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mcfsp@ur.ac.rw
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UR, Gikondo Campus, Ground Floor
Target Categories

Over a period of 10 years, the University of Rwanda will enroll 1,200 Mastercard Foundation Scholars; young people, particularly women (…)

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What the Program Covers

Comprehensive financial support, including full tuition fees, fully paid on-campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, an (…)

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Eligibility Criteria

Be a citizen of Rwanda or any African country, a refugee, or a displaced young person in Africa. • Be academically qualified. • (…)

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UR MCF SP
About the Program

About The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda supports academically talented, service-oriented youth yet still facing social and economic barriers in Rwanda and Africa to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential. The program creates conditions that enable young people to attain inclusive and relevant quality university education, transition smoothly into dignified and fulfilling work, and lead transformative lives. The program mission is to cultivate ethical and transformative leaders who will drive societal change and spearhead the transformation agenda of the African continent.

01
Bachelor’s Program

Among 1,200 scholars, 90% will be undergraduates.

02
Master’s Program

Ten percent of the Scholars will be admitted to the Master’s program.

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Scholars Acceleration Cycle

The Program accelerates Scholars for high academic success and leadership growth.

Recruit

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Rwanda (…)

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Educate

The program supports scholars through nurturing their independence (…)

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Prepare

During academic preparation, scholars are equipped for a (…)

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Transition

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Rwanda (…)

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After graduation support

The program provides assistance to scholars following their formal (…)

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Giving back

This is an integral component of the program. Give Back activities (…)

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Our News & Events

Latest News

6
May 2025

The Mastercard Foundation Visits Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UR, Busogo Campus

The Mastercard Foundation team in charge of the Scholars Network has, on 5th May 2025, visited the University of Rwanda’s College of Agriculture, Forestry (…)

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9
April 2025

UR and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR Hold Sports Festival for Students with Disabilities

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda partnered with the University of Rwanda to organize a Sports Festival and (…)

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The ElevateHER campaign highlighted the female students’ ability to lead tangible change at campuses and in communities
6
April 2025

Female Students and UR Called to Embrace Leadership as the ElevateHER Campaign Concludes

Female students have been called to embrace leadership in order to drive change and contribute to transformation both on the campuses and in the community (…)

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From 2021 to 2031, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda will admit 1,200 scholars.
11
March 2025

UR welcomes new cohort of 196 Mastercard Foundation scholars

University of Rwanda (UR), on March 7, 2025, welcomed and celebrated the new cohort of 196 Mastercard Foundation Scholars, comprising 160 undergraduate (…)

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24
February 2025

31 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda Receive their white Coats

Thirty-one Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda pursuing General Medicine and Surgery, Clinical Psychology, and Pharmacy under the (…)

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The event was organised through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda , held from February 1-3
11
February 2025

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda awards top student projects at Hatana Innovation Bootcamp

Twenty top-performing student projects were awarded grants of up to $5,000, while another eight projects received $2,000 each during the first-ever Hatana (…)

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More News
The Program Application Portal

Are you interested in becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Rwanda?

Eligible applicants are academically talented young people facing the highest social and economic barriers to opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to giving back to their communities.

Visit the Programm Application Portal

Program Recruitment Overview

The program is intended for newly admitted students who have not yet started their studies at the University of Rwanda. Interested applicants apply through an online application portal accessible via this website. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda targets the following categories:

Young Girls
Youth with disability
Refugees and/or Displaced Youth
About Our Program recruitment and targets

548

Total Scholars recruited

70 %+

Female

25 %

Refugees

15 %

International Scholars

10 % +

Youth with Disabilities

Transition and Career Development

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is committed to preparing scholars not only for academic success but also for meaningful careers and impactful leadership beyond university. The Transition and Career Development component equips scholars with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to successfully transition into the workforce, entrepreneurship, or further studies.

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The Program Impact

Giving back and Impact

By webmaster 40 Views

Meet Samuel Adut Loi Akok: A poet and author using his talent to inspire and impact communities

Samuel Adut Loi Akok, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Rwanda from South Sudan, is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and (…)

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By webmaster 25 Views

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda Visit Murambi Genocide Memorial Site

As part of Kwibuka30, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda visited Murambi Genocide Memorial Site in Nyamagabe District, Southern (…)

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By webmaster 28 Views

Mastercard Foundation Scholars donate a house to a family in need in Huye District

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda have donated a house to a family in need in Ngoma Sector, Huye District, Southern (…)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get every single answer here.

Eligible applicants are academically talented young people facing the highest social and economic barriers to opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to giving back to their communities. Applicants must be Rwandan or African nationals, meet University of Rwanda admission requirements, and be committed to giving back to their communities.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda targets academically talented and socially disadvantaged young people, with a focus on women (especially in STEM), refugees and displaced youth, and individuals with disabilities. The program aims to enroll 1,200 scholars between 2021 and 2031, with 70% being women, 25% refugees, and 10% persons with disabilities. It prioritizes undergraduate studies, particularly in STEM fields, while also supporting a smaller percentage in other disciplines and at the postgraduate level.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda provides financial, psychological, and academic support to Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Financial support includes, but not limited to, tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, learning tools and materials including laptop and other scholastic materials, return ticket to a Mastercard Foundation Scholar’s Country of origin, if necessary, among others.

In addition to financial support, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda benefit from academic mentorship, psychosocial support, leadership development training, entrepreneurship skills, internship opportunities, and networking with other young African leaders.

Calls for Application are announced through the University of Rwanda website, the website of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda and the official social media channels of both the University and the Program. Interested applicants apply through an online application portal accessible via the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website at the University of Rwanda.

The program seeks applicants with academic excellence, strong leadership potential, commitment to community service, with resilience, and a clear vision for how they will contribute to Africa’s transformation.

No. The program is intended for newly admitted students who have not yet started their studies at the University of Rwanda.

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Psychosocial Support Services

Access our Online Psychosocial Support for mental health care.