University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the National University of Rwanda supports academically talented, service-oriented youth who still face social and economic barriers in Rwanda and Africa to pursue higher education and develop leadership potential. The program’s purpose is to help young people attain inclusive and relevant quality university education, transition smoothly into dignified and fulfilling work, and lead transformative lives.

The program supports newly admitted students who have not yet started their studies at the National University of Rwanda. It targets young people including young girls, youth with disability, refugees and/or displaced youth. It includes undergraduate and Master’s pathways, with a stated enrollment plan of 1,200 scholars over a period of 10 years and a split of 90% undergraduates and 10% Master’s program admissions.

Applicants are academically qualified and are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to giving back to their communities. The program describes selection in terms of academically talented, service-oriented youth facing social and economic barriers, but it does not provide a step-by-step selection process or criteria details beyond these attributes.

• Citizenship: must be a citizen of Rwanda or any African country, or a refugee, or a displaced young person in Africa.
• Academic requirement: must be academically qualified.
• Selection requirement: must demonstrate leadership potential.
• Service/community requirement: must demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back to communities.
• Enrollment status: must be a newly admitted student and have not yet started studies at the National University of Rwanda.
• Target categories included by the program: young girls, youth with disability, refugees and/or displaced youth.

• Full tuition fees.
• Fully paid on-campus accommodation.
• A laptop.
• Learning materials.
• Academic mentorship.
• Psychosocial support.
• Leadership development training.
• Entrepreneurship skills.
• Internship opportunities.
• Networking with other young African leaders.
• Academic preparation support, including preparation for transition into work (described as part of the program cycle).
• Assistance after graduation (described as after graduation support).

1. Applicants must be newly admitted students who have not yet started their studies at the National University of Rwanda.
2. Apply through an online application portal accessible via the program’s portal on the listed website.

• null