MCF @ RUFORUM Scholarships Academic Year 2019/2020
Mastercard Foundation has partnered with the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a network of 106 universities in 37 African countries to Transform African Agricultural Universities (TAGDev) to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s growth and development. The aim of the partnership is to transform African agricultural universities and their graduates to better respond to developmental challenges through enhanced application of science, technology, business and innovation for rural agricultural transformation.
Under this partnership, 110 undergraduate and 110 Masters Scholarships will be provided over a period of eight years. The scholarships target academically deserving yet economically disadvantaged, marginalized communities and those coming from conflict and post conflict areas of Africa. The scholarships are tenable at Egerton University in Kenya and Gulu University in Uganda. Continuing students are NOT eligible.
Students enrolled under this scholarship program will receive comprehensive scholarships, leadership development, life skills support, entrepreneurship training and mentorship and exposure to community engagement. For the academic year 2019, 50 Undergraduate and 20 Masters scholarships are available of which 70% will be for Kenya and Uganda nationals. Sixty percent (60%) and fifty percent (50%) of the scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate and masters’ female applicants, respectively.
Application Procedure
Applicants should obtain application forms for both the scholarships and admission from the university of choice. Applicants shall only apply to one university of choice. Application forms can also be downloaded from the respective websites: RUFORUM, Gulu University and Egerton University. Applicants are encouraged to carefully study the application guidelines and provide all the required information and documents prior to submitting the application. Females are particularly encouraged to apply.
Advert and Application Forms
MCF@RUFORUM Scholarship Advertisement Online applications; Direct Entry, Diploma Entry, Graduate Entry MCF@RUFORUM Scholarship Application Form 2019
Eligibility Criteria
1. Be a national of Kenya and Uganda to benefit from the national respective scholarship quota.
2. Be a citizen of any African country to benefit from the Africa region scholarship quota.
3. Be from economically disadvantaged, marginalized communities, coming from conflict and post conflict areas.
4. Be less than 25 years for undergraduate and less than 30 years for masters studies by the deadline of the application.
5. Should have completed secondary school and/or diploma for a Bachelors degree application not more than two years from the time of this call. Continuing students are NOT eligible
6. The applicant should meet admission criteria to eligible programs in the University of choice (Egerton University or Gulu University).
7. For admission into Gulu University for an undergraduate degree programme, one must have attained the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE)-High School Certificate (HSC) or its equivalent with two principal passes. For admission into Egerton University, one must have completed the Kenya Secondary Education Certificate (KSCE) or its equivalent with at least C+ pass.
8. Demonstrate interest in agriculture, agribusiness and entrepreneurship.
9. Demonstrate commitment to leadership.
10. Have commitment to working in agriculture, agricultural value chains and rural development.
11. Have a strong commitment to community engagement and transformation.
Eligible Programs of study
The following academic programs are eligible for application during the Academic Year 2019.
Gulu University
1. Bachelor of Science in Agri-Entrepreneurship and Communication Management (5 slots).
2. Bachelor of Science in Food and Agribusiness (5 slots).
3. Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering (5 slots).
4. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (5 slots).
5. Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (5 slots).
6. Master of Science in Agri-Enterprises Development (5 slots).
7. Master of Science in Food Security and Community Nutrition (5 slots).
Egerton University
1. Bachelor of Agribusiness Management (7 slots).
2. Bachelor of Science in Community Development (6 slots).
3. Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management (6 slots).
4. Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Technology (6 slots).
5. Master of Science in Agricultural Extension (5 slots).
6. Master of Science in Soil Science (5 slots).
Application procedure
Applicants should obtain application forms for both the scholarships and admission from the university of choice. Applicants shall only apply to one university of choice. Application forms can also be downloaded from the following websites: RUFORUM , Gulu University and Egerton University. Applicants are encouraged to carefully study the application guidelines and provide all the required information and documents prior to submitting the application. Females are particularly encouraged to apply.
Note to applicants
• Applicants are advised to submit ALL the documents as guided in the application form for university admission
• Applicants must submit both the scholarship application form and the university admission form at the same time.
• Academic certificates and transcripts must be certified by the institution that issued them
• Successful international applicants will also be required to have police clearance certificate (Certificate of good conduct) prior to commencement of their studies
Application Submission
Applications can be submitted in hard copy or by email attachment to program coordinators in the University of choice. Applications (PDF) by email attachment should not be more than 1 MB and two file attachment (university admission form and scholarship application form).
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the MCF@RUFORUM Scholarships is Sunday 31st March 2019 at 17:00 Hours (GMT+3).