University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 (2nd Call)

If you are a young African with limited access to opportunities and aspire to pursue higher education, the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 (Intake 2) is now open for applications. This transformative initiative provides full undergraduate scholarships for talented students—especially young women in STEM, refugees, displaced youth, and persons with disabilities.

The Scholars Program at UR is a 10-year partnership (2021–2031) that will support 1,400 students to access world-class education while fostering inclusive leadership, career pathways, and community impact. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity!

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Rwanda

• Host Institution: University of Rwanda

• Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s programs)

• Target Group:

  • African students with limited access to opportunities

  • Priority for females in STEM

  • Refugees and displaced youth

  • Persons with disabilities

• Fields of Study: STEM and non-STEM across 7 colleges of the University of Rwanda

• Funding:

  • Full tuition

  • On-campus accommodation

  • Laptop & learning materials

  • Monthly stipend

  • Annual return ticket allowance

  • Psycho-social support & mentorship

  • Career development & internships

• Duration: Duration of selected undergraduate program (3–5 years depending on the program)

• Application Deadline: 26 September 2025

• Start Date: Academic Year 2025/2026

• Eligible To: African students (Rwandan nationals, refugees, displaced youth, other Africans)

📚 Eligible Undergraduate Programs

The following 199 scholarships will be offered under this intake across the University of Rwanda’s 7 colleges and 5 campuses.

• Nyarugenge Campus – College of Science and Technology (46 scholarships)

  • School of Engineering

    • BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering – 3

    • BSc (Hons) in Electrical Power Engineering – 3

    • BSc (Hons) in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering – 3

    • BSc (Hons) in Transportation Engineering – 3

    • Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) – 3

  • School of Architecture & Built Environment

    • BSc (Hons) in Environmental Planning & Management – 3

    • BSc (Hons) in Urban and Regional Planning – 2

  • School of Science

    • BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry – 2

    • BSc (Hons) in Applied Mathematics – 2

    • BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics – 2

    • BSc (Hons) in Statistics – 3

  • School of ICT

    • BSc (Hons) in Computer Engineering – 3

    • BSc (Hons) in Information Technology – 3

    • BSc (Hons) in Information Systems – 3

  • School of Mining & Geology

    • BSc (Hons) in Mining Engineering – 2

• Huye Campus

  • College of Business and Economics (10 scholarships)

    • BSc (Hons) in Economics – 2

    • BBA (Hons) in Transport & Logistics Management – 2

    • BSc (Hons) in Business Information Technology – 2

    • BBA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance – 4

  • College of Medicine and Health Sciences (113 scholarships)

    • BSc (Hons) in Pharmacy – 10

    • BSc (Hons) in Clinical Psychology – 3

    • BSc (Hons) in Anaesthesia – 20

    • Bachelor in Dental Therapy – 20

    • BSc (Hons) in Midwifery – 30

    • BSc (Hons) in Nursing – 30

  • College of Arts and Social Sciences (7 scholarships)

    • BA (Hons) in Creative and Performing Arts – 2

    • BA (Hons) in English and African Languages – 1

    • Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Law – 2

    • BSOC (Hons) in Social Work – 2

• Busogo Campus – College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences (9 scholarships)

  • BSc (Hons) in Crop Production – 3

  • BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Technology – 3

  • BSc (Hons) in Horticulture – 3

• Nyagatare Campus – College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (6 scholarships)

  • BSc (Hons) in Aquaculture & Fisheries Management – 2

  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Production – 2

  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine – 2

• Rukara Campus – College of Education (11 scholarships)

  • School of Mathematics and Science Education (SMSE)

    • BEd (Hons) in Computer Science – 4

    • BEd (Hons) in Science (Physics-Chemistry) – 3

  • School of Educational Sciences

    • BEd (Hons) in Special Needs Education – 2

    • BEd (Hons) in Early Childhood Education – 2

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees for the entire program duration

• Fully paid on-campus accommodation

• Laptop and learning materials

• Annual return ticket allowance

• Monthly living stipend

• Psycho-social support and mentorship

• Professional development & career services (internships, industrial mentorship, career guidance, enterprise development)

• Leadership congresses, community service, and "Give Back" initiatives

• Membership in the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Network

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of Rwanda or any African country (including refugees and displaced youth)

• Be academically qualified with limited access to opportunities

• Be under 28 years old (30 years for those with protracted life conditions such as refugees or child-headed households)

• Meet UR admission criteria for one of the eligible programs

• Have a UR reference number (from prior application to UR admission system)

• Demonstrate leadership potential and community engagement

• Provide proof of refugee/disability status where applicable (UNHCR, NCPD, or recognized bodies)

• Not hold another scholarship (double scholarships lead to disqualification)

✍🏻 Application Procedure

• Complete the online application form: https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/

• Ensure you have all supporting documents ready before starting

• Upload documents in PDF format (<250 KB each), labeled with your name and reference number

• Only submit once all fields and attachments are complete

• Note: Applications cannot be reopened once submitted

📂 Required Documents

• Completed application form

• Proof of admission (UR reference number)

• Academic certificates and transcripts

• Identification document (passport, national ID, or refugee ID)

• Proof of disability or refugee status (if applicable)

• Evidence of community engagement or leadership (recommended)

📆 Key Dates & Contact

• Application Deadline: 26 September 2025

• Support Contacts:

  • Admissions Office: admissions@ur.ac.rw

  • Dr. Odette Uwizeye (Registrar) – +250 788 304 391

  • Mr. Emmanuel Kamanzi (Admissions Specialist) – +250 788 736 530

  • Mr. Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (Data Analytics & IT) – +250 783 016 900

  • Oscar Muvandimwe (M&E Specialist) – +250 788 488 272 | o.muvandimwe@ur.ac.rw

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Selection involves oral interviews and home visits in collaboration with local leaders

• Misconduct, falsified information, or attempts to influence the process result in disqualification

• Final selection results will be published on the UR website

• Scholarship renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance

• Successful applicants must remain engaged with UR and the Scholars Program for 5 years post-graduation

💡FAQs

1. Who can apply?

African students (Rwandans, refugees, displaced youth, or other nationals) under 28, or under 30 with protracted life conditions.

2. Can continuing students apply?

No. Only new students admitted into eligible undergraduate programs.

3. Does the scholarship cover all expenses?

Yes, it is a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, study materials, travel, and support services.

4. Can I hold another scholarship at the same time?

No. Students with double scholarships will be disqualified.

5. How are candidates selected?

Through application screening, oral interviews, and home visits. Final results are published by the University of Rwanda.

6. When is the deadline?

26 September 2025.

🗂️ Call in PDF

🔗 Application Link

🔗 Official Website

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