Imagine getting a full scholarship to study agriculture-related fields at a top Nigerian university, with all your tuition, housing, and even a laptop covered. The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship for 2026 offers this chance to talented young Nigerians. This fully funded program targets students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to build skills in agriculture and agribusiness.
Scholarship Summary
The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship is hosted in Nigeria and open to Nigerian nationals or refugees living there. It falls under postgraduate and masters scholarships, but also includes undergraduate options. Key rewards include full tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, a laptop, research support, internships, and training in entrepreneurship. No IELTS is needed, and the deadline is May 1, 2026.
Program Details
This scholarship comes from a partnership between Mastercard Foundation and the University of Port Harcourt under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme. Run by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), it lasts from 2023 to 2033. The goal is to train young Africans to transform agriculture and food systems in a climate-smart way. It focuses on economically challenged but bright students committed to community change.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet certain basic rules. They should be Nigerian nationals or refugees in Nigeria, from poor or marginalized areas, including conflict zones. Age limits are under 25 for undergrad and under 30 for masters. Refugees or displaced persons can be up to 30 for undergrad and 35 for masters. Recent secondary school or diploma completers are preferred, within two years for most, or four for refugees.
Candidates need to show interest in agriculture, agribusiness, or entrepreneurship. They must have leadership skills and a plan to work in agricultural value chains. Women are encouraged to apply. Plus, they must gain admission to University of Port Harcourt programs.
Undergraduate Requirements
For undergrad spots, students need five O-Level credits in subjects like Math, English, Chemistry, Biology or Ag Science, and one of Physics, Economics, or Geography. These come from GCE, SSCE, or NECO in two sittings max. Pass the UTME with Use of English, Chemistry, Math or Physics, and Biology or Ag Science. Choose UniPort as first choice in UTME registration and pass their post-UTME screening. Foreigners skip UTME if they meet O-Level rules.
Postgraduate Requirements
Postgrad applicants need a credit in English and Math. They require at least a Second-Class Honours bachelor’s degree in a related field from UniPort or another recognized university. For masters, a second-class bachelor’s works; for PhD, add a master’s. Submit degree certificates, NYSC discharge (for Nigerians), O-Level results, birth certificate, marriage papers if needed, local ID or passport, and payment receipts.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This is a full-ride award. It pays tuition fees, research costs, workshop and conference fees, living expenses with a monthly stipend, hostel stays, and provides a laptop. Students also get internship placements, community engagement opportunities, field attachments, and entrepreneurship training.
Available Programmes
The scholarship supports specific agriculture-focused degrees.
Undergraduate Programmes
- BSc. Agricultural Economics
- BSc. Agribusiness Management
- BSc. Agricultural Extension and Development Studies
- BSc. Animal Science
- BSc. Food Science and Nutrition
Postgraduate Programmes
- MSc. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- MSc. Agribusiness Management
- MSc. Crop Science
How to Apply Step by Step
Start by visiting the RUFORUM website through their green application button. Fill the Google form for initial interest. Next, apply for admission to University of Port Harcourt for the 2026/27 session, either undergrad or postgrad.
Then, go to the Mastercard RUFORUM Scholarship portal. Find Calls, select Scholarship Calls, and pick Call ID: RU/2026/TAGDev-2.0/001. Click Apply, fill the form, and save drafts often. Download, print, and submit it with your UniPort admission application, either in hard copy or online.
For help, email [email protected]. Check the official call document for more details.
Application Deadline
Submit everything by May 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship?
Nigerian nationals or refugees in Nigeria from poor or marginalized areas qualify if they are under 25 for undergrad or under 30 for masters, show interest in agriculture, and gain admission to UniPort programs.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
It covers full tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, a laptop, research support, internships, and entrepreneurship training.
What programs can I apply for?
Undergraduate options include BSc Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management; postgraduate includes MSc Agribusiness Management and Crop Science.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Visit the RUFORUM website, fill the Google form, apply for UniPort admission, then submit via the Mastercard portal. The deadline is May 1, 2026.