African Refugees Gain Access to Full University Scholarships Through Mastercard Foundation Program

2026-02-14 services

Nairobi, 14 February 2026
The Mastercard Foundation is providing comprehensive university scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for African refugees and displaced youth at universities in Rwanda and Kenya. This initiative specifically targets vulnerable populations including young women and students with disabilities who face barriers to higher education. The program forms part of an ambitious strategy to support 30 million young Africans in accessing dignified employment by 2030, with applications currently open through UNHCR Kenya for residents of Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps.

University of Rwanda Applications Open Until August 2025

The University of Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is currently accepting applications for full undergraduate scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year [1]. The application deadline is set for 22 August 2025, providing prospective students with several months to prepare their submissions [1]. Eligible candidates must have applied for admission into first-year undergraduate programmes at the University of Rwanda for the upcoming academic year [1]. The online application portal is accessible at mcfsprecruitment.ur.ac.rw, where students can submit their complete applications [1]. This programme represents a significant opportunity for African students from all regions and genders who face limited access to education, particularly targeting those from marginalised communities [1].

USIU-Africa Scholarships Target Refugees and Youth with Disabilities

United States International University Africa offers parallel opportunities through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, specifically designed for refugees, displaced youth, and young people with disabilities [2]. The university has established dedicated application processes with comprehensive guidelines to support vulnerable populations in accessing higher education [2]. Applications for USIU-Africa are processed through UNHCR Kenya, which provides detailed guidance documents to assist potential scholars in completing their submissions [2]. The programme extends beyond traditional academic support to encompass holistic development opportunities for participants [2].

Comprehensive Support Beyond Tuition Coverage

The scholarship packages extend far beyond basic tuition coverage, providing comprehensive support systems designed to ensure academic success [1]. Students receive full accommodation or housing support, monthly living stipends, laptops, educational materials, and travel costs [alert! ‘specific details from source 4 about AUB programme, may not apply to all programmes’]. Medical insurance coverage forms an essential component of the support structure, addressing healthcare needs throughout the study period [alert! ‘specific details from source 4 about AUB programme, may not apply to all programmes’]. Additionally, scholars gain access to mentoring programmes, academic tutoring, career guidance, internships, community engagement opportunities, and entrepreneurship training [alert! ‘specific details from source 4 about AUB programme, may not apply to all programmes’]. These wraparound services address the multifaceted challenges that displaced youth often face when pursuing higher education.

Strategic Focus on Women and Marginalised Communities

The Mastercard Foundation has demonstrated particular commitment to supporting young women in STEM fields, evidenced by the establishment of the first-ever IamtheCODE Academy at Kakuma Refugee Camp [7]. This initiative, celebrated during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2026, provides a safe learning environment where girls can develop technical skills and pursue ambitious career goals [7]. The foundation recognises that when young women and girls gain access to quality education and develop relevant skills, they transform not only their own futures but entire communities [7]. The broader Young Africa Works Strategy aims to enable 30 million young people—with particular emphasis on young women, refugees, displaced persons, and persons with disabilities—to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030 [1].

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