Year: 2026

The University of Rwanda has launched the call for applications  for the Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

Interested candidates are kindly reminded that they must first secure admission to the University of Rwanda before applying for the scholarship.   

Are You Looking for a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Opportunity at the University of Cambridge? The programme supports talented young people from Africa who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to creating positive change in their communities. The programme is open to graduates who have achieved, or are on track to achieve, the equivalent of a First-Class or strong Upper Second-Class degree and are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.

The Information Session will cover:

• An overview of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge
• Eligibility criteria and academic requirements
• The postgraduate application process and key timelines
• Course selection guidance and application preparation
• Mentorship and student support opportunities
• Question-and-answer session

Who Should Attend?

This session is ideal for graduates who are considering postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge and would like to learn more about scholarship opportunities through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.

We encourage all interested candidates to attend and learn how to prepare a strong application for this prestigious opportunity.

To join the information session on 17 September 2026 starting at 12 pm, click this link

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh will recruit postgraduate scholars for the September 2027 intake across a range of sustainability-focused on-campus and online master’s programmes. The available programmes for the scholarship can be found here: Online postgraduate scholarships | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Global and On-campus postgraduate scholarships | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Global.

Important change to the application process:

Interested applicants must attend one of the mandatory virtual information sessions taking place between 15 and 24 September 2026. Attendance at one of these sessions is required to gain access to the scholarship application form, in addition to meeting the program’s eligibility criteria.

Eligibility:

• Have completed an undergraduate degree by 19 November 2026.
• Have faced significant barriers to education or early career opportunities.
• Demonstrate leadership, community service, and a commitment to creating positive impact.
• Show experience or strong ambition in addressing the climate crisis.
• Be 35 years old or younger at the start of the programme (born on or after 1 January 1992 for the 2027/28 intake).

Details of the information sessions can be found here

The information sessions will take place during the following times:

On-campus applicants:

• 15 September 2026 | 3pm (UK Time)

• 21 September 2026 | 11am (UK Time)

• 24 September 2026 | 4pm (UK Time)

Online applicants: 

• 17 September 2026 | 4pm (UK Time)
• 22 September 2026 | 11am (UK Time)
• 24 September 2026 | 3pm (UK Time)

Registration for the information sessions is done through this link: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Information Sessions for 2027/28 | University of Edinburgh

If you have any further questions, please refer to the document added and to the Frequently asked questions | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Global.

The university will host a refugee-focused information session covering the scholarship opportunity, eligibility criteria, application process, available academic programmes, and more.

Information Session Details

• Date: 26 August 2026
• Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (UK Time) = 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (East Africa Time)
• Zoom Link
• Meeting ID: 971 262 2599
• Passcode: RLRH2025”

More details can be found here.

The University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, is accepting applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, a fully funded opportunity for academically talented young leaders from Africa who are committed to creating positive social and economic change in their communities. The scholarship is ONLY available for a selected number of programs in the faculty of Land and Food Systems, the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Science.

Eligibility:

Applicants should:

• Be citizens of an African country;
• Demonstrate academic excellence;
• Show leadership potential and a commitment to community service;
• Have limited financial means and require financial assistance to pursue graduate studies;
• Meet UBC’s admission requirements for the intended graduate program.

Some further information on the scholarship and applications can be found through the recording of an information session: Info session | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Overview | June 2026

Some additional resources and application tips:

#ApplicationTips: Applying Early and Meeting the Requirements – YouTube

#ApplicationTips: Submitting a Competitive Application and Staying Informed – YouTube

How to Write a Winning Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Essay | Tips from UBC Scholars

If you are interested in applying you need to submit an expression of interest between 31 August and 6 September 2026 through this link

Applicants who are eligible will be invited to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by September 15th – 30th, 2026. 

Further information can be found on this website.

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), with support from the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW, invites applications for Cohort 4 of the EAC Scholarship Programme (EACSP). The programme supports talented and financially disadvantaged students from East African Community (EAC) Partner States to pursue Master’s studies in another EAC country.

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of an EAC Partner State (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda)
• Be below 35 years of age
• Apply to study in an EAC country other than their country of citizenship
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Upper Division, Distinction or equivalent
• Apply to an eligible Master’s programme at a participating university
• Submit a complete scholarship application before the deadline

Priority Fields of Study

Eligible Master’s programmes are offered in the following thematic areas:

• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Informatics
• Science
• Technology
• Business Science

Participating universities are located across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania – More information on the participating universities can be found in the document.

How to Apply 

The application process consists of two steps:

1. Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at a participating university in another EAC country.
2. Complete the EAC Scholarship application form and submit all required supporting documents.

Scholarship application form 

For full details on eligibility, participating universities, eligible programmes and application requirements, please consult the official call for applications. 

Application Deadline: 10 September 2026

DAFI SCHOLARSHIP

UNHCR’s Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI) offers qualified refugee and returnee (in selected countries*) students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country. The scholarship package varies from country to country and covers a range of costs including tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation.

DAFI covers programmes at International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 6, bachelor’s degrees or equivalent level qualifications. The scholarship is designed to provide students with academic and/or professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification. DAFI can also cover short-cycle tertiary education, ISCED level 5 courses. This includes accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes of two years or more that lead to a certification or diploma.

The DAFI Scholarship supports refugee students pursuing bachelor’s degree studies and encourages their participation in community engagement and skills development activities. UNHCR and its education partners closely monitor scholars’ academic progress and well-being through regular engagement with students and their institutions. Please note that the scholarship does not cover master’s degree programs. In Rwanda, over 600 refugee students have benefited from the DAFI Scholarship. Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 academic year, and eligible refugees and asylum-seekers are invited to apply by 7 August 2026.

MAIN ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• The applicant must be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda.
• Priority will be given to those who achieved excellent academic performance.
• Applicant should have been accepted to a university in Rwanda. (You will have to submit proof of admission to a university.)
• Only one family member can apply/obtain DAFI scholarship to ensure that benefits allocated are equally given to other refugee students.
• Applicants currently benefiting from another Higher Education scholarship programmes, are not eligible to apply for DAFI scholarship.
• Applicants who have been confirmed to depart for resettlement to third countries are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

SECONDARY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Female and persons with special needs education are highly encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION FORM

All application should be submitted through DAFI online application form, available at the following link: Rwanda 2026 DAFI Call for applications

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED OR UPLOADED

• Please attach your UNHCR Proof of registration
• Please upload your official/certified copy of the high school diploma.
• Please upload university admission letter or proof of acceptance for study in one of the universities in Rwanda
• Please upload the equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum

Timeframe:

Applications will be accepted from 15 July to 7 August 2026. Please note that late applications will not be considered.

If you experience internet connectivity challenges or require technical assistance with uploading the required documents, please contact the nearest Digital Career Counsellor in your camp or visit a nearby Community Centre for support. For any inquiries, please contact us via [email protected] and [email protected]