The Mastercard Foundation’s 2026 scholarship program is now accepting applications in collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt.
Application Deadline:
- 1 June 2026
Tell Me About The Scholarship:
The Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) programme, implemented by RUFORUM in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and African universities, supports economically disadvantaged but academically competent students. At the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort), the scholarship empowers young Africans to drive inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformation of agriculture and agri-food systems.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Undergraduate Programmes:
- BSc Agricultural Economics
- BSc Agribusiness Management
- BSc Agricultural Extension & Development Studies
- BSc Animal Science
- BSc Food Science & Nutrition
Postgraduate Programmes:
- MSc Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
- MSc Agribusiness Management
- MSc Crop Science
Type:
- Undergraduate & Master’s Scholarship | Fully Funded | Agriculture & Agri-food Systems
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be Nigerian nationals or refugees resident in Nigeria.
- Come from economically disadvantaged or marginalized communities, including conflict/post-conflict areas.
- Be under 25 years (undergraduate) or under 30 years (Master’s) at application time.
- Refugees/IDPs: up to 30 years (undergraduate) and 35 years (Master’s).
- Have completed secondary school/diploma (for Bachelor’s) or Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) within the last 2 years (4 years for refugees/IDPs).
- Meet UniPort’s admission requirements.
- Demonstrate interest in agriculture, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community transformation.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged.
How are Candidates Selected?
- Based on economic disadvantage, academic competence, leadership potential, and commitment to agriculture/community transformation.
- Must meet UniPort admission criteria.
- Scholarship renewed annually subject to satisfactory academic performance (minimum grade B).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Nigeria only (including refugees resident in Nigeria).
Where will the Scholarship be Taken?
- University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; depends on available slots under RUFORUM’s national quota.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship?
- Full tuition fees.
- Research costs.
- Workshop & conference costs.
- Living expenses (stipend + hostel).
- Laptop.
- Internship & community engagement attachments.
- Entrepreneurship training.
- Participation in international conferences (covered by RUFORUM Secretariat).
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
- Duration of the chosen programme (Undergraduate: 4 years; Master’s: 2 years).
- Renewable annually subject to performance.
How to Apply:
Undergraduate Applicants:
- Fill Google form: Application Link.
- Apply for admission via JAMB portal (choose UniPort as first choice).
- Apply for RUFORUM Scholarship via RIMS portal: https://rims2.ruforum.org.
Master’s Applicants:
- Fill Google form: Application Link.
- Apply for admission via UniPort School of Graduate Studies: https://www.uniport-sgs.com.
- Apply for RUFORUM Scholarship via RIMS portal: https://rims2.ruforum.org.
Required Documents:
- O/Level certificate, birth certificate/affidavit, local government ID (Nigerians) or passport (foreigners).
- Degree certificates (for MSc), NYSC discharge (Nigerians).
- Marriage certificate/newspaper publication (if applicable).
- Receipts of application form payments.
Contact:
- Prof. Ibisime Etela, TAGDev 2.0 Coordinator, UniPort
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: +2347034378380 / +2348032573003
