University of Rwanda Welcomes Mastercard Foundation Scholars

The University of Rwanda has welcomed 422 new Mastercard Foundation Scholars. At the same time, the university celebrated the graduation of 38 students from the programme’s first cohort.

The milestone marks significant progress in a 10-year partnership focused on expanding access to higher education and developing future African leaders.

The combined reception and graduation ceremony took place on January 23 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village.

A growing community of scholars

The annual event brought together scholars, university leaders, programme partners, and representatives of the Mastercard Foundation.

During the gathering, participants discussed the programme’s achievements, shared expectations, and strengthened connections within the growing scholar community.

Under the 10-year partnership running from 2021 to 2031, the University of Rwanda plans to recruit 1,400 talented students facing socio-economic barriers.

The programme prioritises three groups: young women, who make up 70 per cent of scholars, youth with disabilities at 10 per cent, and refugees at 25 per cent.

In addition, the initiative provides full support. This includes recruitment, academic preparation, education, transition to employment, and post-graduation engagement.

Leadership beyond academics

Addressing the scholars, UR’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Kayihura Muganga Didas, urged them to pursue excellence rooted in values.

“Excellence is not defined by credentials alone,” he said. “It also requires character, discipline, and purpose.”

He encouraged scholars to align personal ambitions with Rwanda’s development goals. According to him, knowledge only gains meaning when it serves society.

Furthermore, he described the graduates as proof that investing in talent delivers results. Graduation, he said, marks the beginning of service, not the end of learning.

Programme impact and progress

The Programme Director, Anne Marie Kagwesage, said 970 scholars are currently enrolled across UR’s campuses.

She added that the programme remains on track to train 1,400 scholars. This includes 200 students under the national 4×4 initiative to accelerate the training of health professionals.

According to Kagwesage, scholars are already showing strong academic performance. Many graduates have progressed to competitive master’s and PhD programmes, secured international scholarships, or found employment soon after graduation.

Graduates give back to communities

Speaking for the graduating cohort, finance graduate Dieudonné Dushimirimana thanked the foundation for investing in both education and personal growth.

“You saw potential where others saw need,” he said.

He highlighted scholars’ community initiatives. These include renovating homes for vulnerable families, paying health insurance, donating livestock, and offering training in financial literacy, hygiene, and conflict resolution.

New scholars look ahead

For new scholars, the programme opens doors to opportunity. Aime Elvine Utuje Kamikazi, a first-year architecture student, said the support enables her to focus on learning.

“They cover living expenses and provide materials for practical projects,” she said. She added that training sessions and conferences help prepare scholars for the future.

Long-term commitment to youth

Ivan Ntwali, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Rwanda, said the foundation has supported over 150,000 young people since 2009.

Globally, he noted, the foundation has awarded more than 57,000 scholarships through partnerships with 66 organisations. Women account for 71 per cent of beneficiaries.

“Our partnership with the University of Rwanda shows what shared commitment can achieve,” he said.

Education for national development

The Guest of Honor, Pascal Gatabazi, praised the programme’s role in advancing higher education.

He urged scholars to apply their knowledge and skills to support Rwanda’s sustainable development.

“The University of Rwanda stands at the centre of national transformation,” he said.