University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded)
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda. The programme supports academically talented young people who face significant social and economic barriers to higher education and helps them develop the skills needed for meaningful careers and community leadership.
The programme supports both undergraduate and Master’s-level study, with most scholars enrolled at undergraduate level. The University of Rwanda and Mastercard Foundation established a 10-year partnership running from 2021 to 2031, with a target of supporting 1,200 scholars.
A key point for applicants is that the scholarship is not a general scholarship for students from every country. The University of Rwanda programme is designed primarily for Rwandan and other African applicants, refugees and displaced young people in Africa, with particular attention to young women, persons with disabilities and other students facing serious barriers to opportunity.
Current 2027 status: As of September 2026, the University of Rwanda has not yet published a separate 2027 scholarship call on its official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website. The most recent postgraduate recruitment round listed there was for the 2026–2027 academic year, and its online application period has closed. Therefore, applicants should not rely on an unverified 2027 deadline published by third-party websites.
University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Scholarship | University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 |
|---|---|
| University | University of Rwanda |
| Country | Rwanda |
| Scholarship programme | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| Study levels | Undergraduate and Master’s |
| Target applicants | Rwandan and African youth, refugees and displaced youth |
| Funding | Fully funded / comprehensive support |
| Tuition | Covered |
| Accommodation | On-campus accommodation covered |
| Learning materials | Supported |
| Laptop | Provided under programme support |
| Travel support | Return travel support where applicable |
| Leadership development | Included |
| Academic support | Included |
| Psychosocial support | Included |
| 2027 deadline | Not officially announced yet |
| Application status | 2027 call not yet published |
The University of Rwanda describes the programme as providing comprehensive financial support, including tuition, accommodation, a laptop and learning materials. Its official FAQ also lists registration fees and return travel support where necessary.
What Is the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship?
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship is implemented through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. It is intended to help talented young people who may otherwise have limited access to university because of financial, social or other barriers.
The programme is more than a tuition scholarship. Scholars receive academic support, mentoring, leadership development, psychosocial support, career preparation and opportunities to participate in activities designed to strengthen their transition into employment, entrepreneurship or further education.
The University of Rwanda programme is part of a wider Mastercard Foundation initiative that works through partner universities and organisations. The Foundation explains that each partner manages its own admissions, eligibility rules and application timetable.
University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides comprehensive support to selected scholars.
Depending on the applicable programme and intake, support can include:
- Full tuition fees
- Registration fees
- On-campus accommodation
- Laptop
- Learning materials and other scholastic resources
- Return travel to the scholar’s country of origin, where necessary
- Academic mentoring
- Psychosocial support
- Leadership development
- Entrepreneurship skills
- Internship and career development opportunities
- Networking opportunities
- Support during the transition from university to work or further study
The University of Rwanda specifically states that its programme provides financial, psychological and academic support.
The Mastercard Foundation also explains that its Scholars Program generally provides financial, psychosocial and academic support, although the exact package varies between partner institutions.
Who Can Apply for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship?
The programme is intended for academically talented young people who face significant social and economic barriers to opportunity.
The University of Rwanda identifies the following broad eligibility characteristics:
- Be a citizen of Rwanda or another African country, or be a refugee or displaced young person in Africa.
- Meet the academic requirements for the relevant University of Rwanda programme.
- Demonstrate financial or social barriers to higher education.
- Show leadership potential.
- Demonstrate commitment to community service and giving back.
- Meet the admission requirements of the University of Rwanda and the specific degree programme.
The programme particularly focuses on young women, refugees and displaced youth, and young people with disabilities.
Academic admission and scholarship selection are separate matters. Being admitted to the University of Rwanda does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive a Mastercard Foundation scholarship. The Mastercard Foundation confirms that admission to a partner institution does not guarantee selection for the Scholars Program.
Who Is Prioritized Under the Programme?
The University of Rwanda has established specific target groups within its Mastercard Foundation partnership.
These include:
- Young women, particularly those pursuing STEM
- Refugees and displaced youth
- Youth with disabilities
- International African students
- Young people experiencing significant social and economic barriers
The programme’s overall partnership target is to enrol 1,200 scholars between 2021 and 2031, with a strong focus on women, STEM participation, refugees and persons with disabilities.
These targets do not mean that every applicant in one category will automatically receive a scholarship. Applicants still need to meet the academic and programme-specific requirements and go through the selection process.
Study Levels Covered
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports:
- Bachelor’s / undergraduate programmes
- Master’s programmes
The University of Rwanda states that approximately 90% of the planned scholars are undergraduate students, while around 10% are expected to study at Master’s level.
The Mastercard Foundation’s general programme information confirms that scholarships can be offered at undergraduate and Master’s level. It also states that the Foundation’s Scholars Program does not currently provide scholarships for PhD candidates.
Therefore, applicants looking for a University of Rwanda Mastercard PhD scholarship should not assume that this programme provides doctoral funding.
Eligible Fields of Study
The exact eligible programmes can change according to each recruitment cycle.
The University of Rwanda’s Mastercard Foundation partnership supports a broad range of academic disciplines, with a strong emphasis on STEM. The University itself offers programmes through areas including:
- Science and Technology
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
- Education
- Arts and Social Sciences
The Mastercard Foundation notes that eligible majors and degrees vary by partner institution and intake. Applicants should therefore check the official University of Rwanda scholarship announcement for the specific programme list before applying.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes, the University of Rwanda programme can include applicants from outside Rwanda.
The official programme information says eligible applicants can be Rwandan or other African nationals, as well as refugees or displaced young people in Africa. The programme’s current recruitment information also identifies international scholars among its target groups.
However, international applicants must still meet the University of Rwanda’s academic admission requirements and the scholarship’s specific conditions.
Applicants with foreign academic qualifications may also need to obtain the required academic equivalence documents. The current postgraduate recruitment portal specifically notes equivalence requirements for foreign qualifications.
Is the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship Fully Funded?
The University of Rwanda describes its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as providing comprehensive financial support.
The published programme information includes tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, learning tools and materials, a laptop and return travel support where necessary.
In addition to financial assistance, scholars receive academic, psychosocial and leadership support.
Because the exact benefits can depend on the programme and recruitment cycle, applicants should always check the official 2027 call before assuming that every listed expense will be covered in exactly the same way.
University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 Deadline
At present, the official 2027 application deadline has not been announced by the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The most recent postgraduate call available on the official programme website was for the 2026–2027 academic year. Its online recruitment portal opened on July 23, 2026 and closed on August 22, 2026. The portal currently shows that applications are closed.
For this reason, applicants should not copy the 2026–2027 dates into a 2027 article as though they were confirmed.
The University of Rwanda says scholarship calls are announced through its website, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website and official social-media channels.
How to Apply for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship
The application process normally involves two related but separate parts: University admission and scholarship application.
Apply for University Admission
Applicants first need to identify an eligible University of Rwanda programme and follow the university’s admission requirements.
The scholarship programme itself states that applicants must meet the University’s admission requirements.
Check the Mastercard Foundation Call
When the 2027 call is officially released, carefully read the announcement for the eligible degree programmes, target groups, required documents and application deadline.
The University of Rwanda says scholarship calls are announced through the official programme and university channels.
Complete the Scholarship Application
Applicants who meet the requirements then submit the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application through the official recruitment system.
The recent postgraduate recruitment portal required applicants to create an account, complete the application form and submit information covering education, family circumstances, socioeconomic background and leadership.
The scholarship application is separate from University admission. The programme’s FAQ specifically confirms that applicants need to submit the scholarship application separately from the University admission application.
Documents for the Scholarship Application
The exact document list for the 2027 intake should be confirmed when the official call is published.
The current postgraduate recruitment system has required documents such as:
- Passport-size digital photograph
- National ID
- Passport for international applicants
- Refugee identification or supporting documentation, where applicable
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Leadership certificates, where available
- Academic information and supporting documents
Applicants with foreign qualifications may also need the required equivalence documentation.
Do not prepare documents based solely on an old scholarship announcement. The 2027 call should be treated as the final authority.
Selection Process
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program assesses applicants using several factors.
The current postgraduate recruitment portal identifies three major assessment areas:
- Academic Talent — 30%
- Economic Disadvantage — 45%
- Leadership Potential — 25%
This weighting is specifically displayed on the current postgraduate recruitment system and should be understood in the context of that recruitment round.
The programme also looks for applicants who demonstrate resilience, community service, leadership potential and a clear vision for contributing to Africa’s development.
What Support Do Scholars Receive Beyond Funding?
The programme is designed to support scholars throughout their university journey.
Support can include:
- Academic mentorship
- Psychosocial services
- Leadership training
- Entrepreneurship development
- Internships
- Career guidance
- Networking
- Conferences and enrichment activities
- Community service and “give back” activities
- Transition and career development support
The University of Rwanda describes the programme as supporting scholars from recruitment and education through preparation, transition and post-graduation development.
This means the scholarship is not limited to paying university costs. It also aims to help scholars build skills and networks for life after graduation.
Important Information for Applicants
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 should not be confused with a general Mastercard Foundation scholarship that can be used at any university.
The Mastercard Foundation explains that its Scholars Program operates through partner institutions, and each partner controls its own application process, eligible programmes and deadlines.
For the University of Rwanda, applicants must follow the programme’s own recruitment announcement and application portal.
Another important point is that University admission does not guarantee scholarship selection. The scholarship is competitive and requires a separate selection process.
Tips for a Strong Application
Start preparing before the 2027 call is published.
First, identify the University of Rwanda programme you want to study and check its admission requirements. Then gather your academic records and any documents that demonstrate your eligibility.
Your application should clearly explain your academic goals, leadership experience, community involvement and the barriers that have affected your access to education.
If you are applying under a specific target category, such as disability, refugee or displaced status, make sure the relevant supporting documentation is available.
Do not exaggerate financial hardship or leadership achievements. Provide accurate information and supporting evidence.
Finally, use only the official University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation recruitment portal when the 2027 application opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027?
It is a scholarship under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda that supports academically talented young people facing social and economic barriers to higher education.
Is the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship fully funded?
The programme provides comprehensive financial support that can include tuition, registration fees, accommodation, learning materials, a laptop and return travel support where necessary.
Who can apply for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship?
Eligible applicants can include Rwandan and other African nationals, refugees and displaced young people in Africa who meet the academic, financial, leadership and other programme requirements.
Can international students apply for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship?
Yes. The programme can accept eligible applicants from other African countries, and its current information identifies international scholars among its target groups. Applicants must still meet the applicable admission and scholarship requirements.
Does the scholarship support Master’s degrees?
Yes. The University of Rwanda programme supports Master’s students, although undergraduate students make up the majority of the planned scholars.
Does the Mastercard Foundation scholarship support PhD study at the University of Rwanda?
The Mastercard Foundation’s current general FAQ states that its Scholars Program does not currently provide scholarships for PhD candidates. Therefore, applicants should not assume that a University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation PhD scholarship is available.
Is the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 open now?
As of September 2026, a separate 2027 call has not been published on the official University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website. The most recent postgraduate application round was for the 2026–2027 academic year and is closed.
Where can I apply for the University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship?
Applicants should use the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program recruitment portal linked through the University of Rwanda programme website when the relevant 2027 call is published.
Official Sources
- University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship Recruitment Portal
- Mastercard Foundation — University of Rwanda
- University of Rwanda official website
- Latest University of Rwanda Postgraduate Scholarship Call
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program FAQs
Final Thoughts
The University of Rwanda Mastercard Scholarship 2027 is part of a major Mastercard Foundation partnership designed to expand access to higher education for talented young Africans facing significant barriers to opportunity.
The programme provides comprehensive support that can include tuition, accommodation, learning resources, a laptop and travel assistance, along with academic, psychosocial, leadership and career-development support.
The programme supports undergraduate and Master’s study, while the Mastercard Foundation currently states that its Scholars Program does not provide PhD scholarships.
For the 2027 intake, the official application deadline has not yet been announced. The most recent postgraduate recruitment round was for 2026–2027 and closed on August 22, 2026. Students interested in the next intake should monitor the official University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation website rather than relying on an unverified 2027 deadline.