Mastercard scholarship at  UR 2025-26: Deadline 22nd August 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a 10-year Scholars Program (2021–2031) designed to expand access to quality higher education for 1,400 talented young Africans with limited access to opportunities. The initiative specifically focuses on females pursuing Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), young people with disabilities, refugees and displaced youth. The Program aims to strengthen the University of Rwanda’s institutional capacity and foster inclusive, supportive pathways toward dignified work.

The program is recruiting scholars in selected undergraduate programs for the academic year 2025. Interested applicants will undertake their academic training at the University of Rwanda in the following 7 Colleges (College of Science and Technology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Education, College of Arts and Social Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences) operating on 5 Campuses NYARUGENGE, HUYE, RUKARA, BUSOGO and NYAGATARE.

Requirements

        ·       Be a citizen of Rwanda to benefit from the national scholarship quota.

        ·          Be a citizen of any African country, a refugee, or displaced youth in Africa.

        ·       Academically qualified, with limited access to opportunities.

        ·       Not above 28 years at the time of application, and not above 30 years for those with certified proof
of protracted life condition (refugees, single mothers, in child-headed family, etc).

        ·       Meeting admission criteria to eligible programs at the University of Rwanda.

       ·       Must have generated a UR Reference number and has submitted an application for admission to
UR in one of the earmarked programs (refer to the list of Eligible Programs in section 2 above).

     ·       Must demonstrate commitment to leadership and proof of community engagement (give back)
and/or transformation initiatives.

      ·       Refugees and those with disabilities are expected to provide legal proofs of their status (From
UNHCR or NCPD respectively, or any other duly recognized organization).

  

Benefits

The scholarship will cover:

       ·       Comprehensive financial support (full tuition fees, fully paid on-campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, 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 academic mentorship, virtual learning, and tutoring.

     ·       Career Development Services (including Industrial Mentorship, Career Guidance, Professional
Development, and Enterprise Development, among others)

     ·       Regular group meetings with other scholars that focus on personal and professional development opportunities and activities tailored to build societal relationships and scholars’ capacity.

       ·       Opportunities to participate in leadership congresses, community services and mentoring (Goback Give- Back),

      ·       The prestige of becoming part of the growing family of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni and networking with the Global Scholars Community.

Application Process:

·       A general application form must be filled online using the following link: https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/

·       Refugee applicants are requested to complete the form available in the online application portal.

·       Before completing the online application form, please read through all instructions, and required information. The link to access the empty form will be seen after opening the application link above.

·       Applicants can fill the online application form in more than one session, however, it is recommended that you start the application when you have all the supporting documents in place.

·       The application will be considered only after submission and all steps below are completed: The application form and processes are fully completed

·       All required documents are attached (Please make sure you name each document attached with your names and reference number during the initial application to UR, then ensure that the documents are saved in PDF format (with size less than 250 kb) Click Submit at the end of the online application, only when all the fields and attachments have been fully completed Youth with disabilities, Refugees and/or displaced youth are required to fill in the online application portal.

·       All applicants are required to upload all supporting documents as required, prior to final submission (Note that once the application is submitted, all application fields are closed and cannot be repeated)

Application Deadline: August 22nd, 2025

For More Information:

 VISIT UR WEBSITE

 

Proven Tips to Win the Mastercard Scholarship at University of Rwanda

1.     Research Deeply, Prepare Fully
Understand the scholarship’s mission, eligibility, and values inside out. Show how you embody their vision of leadership, innovation, and impact.

2.     Craft a Story That Resonates
Your application isn’t just facts—it’s a narrative. Paint your journey, challenges, and dreams vividly. Make them feel your passion and commitment.

3.     Excel Academically—But Show More
Good grades open doors, but Mastercard wants leaders. Highlight extracurriculars, community service, and projects where you made a difference.

4.     Showcase Leadership in Action
Don’t just say you’re a leader—prove it with real examples. Whether it’s student clubs, volunteer work, or initiatives you started, make it tangible.

5.     Align Your Goals With Mastercard’s Vision
Connect your ambitions to Mastercard’s commitment to financial inclusion, technology, and Africa’s growth. Show you’re not just dreaming—you’re ready to act.

6.     Gather Strong, Personal Recommendations
Choose referees who know you well—teachers, mentors, community leaders—who can attest to your character, achievements, and potential.

7.     Polish Your Essays and Statements
Be clear, concise, and compelling. Edit ruthlessly. Avoid clichés and fluff. Your voice must be authentic and powerful.

8.     Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly
Practice common scholarship interview questions. Stay confident, articulate, and honest. Remember, they want to know you, not a rehearsed script.

9.     Stay Organized and Meet Deadlines
Late or incomplete applications are automatic no. Create a timeline, double-check requirements, and submit early.

10.  Show Commitment to Giving Back
Mastercard seeks changemakers. Express how you plan to use your education to uplift your community and country

FINAL RECALL: Be the Solution Your Community Need

The Mastercard Foundation isn’t just looking for students—they’re seeking problem-solvers. Think about one specific challenge in your community: Is it access to education? Clean water? Unemployment? Now explain how this scholarship will help you gain the knowledge, network, and tools to fix it.

Example:
"Growing up in a rural Rwandan village where girls drop out of school due to lack of menstrual products, I started a small initiative distributing reusable pads. With this scholarship, I will study public health and launch a full-scale solution that includes education, hygiene access, and mentorship for girls."

This kind of response doesn’t just check a box—it shows vision, leadership, and impact, which are exactly what Mastercard (and Google!) reward

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