Life-Changing Scholarships Open for Refugees at Rwanda’s Top University
Kigali, 21 June 2026
A rare opportunity for refugees and displaced youth: full scholarships covering tuition, living costs, and more at the University of Rwanda. Applications close 22 August 2025—don’t miss this chance to transform your future through education.
Who Can Apply? Clear Eligibility Requirements
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is specifically designed for young Africans facing significant barriers to higher education. The programme prioritises three key groups: refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities [1]. While applications are open to all African students who demonstrate limited access to education, there is strong emphasis on supporting young women and those from marginalised communities [1][2]. To qualify, applicants must first secure admission into a first-year undergraduate programme at the University of Rwanda for the 2025/2026 academic year [1]. This means prospective scholars must complete two separate application processes: one for university admission and another for the scholarship itself. The programme welcomes applicants from all academic disciplines offered at the University of Rwanda, with no restrictions on field of study [1].
Comprehensive Support: What the Scholarship Covers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages available to African students. Beyond covering full tuition fees, the scholarship provides free accommodation in university residences or approved housing [1][3]. Students receive a monthly living stipend calculated to cover basic needs in Kigali, where the University of Rwanda is headquartered [1]. The programme also includes allowances for books and academic materials, travel support for those relocating from distant regions, and comprehensive medical insurance [3]. For refugees and displaced students, additional support may be available to help with documentation and integration challenges [1]. This holistic approach ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from completing their degrees [2].
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Before the Deadline
Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year close at 23:59 East Africa Time on 22 August 2025 [1]. The application process is entirely online through the University of Rwanda’s dedicated portal: https://mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw/ [1]. Prospective applicants should first visit the official call for applications document available at https://ur.ac.rw/IMG/pdf/call_for_application-ug-2025-2026.pdf, which contains detailed eligibility criteria and required documentation [1]. Refugees and displaced persons should note that proof of refugee status or displacement may be required, typically through UNHCR documentation or equivalent [1]. The application portal provides multilingual support, including English and French, to accommodate applicants from across the continent [1]. Applicants are advised to prepare their academic transcripts, identification documents, and personal statements well in advance of the deadline [1].
Beyond the Scholarship: Long-Term Career Support
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program extends far beyond financial support during university studies. As part of the foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy, the programme aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030 [1][2]. Scholars benefit from career development workshops, internship placements, and networking opportunities with potential employers [2]. The programme maintains an active alumni network that provides mentorship and professional connections long after graduation [2]. For refugees and displaced students, this support is particularly valuable, as it helps overcome additional barriers to employment in host countries [1]. The foundation’s extensive partnerships with African businesses and international organisations create pathways to meaningful careers across various sectors [2].
Why This Opportunity Matters for Refugees and Displaced Youth
Higher education remains out of reach for the vast majority of refugees globally. According to UNHCR, only 7% of refugees have access to tertiary education, compared to 40% of the global population [GPT]. In refugee camps like Kakuma and Kalobeyei in Kenya, where many potential applicants reside, educational opportunities beyond secondary school are extremely limited [1]. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program directly addresses this gap by providing a pathway to university education for those who would otherwise have no options [1]. For displaced youth from countries like South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this scholarship represents more than an education—it offers a chance at stability, self-reliance, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities [1]. The programme’s focus on practical skills and employment readiness ensures that graduates can overcome the unique challenges faced by refugees in the job market [2].
Important Dates and Where to Find Updates
While the application deadline is firmly set for 22 August 2025, prospective applicants should monitor several official channels for updates and additional information [1]. The University of Rwanda’s official website (https://ur.ac.rw) will post any programme updates or changes [1]. UNHCR Kenya’s help portal (https://help.unhcr.org/kenya/) provides refugee-specific information and may announce information sessions in refugee camps [1]. The Mastercard Foundation’s press page (https://mastercardfdn.org/en/press/) occasionally features stories about scholarship recipients and programme developments [2]. For those in refugee camps, UNHCR field offices and partner organisations will have printed materials and can assist with the application process [1]. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues with the online portal [1].