Scholarships for AfricansScholarships for Africans
All scholarships
MastersMixed (likely covers tuition, living stipends, research costs, etc., specifics vary by university)

RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027

Last verified 12 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships for the 2026/2027 Academic Year invite applications for Master's programs across multiple African universities, emphasizing inclusivity for women, refugees, IDPs, and persons with disabilities.

Provider
RUFORUM / Mastercard Foundation
Host country
Africa
Deadline
1st May 2026
Region
Africa
Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 is open to African students applying to study in Africa at the Masters level, with mixed (likely covers tuition, living stipends, research costs, etc., specifics vary by university) funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply
Masters · applicants for Africa
Funding
Mixed (likely covers tuition, living stipends, research costs, etc., specifics vary by university)
Study level
Masters
Deadline
1st May 2026

Key eligibility criteria

  • Open to both female and male applicants. Females, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet specific academic and program requirements set by individual partner universities.

About the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 (2026)

# RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 ## Overview The RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships offer a transformative opportunity for students to pursue Master's degrees across a network of esteemed African universities. This program, a collaborative effort between the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to cultivate change-makers through advanced education. The scholarship emphasizes inclusivity, actively encouraging applications from women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities. It is designed to empower a diverse cohort of future leaders in various agricultural and development fields, contributing to the sustainable growth and prosperity of the African continent. This initiative focuses on building capacity and fostering innovation through high-quality academic and research experiences. ## Benefits The scholarship provides comprehensive benefits designed to support students throughout their Master's studies. While specifics may vary by university, the program generally offers mixed funding, which can include tuition fees, living stipends, research grants, and other related academic costs. The goal is to remove financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research without undue burden. Beyond financial support, scholars benefit from being part of a prestigious network, gaining access to cutting-edge research opportunities, mentorship, and professional development. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to make significant contributions to their communities and beyond. ## Eligibility Applicants for the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships must meet specific eligibility criteria, which may vary slightly across the participating universities. Generally, candidates should possess a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to Africa's development goals. The scholarship is open to both female and male applicants, with a strong emphasis on encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Specifically, females, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply, reflecting the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Prospective applicants should carefully review the detailed requirements outlined by their chosen university. ## Required Documents While the specific list of required documents may differ for each partner university, applicants should generally prepare a comprehensive set of academic and personal credentials. This typically includes academic transcripts, degree certificates, a detailed curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay outlining their academic and career aspirations, and research proposals where applicable. Refugee, internally displaced person, or disability status may require additional documentation for verification. It is crucial for applicants to refer to the specific call for scholarships from their preferred university for an accurate and complete list of required submission materials to ensure a successful application. ## How to Apply To apply for the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships, prospective candidates must navigate to the specific application portal or instructions provided by their chosen partner university from the list. The overall application process begins with identifying the university and program of interest. Applicants are then required to download and carefully review the detailed Call for Scholarships document specific to that university. This document will outline the application steps, eligibility criteria, required documents, and submission guidelines. It is imperative to follow these instructions meticulously and submit all necessary materials before the stated deadline. Many universities may have online application systems, while others might require submissions via email or postal service. ## Key Dates The primary submission deadline for applications for the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships for the 2026/2027 Academic Year is **1st May 2026**. This date is crucial for all prospective applicants across the participating universities. It is highly recommended that applicants begin preparing their applications well in advance to ensure all required documents are gathered, accurately completed, and submitted on time. While this is the overarching deadline, applicants should also be mindful of any internal deadlines or timelines that individual universities might have for specific stages of their application process, which could occur prior to the final submission date. ## Selection Criteria The selection criteria for the TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships are rigorous and holistic, designed to identify candidates with strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. While specific criteria may vary by university and program, key factors generally include academic merit, relevance of the applicant's proposed study or research to development challenges in Africa, leadership experience, and evidence of community engagement. The program also prioritizes diversity, actively seeking to support female applicants, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities. The selection committees will evaluate applications based on a combination of these elements to ensure a well-rounded and impactful cohort of scholars. ## Tips For a successful application, it is essential to start early and thoroughly review the specific requirements of your chosen university. Pay close attention to the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet all conditions. Tailor your application documents, such as your personal statement and research proposal, to align with the program's objectives and the specific university's focus. Highlight any experiences related to leadership, community involvement, or work with vulnerable populations, as these are highly valued. Secure strong letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. Double-check all submitted documents for accuracy and completeness, and adhere strictly to the submission deadline to maximize your chances. ## Official Source For comprehensive and definitive information regarding the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships for the 2026/2027 Academic Year, please refer to the official announcement page: [https://help.unhcr.org/rwanda/2026/04/13/open-call-for-applications-tagdev-2-0-scholarships-2026-2027-academic-year/](https://help.unhcr.org/rwanda/2026/04/13/open-call-for-applications-tagdev-2-0-scholarships-2026-2027-academic-year/). This page provides access to individual university scholarship calls, which contain detailed application processes, specific eligibility criteria, and required documentation for each participating institution. Applicants are strongly advised to consult this official source and the linked university-specific documents for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 eligibility for Africa applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Open to both female and male applicants. Females, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet specific academic and program requirements set by individual partner universities.

Documents required for the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

  • Valid international passport (bio page scan)
  • Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
  • Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
  • Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
  • Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
  • Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
  • Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
  • Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
  • Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility on the official site

    Open https://help.unhcr.org/rwanda/2026/04/13/open-call-for-applications-tagdev-2-0-scholarships-2026-2027-academic-year/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Open to both female and male applicants. Females, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet specific academic and program requirements set …". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.

  2. 2
    Secure a study place or admission offer

    Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.

  3. 3
    Sit required tests and gather documents

    Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.

  4. 4
    Draft your essays and statements

    Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.

  5. 5
    Complete the online application

    Create an account on https://help.unhcr.org/rwanda/2026/04/13/open-call-for-applications-tagdev-2-0-scholarships-2026-2027-academic-year/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.

  6. 6
    Submit by 1st May 2026 (aim 7 days early)

    Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

  7. 7
    Prepare for shortlist interviews

    If shortlisted, RUFORUM / Mastercard Foundation will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

  1. 12 months out

    Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.

  2. 6 months out

    Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.

  3. 3 months out

    Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.

  4. 1 month out

    Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.

  5. Application deadline

    Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by RUFORUM / Mastercard Foundation, and be able to relocate to Africa for the duration of the programme.

Is the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 fully funded?+

Funding model: Mixed (likely covers tuition, living stipends, research costs, etc., specifics vary by university). Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is 1st May 2026. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Sponsor guides

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.

By field

Read next