Call for Application for Postgraduate Scholarships – 3rd Cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda-Academic year 2026 – 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has opened its call for applications for Postgraduate (Master’s) Scholarships under the 3rd Cohort, for the 2026–2027 Academic Year.

The online application portal is open from 24/07/2026 to 22/08/2026.

1. Background

The University of Rwanda, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a 10-year Scholars Program (MCF-SP@UR) aimed at enabling higher education access to qualified young Africans who are economically disadvantaged and/or coming from conflict and post-conflict affected areas — with a focus on women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), young people with disabilities, and refugee and displaced youth.

The program is committed to developing Africa’s next generation of ethical and transformative leaders who will influence positive, forward-looking change in their home countries and across the African continent, driving transformation at three levels: individual (Scholars), institutional (the University), and system (higher education ecosystem and beyond).

2. Available Scholarships

• For the 2026–2027 academic year, the program is recruiting the 3rd Cohort of 30 scholars into UR Postgraduate Programs (programs with a 2-year duration).
• The program provides comprehensive scholarships for access to quality postgraduate education at the University of Rwanda for qualified, academically talented, yet economically disadvantaged young Rwandans with leadership potential, as well as other disadvantaged Africans — especially those in conflict and post-conflict areas.
• Priority is accorded to: Females, Certified Refugees, and Persons with Disability.

3. Eligibility

• Applicants must have applied for admission to the University of Rwanda for the September 2026 intake, in programs with a duration of two years. Pre-selection is conditional on admission into a UR Master’s program for the September intake.
• Priority is given to candidates enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, with 80% of selected candidates to come from STEM fields.
• Priority shall also be accorded to Qualified Females (70%), Certified Refugees (25%), and Persons with Disabilities (10%) who are academically talented, economically disadvantaged, and demonstrate leadership potential.
• Continuing students are NOT eligible.

4. Selection Criteria

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to the UR Master’s program being applied for.
• Must be a Rwandan or African citizen (Refugees must be certified by UNHCR, MINEMA, or another related legal agency).
• Not above 40 years of age for males, and not above 45 years for females at the time of application.
• Must demonstrate critical social and/or economic needs and/or disability.
• Must have proven records of leadership and community engagement.
• Must show a strong commitment to community engagement and be prepared to Go-Back and/or Give-Back to their community.
• 70% of all scholarships shall go to Female applicants, and 80% to STEM programs.
• Applicant must not be enrolled in any other tertiary institution.

5. Application Process

• A general application form must be completed online at: mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw
• All applicants are required to upload the required supporting documents.
• The online form can be completed in more than one session — but it is recommended to begin only once all supporting documents are ready.
• Every attached document should be named with the applicant’s name and saved in PDF format, under 250 KB in size.
• Click Submit only once all fields and attachments are fully completed.

6. Application Deadline & Support Contacts

⏰ Deadline: 22nd August 2026, 11:59 PM (Central Africa Time)

Mr. Emmanuel Kamanzi UR Admission and Registration Specialist Tel: +250 788 736 530 Email: e.kamanzi@ur.ac.rw	Mr. Jean Baptiste MUGIRANEZA Data Analytics and IT – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR Tel: +250 722 016 900 Email: j.b.mugiraneza@ur.ac.rw
Dr. Odette Uwizeye Registrar, University of Rwanda Tel: +250 788 304 39 Email: registrar@ur.ac.rw	Mr. Oscar MUVANDIMWE Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR Tel: +250 788 488 272 Email: o.muvandimwe@ur.ac.rw

7. Additional Information

• Applicants’ phone numbers and email addresses should remain active to receive critical updates on their application.
• Applications are processed on an ongoing basis until the deadline.
• A pre-selection step will be followed by an oral interview conducted by independent panels; unsuccessful candidates will be notified at each stage.
• There will be unannounced on-site validation visits to the homes of selected students.
• There are absolutely NO charges, fees, facilitation costs, agents, or intermediaries required at any stage of the application or selection process.
• Applicants found to have falsified information or attempted to influence the process shall be disqualified.
• The decisions of the Scholars Recruitment Committee (SRC) are final.
• Any misconduct — including breaching university rules, participation in riotous or subversive activities, illicit financial activities, terrorism, or denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi — shall lead to automatic disqualification and loss of the scholarship.
• All scholarships are on a rolling basis; annual renewal of funding is subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• Successful applicants are expected to become transformative leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, and to remain in close communication with the University of Rwanda for at least 5 years after completing their studies.

8. Description of the Scholarship Package

This is a comprehensive scholarship managed by the University of Rwanda, offering holistic training that empowers scholars toward academic success, community engagement, and transition to employment. The scholarship covers:

• Comprehensive financial support: full tuition fees, a laptop, learning materials, an annual return ticket allowance, and a full-year monthly stipend.
• Psycho-social support services.
• Uniquely sourced internships with industry for professional development.
• Continued academic support through mentorship, virtual learning, and tutoring.
• Career Development Services, including Industrial Mentorship, Career Guidance, Professional Development, and Enterprise Development.
• Regular group meetings with other scholars focused on personal and professional development.
• Opportunities to participate in leadership congresses, community service, and Go-Back/Give-Back mentoring.
• Membership in the growing Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni family and the Global Scholars Community.

9. Evaluative Interviews & Results

• Among applicants, 30 scholars will be selected by the Scholars Recruitment Committee (SRC) based on the established selection criteria.
• Interviews will follow a predefined guide aligned with the program’s expectations and the institution’s vision.
• The approved list of selected candidates will be published on the UR website, and award letters issued by the Vice Chancellor’s Office.
• Successful candidates must complete and sign a scholarship acceptance form and return it within five workdays of receiving their award letter.

📄 View Full Call for Application

Source: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda — Call for Application for Postgraduate Scholarships, 3rd Cohort, Academic Year 2026–2027. Signed by Assoc. Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas, Ag. Vice Chancellor, University of Rwanda (23 July 2026).