instruction for final application attachments, stating that required documents should be saved in PDF format with a size of less than 250 KB. Applicants should therefore check the live portal instructions carefully when uploading documents and ensure that every file meets the system’s current requirements.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The application process is conducted online.
Applicants should use the official University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program recruitment platform:
https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/ug-recruitment/
The online process has three broad stages.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Create an Account
Applicants first enter their University of Rwanda student number.
The system uses this information to verify eligibility before allowing the applicant to create an account.
Applicants can save their progress and return to the application before the deadline.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
The online form requires applicants to provide information across several areas, including:
- Personal identification
- Educational background
- Family information
- Socioeconomic circumstances
- Leadership information
Applicants should provide accurate information and ensure that all supporting documents are available before submitting.
Step 3: Review, Submit and Track
Before submission, applicants should carefully review every response and confirm that all required documents have been attached.
The signed call states that an application will only be considered after submission and completion of all required steps.
It also instructs applicants to ensure that all fields and attachments are completed before clicking the final submission button.
Once submitted, the application fields are closed and cannot be repeated or edited, according to the official call.
Do Not Submit an Incomplete Application
The University of Rwanda recommends that applicants begin the process only when they have the necessary supporting documentation available.
This is particularly important because the signed call states that applicants must upload the required supporting documents before final submission.
Applicants should therefore prepare their:
- Student/reference number
- Identification document
- Passport photograph
- Academic information
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Leadership certificates, where applicable
- Other required supporting documentation
before completing the final submission.
Scholarship Selection Process
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda uses a structured selection process.
The programme explains that applicants are assessed according to established selection criteria, including:
- Academic qualification and talent
- Economic disadvantage
- Leadership potential
- Community engagement
- Eligibility requirements
- Admission to an approved programme
The recruitment committee selects candidates based on the established criteria.
Interviews
Pre-selected applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview.
The official call states that interviews are conducted by independent panels.
The interviews use a predefined interview guide aligned with the expectations of the programme and the vision of the University of Rwanda.
Applicants are expected to receive equal treatment, particularly regarding interview questions.
Home Visits
The selection process may also involve on-site validation visits to the homes of selected students.
This is part of the programme’s verification process and may be used to validate information provided during the application and selection stages.
Applicants should therefore ensure that information concerning their socioeconomic circumstances and other relevant aspects of their application is accurate.
Verification and Disqualification
The official call contains strict provisions concerning false information and attempts to influence the selection process.
Applicants discovered to have:
- Falsified information
- Attempted to influence the scholarship process
- Provided misleading information during the application
- Attempted to improperly influence selection during an interview or home visit
may be disqualified.
The University of Rwanda therefore emphasizes accuracy, honesty, and transparency throughout the application process.
No Fees, Agents or Intermediaries
One of the most important warnings in the official call is that applicants do not need to pay charges, fees, facilitation payments, agent fees, or intermediary fees at any stage of the application process.
The programme explicitly states that there are no charges, fees, facilitations, agents, or intermediaries required at any stage.
Applicants should therefore be extremely cautious if anyone claims that payment is necessary to obtain the scholarship or influence the selection process.
Keep Your Contact Information Active
Applicants should provide telephone numbers and email addresses that remain active throughout the selection process.
The University of Rwanda states that these contact details should be active at all times so applicants can receive important information about their applications.
Applicants should therefore regularly monitor the email address and telephone number submitted in their application.
The Application Is a Staged Process
The University of Rwanda states that the scholarship application is a staggered ongoing process.
Applicants should not assume that submission immediately results in selection.
The process can include:
- Application
- Eligibility screening
- Shortlisting
- Interviews
- Verification
- Selection
- Publication of approved candidates
- Issuance of scholarship award letters
- Acceptance and confirmation
Only candidates who successfully progress through the relevant stages will receive further communication.
Publication of Selected Candidates
The approved list of selected scholarship candidates will be published on the University of Rwanda website.
Successful candidates will receive scholarship award letters.
The official call states that award letters will be issued through the Office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.
What Happens After Selection?
Successful candidates will receive:
- A scholarship award letter
- A scholarship acceptance form
The candidate must complete and sign the acceptance form to confirm acceptance of the scholarship.
Parents or guardians of successful candidates are also required to complete and sign a commitment form confirming their support for the Scholar.
Completed and signed forms must be returned through the programme email within five working days after receiving the scholarship award letter.
If a selected candidate declines the scholarship for any reason, the call states that the next candidate in line based on performance will be awarded the scholarship.
The call also states that a scholarship offer cannot be deferred.
Expectations After Becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar
The scholarship is not presented solely as a financial award.
The programme expects successful Scholars to become:
- Transformative leaders
- Champions
- Entrepreneurs
- Change-makers
- Contributors to their communities
- Participants in initiatives that create positive change in Africa
The programme expects Scholars to remain in close communication with the University of Rwanda for at least five years after completing their studies.
This reflects the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s broader objective of developing graduates who contribute to transformation beyond their university education.
Academic Performance and Continued Scholarship Funding
Scholarship support is subject to satisfactory academic performance.
The official call states that scholarships will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning annual renewal of funding is subject to Scholars maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
Being selected for the programme therefore does not mean that academic performance ceases to matter after admission.
Scholars are expected to remain academically engaged and meet the University’s academic requirements.
Conduct and Disqualification
The University of Rwanda also identifies conduct-related circumstances that can lead to automatic disqualification and loss of the scholarship.
The call states that misconduct involving violations of University rules, regulations, and policies can result in loss of the scholarship.
It specifically identifies conduct including:
- Participation in riotous acts
- Involvement in subversive activities
- Illicit financial activities
- Terrorism
- Denial of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi
- Propagation of genocidal ideology
as grounds for automatic disqualification and loss of the scholarship where applicable.
Academic Programmes Covered by the Scholarship
The scholarship is not available for every undergraduate programme at the University of Rwanda.
Applicants must choose from the specific programmes approved for the 2026–2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The approved fields span STEM and non-STEM areas, including engineering, ICT, medicine, health sciences, agriculture, veterinary medicine, education, business, law, social sciences, and related fields.
Applicants should therefore carefully compare their intended programme with the official scholarship programme list before submitting an application.
Applying for a programme that is not included in the approved scholarship allocation does not establish eligibility for Mastercard Foundation funding.
Why Applicants Should Apply for University Admission Early
The scholarship application requires a University of Rwanda reference number and evidence that the applicant has applied for admission to an eligible programme.
Applicants should therefore not wait until the scholarship deadline before beginning their University of Rwanda admission process.
A practical approach is to:
- Review the approved scholarship programmes.
- Select a programme that matches your academic background and career interests.
- Review the University’s admission requirements.
- Apply for admission.
- Obtain the required University of Rwanda reference number.
- Prepare scholarship supporting documents.
- Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
- Submit before the scholarship deadline.
Application Deadline
The official deadline for the 5th Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is:
12 October 2026 at 23:59.
The live scholarship recruitment portal displays the same closing date and time:
Applications close on 12 October 2026 at 23:59.
Applicants should submit well before the final deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
Important Information for International African Applicants
Applicants from other African countries should understand that admission to the University of Rwanda and scholarship selection are connected but distinct considerations.
An applicant must:
- Qualify academically.
- Meet the University’s admission requirements.
- Apply for an eligible undergraduate programme.
- Obtain the required UR reference number.
- Meet the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility criteria.
- Demonstrate the required leadership and community engagement.
- Meet the socioeconomic and other selection criteria.
- Complete the scholarship application correctly.
International applicants who are eventually selected will also need to comply with Rwanda’s immigration requirements.
Support and Contact Information
The official call provides several University of Rwanda contacts for applicants who require assistance during the application period.
University of Rwanda Admissions and Registration
Mr. Emmanuel Kamanzi
UR Admission and Registration Specialist
Telephone: +250 788736530
Email: admissions@ur.ac.rw
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Data Analytics and IT
Mr. Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza
Telephone: +250 783016900
University Registrar
Dr. Odette Uwizeye
Registrar of University of Rwanda
Telephone: +250 788 304 391
Email: registrar@ur.ac.rw
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Monitoring and Evaluation
Oscar Muvandimwe
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Telephone: +250 788488272
Email: o.muvandimwe@ur.ac.rw
Applicants should use the official University of Rwanda channels for clarification and avoid relying on unofficial individuals or agents.
Official Application Portal
Applications are submitted online through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda undergraduate recruitment portal:
https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/ug-recruitment/
Applicants can use the portal to:
- Verify their eligibility.
- Create an account.
- Complete the application.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit their application.
- Track application status through their dashboard.
The University of Rwanda’s main website also hosts the official scholarship announcement and signed call for applications:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation scholarship fully funded?
The official call describes it as a comprehensive scholarship covering full tuition fees, fully paid on-campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, annual return ticket allowance, and a full-year monthly stipend, alongside academic, psychosocial, career, mentorship, leadership, and professional-development support.
How many scholarships are available?
There are 170 undergraduate scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Who can apply?
The call is open to eligible African students, including Rwandan citizens, citizens of other African countries, refugees, and displaced youth in Africa, subject to the stated academic, age, socioeconomic, leadership, admission, and other requirements.
Can students from outside Rwanda apply?
Yes. The call specifically includes citizens of any African country, as well as qualifying refugees and displaced youth in Africa.
Can refugees apply?
Yes. Refugees are explicitly included among eligible applicants, provided they meet the other requirements and provide appropriate legal documentation of their status.
Can applicants with disabilities apply?
Yes. Young people with disabilities are among the groups targeted by the programme, and applicants in the disability category are required to provide a disability certificate.
What is the maximum age?
The standard maximum age is 28 years at the time of application.
An upper limit of 30 years is permitted for applicants with certified proof of circumstances that prolonged their educational pathway, including examples such as refugee status, single motherhood, and child-headed family circumstances.
Do I need to be admitted to the University of Rwanda?
Applicants must have applied for admission to the University of Rwanda in one of the approved programmes and must have generated a University of Rwanda reference number.
Can continuing University of Rwanda students apply?
No. The official call states that continuing students are not eligible.
Can I hold another scholarship at the same time?
The call states that selected applicants with another scholarship must discontinue the other scholarship. Double scholarship holding will result in discontinuation of the Mastercard Foundation scholarship if discovered.
Is there an application fee?
No. The official call states that there are no charges, fees, facilitation payments, agents, or intermediaries required at any stage of the application.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is October 12, 2026 at 23:59.
Where will successful Scholars study?
Successful applicants will study at the University of Rwanda in one of the approved programmes across the participating campuses.
What happens after I submit my application?
The application goes through screening and selection stages. Pre-selected applicants may be invited to oral interviews conducted by independent panels, and selected students may undergo home visits for verification.
Can the scholarship be deferred?
The official call states that a scholarship offer cannot be deferred.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda 2026–2027 provides a major opportunity for eligible African students who face limited access to higher education to pursue undergraduate studies with comprehensive financial and developmental support.
For the programme’s 5th cohort, the University of Rwanda has allocated 170 scholarships across selected undergraduate programmes in engineering, ICT, science, medicine, health sciences, business, law, social sciences, agriculture, veterinary medicine, education, and other fields.
The scholarship goes beyond tuition. Successful Scholars can receive full tuition support, on-campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, an annual return ticket allowance, a monthly stipend, psychosocial support, academic mentorship, tutoring, career development, industry internships, leadership opportunities, community engagement activities, and access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni and Global Scholars Community.
The programme is particularly focused on talented African young people with limited access to opportunities and places significant emphasis on academic talent, economic disadvantage, and leadership potential. The current online application assessment weighting is 30 percent academic talent, 45 percent economic disadvantage, and 25 percent leadership potential.
Applicants must carefully check their eligibility, select an approved programme, complete the University of Rwanda admission process, obtain the required UR reference number, prepare their supporting documents, and complete the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application.
The application deadline is October 12, 2026 at 23:59. Because the application process involves multiple stages and supporting documentation, prospective applicants are strongly advised to begin early and submit their applications before the closing time.
The official application portal is:
https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/ug-recruitment/
Applicants should rely on the University of Rwanda and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s official channels for application instructions, updates, and selection information.
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