26/07/2025
FAMReports Opportunity Desk | July 2025
In a significant move to promote inclusive and equitable access to quality higher education, the University of Rwanda (UR), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched its annual call for applications for the 2025/2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The prestigious scholarship is fully funded and aims to support talented African youth, particularly those with limited access to opportunities, including young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth.
This opportunity falls under the Mastercard Foundation’s broader Young Africa Works Strategy, which targets enabling 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. The program at UR aligns with this vision by offering a transformative undergraduate academic experience for Africa’s next generation of changemakers.
What the Program Offers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is a 10-year initiative (2021–2031) dedicated to educating and empowering 1,400 youth across Africa. The scholarship goes beyond financial assistance—it combines academic support, leadership development, and professional mentorship to prepare youth for a life of impact.
Successful applicants will receive:
Full tuition fee coverage
On-campus accommodation (fully paid)
A laptop and academic learning materials
Monthly living stipend for the full academic year
Annual return ticket allowance (for international scholars)
Psycho-social support services
Internships with industry partners for professional development
Continued academic mentorship, tutoring, and virtual learning
Career development training in areas such as enterprise development and career guidance
Participation in leadership and community development activities
Access to the Mastercard Foundation Global Scholars Alumni Network
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The scholarship creates a holistic academic environment for young people to grow intellectually and socially while also building the leadership skills required for national and continental transformation.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to:
Rwandan citizens, eligible under the national scholarship quota
Citizens of any African country, including refugees and displaced youth residing in Africa
University of Rwanda (UR), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched its annual call for applications for the 2025/2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.