RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship 2024: Your Comprehensive Guide to Applying and Succeeding

Are you a talented African student looking for fully-funded postgraduate scholarship opportunities?

The RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship for Africans could be your ticket to earning a master’s or PhD degree at a top African university in 2024.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and tips for crafting a winning application.

Also Read :

1. How to Apply to Win Mastercard Foundation Scholarship in 2024
2. Transforming Lives Through Education: Mastercard Foundation’s Fully Funded Graduate Scholarships at Makerere University

What is the RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship?

RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship 2024: Your Comprehensive Guide to Applying and Succeeding

The RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s growth and development) Scholarship is a prestigious program that supports African students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees in agriculture and related fields at selected African universities.

The scholarship aims to develop a new generation of skilled and entrepreneurial graduates who will drive innovation and transformation in Africa’s agriculture sector.

The scholarship is funded by the Mastercard Foundation and administered by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a consortium of 129 universities in 38 African countries.

Since its launch in 2016, the TAGDev Scholarship has supported over 220 students from across Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a citizen of an African country
2. Be under 35 years old for master’s applicants and under 40 years old for PhD applicants
3. Have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum second-class upper division or equivalent for master’s applicants
4. Have a master’s degree with a strong academic record for PhD applicants
5. Be applying to study in an agriculture-related field at a RUFORUM member university
6. Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to your community
7. Have a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation in the agriculture sector

Scholarship Benefits

The RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at a RUFORUM member university, including:

1. Tuition fees
2. Research expenses
3. Monthly stipend for living expenses
4. Accommodation
5. Health insurance
6. Travel to and from the host university
7. Laptop computer
8. Entrepreneurship training and mentorship
9. Internship and networking opportunities

The scholarship is renewable for up to two years for master’s students and up to three years for PhD students, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

How to Apply

The application process for the RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship involves several steps:

1. Choose a RUFORUM member university and program: Browse the list of RUFORUM member universities and identify the institution and program that best fits your academic and career goals. Contact the university directly to inquire about their application requirements and deadlines.

• Prepare your application documents: Gather all the necessary documents for your application, including:Completed application form
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
• CV or resume
• Recommendation letters from academic referees
• Proof of English proficiency (if required)
• Passport biodata page
• Passport-size photo

1. Submit your application: Follow the application instructions provided by your chosen university. Some universities may require you to apply online, while others may accept hard copy applications. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline.
2. Wait for the scholarship shortlisting: After the application deadline, RUFORUM and the partner universities will review all the applications and shortlist the most qualified candidates for the scholarship. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview.
3. Attend the scholarship interview: The interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your passion, leadership potential, and commitment to making a difference in Africa’s agriculture sector. Be prepared to discuss your academic and career goals, research interests, and entrepreneurial ideas.
4. Receive the scholarship offer: If you are selected for the scholarship, you will receive an official offer letter from RUFORUM and the partner university. You will need to accept the offer and fulfill any additional requirements, such as obtaining a study visa and medical clearance.

Click here to apply for the RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship

Also Check :

1. Mastercard Scholarships at University of Pretoria, South Africa 2024: A Gateway to Advanced Education and Leadership Development
2. 2024 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at KNUST: Fully-Funded Opportunities in Canada for Aspiring Scholars
3. Study in Canada: How to Apply for the Fully Funded Mastercard Scholarship at McGill University

Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances of being selected for the RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship, follow these tips:

1. Start early: Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure you have enough time to gather all the necessary documents and craft a compelling application.
2. Choose your referees carefully: Select academic referees who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, research potential, and leadership qualities. Give them enough time to write strong recommendation letters on your behalf.
3. Tailor your application: Research the host university and program thoroughly and tailor your application to demonstrate how your interests and goals align with their strengths and priorities.
4. Highlight your achievements: Use your CV and personal statement to showcase your academic achievements, research experience, leadership roles, and community engagement activities.
5. Demonstrate your passion: Show your genuine passion for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and making a positive impact in your community and beyond. Use specific examples to illustrate your commitment and potential.
6. Proofread and edit: Before submitting your application, proofread and edit all your documents carefully to ensure they are error-free, clear, and concise.

Conclusion

The RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for talented African students to pursue their dreams of postgraduate education and make a difference in Africa’s agriculture sector.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and crafting a strong application, you can increase your chances of being selected for this prestigious scholarship in 2024.

Remember, the scholarship is highly competitive, so start preparing early, choose your referees carefully, and tailor your application to demonstrate your passion, leadership potential, and commitment to excellence.

If you are not successful on your first attempt, don’t give up – use the feedback to strengthen your application and try again in the future.

Good luck with your application, and we hope to see you join the growing community of RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship alumni making a positive impact across Africa.

Apply now for the RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation TAGDev Scholarship and take the first step towards achieving your academic and career goals in agriculture.