224 Views 1 Populality October 2025

The First Cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UR Graduate

The first cohort of 38 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda (UR) has graduated, including 18 undergraduate and 20 master’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars, following years of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth.

The 11th UR Graduation took place at Huye Campus on October 17, 2025. The graduates come from a variety of programs, mostly in the sciences, and many have overcome significant barriers to access university education.

This achievement reflects the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation’s shared commitment to developing 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.

“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program gave me more than an education. It gave me confidence, mentorship, and purpose.” said Urukundo Adéline, one of the graduates in Business Information Technology at UR.

Similarly, Nsanzabandi Gasasira Steven, who graduated with a master’s degree in Internet of Things and embedded computer systems, described the experience as both empowering and transformative.

“The program supported me the way I never imagined possible. I’m a refugee living in Rwanda. It is very hard for refugees to access education. But through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I got an education, and I am now finishing master’s level studies,” he said. “Beyond academic knowledge, it shaped my character and leadership. I am leaving the University of Rwanda ready to innovate and make a difference,” he added.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR provides comprehensive support, including tuition, mentorship, leadership training, psycho-social support, uniquely sources internerships, carrer development services, and daily necessities including learning materials, accommodation, stipends, and others. It also emphasizes community engagement through its “Give Back” philosophy, encouraging Mastercard Foundation Scholars to use their education to address community challenges.

Assoc. Prof. Anne Marie Kagwesage, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR, congratulated the graduates and urged them to carry forward the program’s values into their professional lives.

“The Scholars have demonstrated resilience, excellence, and leadership throughout their journey. As they step into the world, we are confident they will use their skills and values to serve their communities and contribute to Africa’s transformation.”

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR supports academically talented, service-oriented youth who still face social and economic barriers in Rwanda and across Africa, enabling them to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.

The program creates conditions that allow young people to attain inclusive and relevant quality university education, transition smoothly into dignified and fulfilling work, and lead transformative lives.

Currently the Mastercard Foindation Scholars Program has 483 Scholars. Over the period of 10 years, the program aims to support 1,200 Scholars, along with an additional 200 Scholars to support the 4x4 initiative, Rwanda’s strategy to increase the number of health professionals over the next four years.