In an era where education serves as a primary catalyst for social and economic mobility, the opportunity to pursue a fully funded masters becomes not just an advantage but a critical stepping stone for ambitious individuals around the globe. The Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship 2024 stands at the forefront of this transformative journey, offering a beacon of hope to students who aspire for higher education without financial strain. This unique initiative not only aims to alleviate the burden of tuition fees but also to sculpt the next generation of leaders and innovators. It reflects a growing trend in international postgraduate scholarships, specifically targeting those who are eager to elevate their skills and make a tangible impact in their communities.
The subsequent sections of this article will delve into the comprehensive details of the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship, laying out the eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to be considered. Furthermore, an exploration of the numerous benefits of the scholarship will be provided, including how it ranks among the best fully funded masters programs globally. The application process will be outlined meticulously, offering potential candidates clear guidance on how to navigate this opportunity successfully. By offering this roadmap, the article aims to shed light on tuition-free graduate programs and the expansive array of fully funded masters scholarships for international students, thereby equipping readers with the necessary information to embark on this life-changing journey.
Overview of Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship
The Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship, part of the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) program, represents a significant commitment to educational development and agricultural transformation in Africa. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several African universities and the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at empowering the next generation of African leaders in agriculture.
Partnership and Scope
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) collaborates with the Mastercard Foundation and various African universities, including Gulu University (Uganda) and Egerton University (Kenya), among others, to implement this ambitious 10-year program spanning from 2023 to 2033. The program’s extensive reach includes universities across countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, and Morocco, highlighting its broad impact across the continent.
Program Goals and Support
The TAGDev Scholarship focuses on strengthening universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions to enhance their role in community service and development. It aims to skill and empower economically disadvantaged but academically competent young Africans, enabling them to complete their studies and contribute effectively to the agricultural sector. The scholarship covers various academic expenses, including tuition fees, research costs, and workshop and conference fees, as well as comprehensive support for living expenses, such as stipends and hostel accommodation. Additionally, beneficiaries receive a laptop, and opportunities for internship attachment, community engagement, field attachment, and entrepreneurship training.
Impact and Achievements
To date, the program has enabled 535 students across Africa to earn agriculture-related degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With a focus on creating job creators rather than job seekers, the scholarship has supported the establishment of functional enterprises that currently employ over 850 people. This initiative not only alleviates financial barriers for students but also instills essential skills like leadership, life skills, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to lead transformative projects in their communities.
The Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a comprehensive program designed to produce graduates who are capable of driving inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformations in agriculture and agri-food systems across Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality and Residency Requirements
To qualify for the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship 2024, applicants must be nationals of Kenya or Uganda, thereby benefiting from the respective national scholarship quotas. Additionally, refugees residing in Uganda and Kenya are eligible under the regional quota, ensuring a broader inclusion of candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Age Restrictions
The age limits set for eligibility vary based on educational level and personal circumstances. For undergraduate applicants, the age limit is set at under 25 years at the time of application. For master’s studies, applicants must be under 30 years old. However, refugees and persons with disabilities are granted an extension, with the age limit set at under 29 years for undergraduate studies and under 34 years for master’s studies.
Educational Background
Applicants must have completed secondary school or a diploma within the last two years to be eligible for consideration. For admission into specific universities, such as Egerton University or Gulu University, candidates must meet the admission criteria for eligible programs. These criteria include having attained a High School Certificate, also known as Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent for Gulu University, and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent for Egerton University.
Additional Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate a keen interest in agriculture, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. Leadership qualities and a commitment to the service of humanity are also crucial. Applicants should come from economically disadvantaged, marginalized communities, or from conflict- and post-conflict areas. This scholarship aims not only to provide financial aid but also to empower individuals who are committed to making significant contributions to agriculture and rural development.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship provides extensive benefits designed to alleviate financial burdens and foster academic and professional growth among its recipients. This comprehensive support system ensures that students can focus on their studies and personal development without the stress of financial constraints.
Tuition Fees and Research Costs
One of the primary benefits of the scholarship is the full coverage of tuition fees and research costs. This enables scholars to access high-quality education and engage in meaningful research activities without worrying about financial limitations. The scholarship also covers expenses related to workshops and conferences, which are crucial for the academic and professional development of the students. By supporting these costs, the scholarship facilitates a richer learning experience and broader academic engagement.
Living Expenses and Stipend
To further support the scholars, the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship provides a comprehensive package that includes living expenses. This includes stipends and hostel accommodations, ensuring that students have a comfortable living environment while pursuing their studies. The inclusion of a stipend allows students to manage their day-to-day expenses more effectively, which can significantly reduce the financial stress often associated with higher education.
Internship and Entrepreneurship Training
Beyond academic support, the scholarship emphasizes the importance of practical experience and entrepreneurial skills. It includes provisions for internship attachments, community engagement, and field attachments, all of which are integral to gaining real-world experience and enhancing employability. Additionally, the scholarship offers entrepreneurship training, equipping students with the necessary skills to start and manage their own businesses. This focus on entrepreneurship is particularly beneficial as it aligns with the scholarship’s goal of creating job creators rather than job seekers, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development in the scholars’ communities.
Through these comprehensive benefits, the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship not only supports the educational ambitions of African students but also plays a pivotal role in their personal and professional development. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to their communities and the broader agricultural sector.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
To initiate the application process for the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:
- Access the Scholarship Webpage: Click on the link provided to visit the scholarship webpage.
- Create an account: Access the Online RIMS Web Portal and register by clicking on “Register Here.” An email will be sent to your valid email address to activate your account.
- Login and Apply: Once your account is activated, log in to the dashboard and select the Call ID: RU/2024/TAGDev-2.0/001. Click “Apply” to start filling out the application form.
- Save Your Progress: It is crucial to save your progress by clicking “Save Draft” as you fill out the form.
- Download and Print: After completing the application form, download, print, and prepare it to be attached with your application for admission to the university of your choice.
- Submission: Depending on the university you are applying to, submit the application either in hard copy or attach it to the university’s online portal.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents along with their application:
- Printed application form for the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship.
- Application form for admission to the selected university.
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
- Passport-size photo (for Egerton University applicants).
- A copy of your national ID or passport.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Police clearance certificate (Certificate of good conduct) for international applicants.
It is advised to submit all documents as guided in the application form for university admission. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Important Deadlines
The deadline for submitting applications for the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship is June 30, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure all documents are processed timely. Additionally, there are key virtual information session days which applicants can attend to gather more information and clarify any queries:
- Friday, June 14, 2024
- Friday, June 21, 2024
- Friday, June 28, 2024
Each session will start at 16:00 Hrs East African Time. Meeting details, such as ID and passcode, will be provided for those interested in participating.
For any assistance during the application process, applicants can contact the administrator at mcf@ruforum.org or reach out to the program coordinators at the respective universities.
Conclusion
Through the exploration of the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship 2024, it is evident that this program serves as a vital conduit for fostering education, leadership, and innovation, particularly in the agricultural sector across Africa. By providing comprehensive support, from covering tuition fees and living expenses to offering entrepreneurship training and internships, the scholarship equips students not only with academic qualifications but with real-world skills and experiences. This initiative exemplifies a successful model for higher education scholarships, highlighting its significant role in enhancing educational access, economic development, and community transformation on the continent.
As we reflect on the contributions and the transformative potential of the Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship, it’s clear that such programs are indispensable for nurturing the next generation of African leaders and innovators. The achievements to date, including the establishment of enterprises that employ hundreds and the educational advancement of hundreds more, underscore the scholarship’s impact. The ongoing commitment to supporting disadvantaged but talented students further strengthens the foundation for sustainable agricultural innovation and economic progress in Africa, setting a precedent for future educational initiatives globally.
FAQs
- How can I obtain a fully funded scholarship for a Master’s degree in the USA? To secure a fully funded Master’s scholarship in the USA, consider applying to programs such as the Fulbright Scholarships, Stanford University Scholarships, Yale University Scholarships, University of New Haven Scholarship, University of Memphis Scholarships, University of Minnesota Fellowship, AAUW International Fellowship Program, and ACI Foundation Scholarship.
- What expenses are covered by the Mastercard Scholarship? The Mastercard Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, which covers visa application fees, travel expenses, tuition, living expenses, medical aid, and accommodation.