Program Description
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is a 10-year partnership between the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation that aims to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.
Target Categories
- Over a period of 10 years, the University of Rwanda will enroll 1,200 Mastercard Foundation Scholars; young people, particularly women (70%), refugees (25%), and people with disabilities (10%), will be prioritized.
- Ninety percent of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars will be admitted to undergraduate programs, while 10% will enroll in master’s programs.
- Eighty-five percent of the scholars will be Rwandan, while 15% will be international students. Additionally, 80% will pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, while 20% will be admitted to non-STEM programs.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a citizen of Rwanda or any African country, a refugee, or a displaced young person in Africa.
- Be academically qualified.
- Demonstrate critical social and/or economic needs and/or disability.
- For undergraduate applicants, be not older than 28 years at the time of application, or not older than 30 years for those with certified proof of a protracted life condition (e.g., refugees, single mothers, members of child-headed families, etc.).
- For postgraduate applicants, be not older than 40 years for males and not older than 45 years for females at the time of application.
- Meet the admission criteria for eligible programs at the University of Rwanda.
- Have proven records of leadership and community engagement.
- Show a strong commitment to community engagement and be prepared to “Go Back” and/or “Give Back” to their community.
- Refugees and individuals with disabilities are expected to provide legal proof of their status.
Benefits
Comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Fully paid on-campus accommodation
- A laptop
- Learning materials
- An annual return ticket allowance
- A full-year monthly stipend
- Psycho-social support services
- Uniquely sourced internships with industry partners for professional development
- Continued academic support through academic mentorship, virtual learning, and tutoring
- Career development services, including industrial mentorship, career guidance, and professional development
- Regular group meetings with other scholars, focusing on personal and professional development opportunities
- Opportunities to participate in leadership congresses, community service, and mentoring through the “Go Back, Give Back” initiative
- The prestige of becoming part of the growing Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni network and connecting with the Global Scholars Community.
Application Process
Applications are now open for the program, which will recruit 30 scholars for eligible two-year master’s degree programmes.
Grant Atlas