About this opportunity
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda has opened applications for its fifth undergraduate cohort, the 2026/2027 intake. The program is a ten year partnership (2021 to 2031) between the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation, created to help academically talented young people who face social and economic barriers reach quality university education and grow into transformative leaders. Over the life of the partnership the university expects to enroll 1,200 scholars, and 90 percent of them will study for bachelor's degrees.
Cohort 5 recruitment covers undergraduate programs across the seven colleges of the University of Rwanda, from science and technology to medicine, agriculture, business, education, arts and veterinary medicine, taught on six campuses. The support package is comprehensive: full tuition, fully paid on campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, an annual return travel allowance and a monthly stipend across the academic year. Scholars also receive psychosocial support services, uniquely sourced internships with industry, academic mentoring and tutoring, career development services, and membership of a global community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
Applications run through the program's own online recruitment portal, where you create an account, complete the form and keep your application number to track progress and results. The closing date is 12 October 2026 at 23:59 Kigali time. The postgraduate round for the same cycle already closed on 25 August 2026, so this window is for undergraduate study only.
What you receive
- Full tuition fees for a bachelor's degree at the University of Rwanda
- Fully paid on campus accommodation
- A laptop and learning materials
- An annual return travel allowance and a full year monthly stipend
- Psychosocial support services
- Internships with industry partners for professional development
- Academic mentorship, virtual learning and tutoring
- Career development services including industrial mentorship, career guidance and enterprise development
- Leadership congresses and give back activities with the scholars community
- Alumni membership of the global Mastercard Foundation Scholars community
Who can apply
- Be a citizen of Rwanda or any African country, a refugee, or a displaced young person in Africa
- Be academically qualified, with limited access to opportunities
- Be not older than 28 years at the time of application, or not older than 30 with certified proof of a protracted life condition such as being a refugee, a single mother or a member of a child headed family
- Meet the admission criteria for eligible undergraduate programs at the University of Rwanda
- Show proven records of leadership and community engagement, and a commitment to give back to your community
Who should not apply
- The postgraduate intake for the 2026/2027 cycle closed on 25 August 2026 and is not part of this call
Documents to prepare
- Academic records that meet the University of Rwanda admission criteria for your chosen program
- Legal proof of refugee status from UNHCR or another duly recognised organisation, if applying as a refugee
- Legal proof of disability from the NCPD or another duly recognised organisation, if applicable
- Certified proof of a protracted life condition if applying under the extended 30 year age limit
How to apply
- Open the program recruitment portal at https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/
- Create an account and select the 2026/2027 Cohort 5 undergraduate scholarships track
- Complete the application form and attach the supporting documents listed for your situation
- Keep your application number, it is required to track your application and results
- Submit before the portal closes on 12 October 2026 at 23:59 Kigali time
Selection process
- Applications are screened through the recruitment portal against the published criteria
- Applicants log in with their application number to view progress and results
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
When do applications close?
The portal states applications close on 12 Oct 2026, 23:59 (Kigali time).
Can a Nigerian or other non Rwandan African citizen apply?
Yes. The published criteria welcome citizens of Rwanda or any African country, as well as refugees and displaced young people in Africa.
Is the postgraduate round still open?
No. The 2026/2027 postgraduate scholarships closed on 25 August 2026.
Is there an age limit?
Undergraduate applicants must be 28 years old or younger at the time of application, rising to 30 with certified proof of a protracted life condition.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
