Jacqueline Niyodusenga and Mathias Bizimana are the first Rwandan students to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge.
Established in 2022, the program provides comprehensive support to enable outstanding graduates from across Africa to pursue a one-year master’s degree and develop their leadership potential.
The Foundation’s partnership with the University of Cambridge focuses on climate resilience and sustainability, with all Mastercard Foundation Scholars enrolled demonstrating a commitment to driving sustainable change in Africa and beyond in a multitude of ways.
Jacqueline, studying for a master’s in Education (Education, Globalisation and International Development), aspires to contribute to education reform and policy development, helping create inclusive systems that uplift young learners facing social and economic barriers to opportunity.
She says:
“It’s a dream come true to be in Cambridge.
My whole purpose of coming here is to study how our local and global context intertwine. I want to use my skills to influence policy, helping make sure we provide the best possible quality of education for Rwandan students.”
Mathias, pursuing a master’s in Environmental Policy, hopes to work at the intersection of policy, finance, and technology.
He says:
“I realised I want to contribute to Rwanda’s transition to sustainable energy while studying electrical power systems engineering at undergraduate level. This is a wonderful place for me to learn from the best in my field, then go back to my country and be able to help drive that change.”
Jacqueline and Mathias join 69 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from 18 different African countries in the class of 2025/26.
Program Director Dr Tabitha Mwangi says:
“It’s the diversity of students’ backgrounds, perspectives, and plans for the future that makes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program special. We’re delighted to have Rwandan students joining us this year – the first of many I’m sure!”
Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are now open.
Eligibility criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be currently residing in an African country. Young people who are temporarily studying or working abroad, or those who have been displaced or have refugee status, are also eligible.
- Have an undergraduate degree (most departments at the University of Cambridge require the equivalent of a UK first-class or high second-class degree).
- Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to your community, home country or Africa more generally, and to the themes of sustainability and climate resilience.
- Apply for a one-year, full-time master’s degree course.