Young Africans looking to build careers in agriculture have a big chance ahead. The RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026/2027 offer full funding for studies at top universities. These scholarships aim to help students from across Africa gain skills in agriculture, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship.
Key Details of the Scholarships
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) runs this program with the Mastercard Foundation. It targets young people who want to transform their communities through farming and related fields. Applications opened recently, and spots are available at 12 partner universities in Africa.
This fully funded program supports both undergraduate and master’s students. It focuses on those under 30 for undergrad and under 35 for master’s at the time of applying. The goal is to train leaders who will work in agricultural value chains and drive change.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
To qualify, applicants must meet clear requirements. First, you need to be a national of an African country. The program gives priority to those who are economically disadvantaged, from marginalized communities, or from conflict areas, especially in Uganda.
Age limits apply: under 30 for undergraduate programs and under 35 for master’s. You must also meet the admission rules of the chosen partner university. Show a real interest in agriculture, agribusiness, or entrepreneurship through your background or goals.
Other key traits include strong leadership skills, a commitment to community work, and plans to stay in agriculture after studies. Women, refugees, people displaced by conflict, and those with disabilities get special encouragement to apply. Both men and women can join, but these groups stand out in selection.
List of Partner Universities
Choose from these 12 universities, each with its own programs in agriculture and related areas. Applications go directly through their links:
- Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique
- Gulu University
- Egerton University
- Africa University
- University of the Free State
- Malawi University of Science and Technology
- University of Eldoret
- Uganda Martyrs University
- University of Port Harcourt
- University of Cape Coast
- University of Bamenda
- National University of Agriculture (application available in English and French)
Each university has a specific call for applications with details on programs offered.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This is a full-board package that covers everything you need to focus on studies. It pays tuition fees, research costs, and fees for workshops or conferences. Living expenses come with a stipend and hostel stay.
You also get a laptop, support for internships, community engagement, field attachments, and entrepreneurship training. This setup helps build practical skills alongside classroom learning. No other costs fall on the student.
Application Deadline and Next Steps
The deadline is May 1, 2026. Check the official webpage for full details and to start your application. Prepare documents that highlight your fit for the criteria, like proof of leadership or community involvement. Act fast to meet university-specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships?
African nationals under 30 for undergraduate or under 35 for master’s programs qualify, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with interest in agriculture, agribusiness, or entrepreneurship.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
It covers full tuition, living stipend, hostel, laptop, internships, and training in entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Which universities can I apply to?
There are 12 partner universities including Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, Gulu University, Egerton University, and others across Africa.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on May 1, 2026; check the official website and university links for details.