The Gulu University Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme 2025 is now accepting applications from young East Africans seeking to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

This fully funded opportunity aims to empower economically disadvantaged but academically competent students to drive inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformation of agriculture and agrifood systems across Africa.

Below is the scholarship details:

Opportunity Summary

• Scholarship Name: Mastercard TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
• Host Institution: Gulu University, Uganda
• Eligible Countries: East African countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan)
• Program Duration: Academic year 2025/2026
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2025

About The Scholarship

The TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme is a 10-year initiative (2023-2033) implemented through a partnership between the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the Mastercard Foundation.

The program is being executed in collaboration with multiple universities across Africa, including Gulu University (Uganda), Egerton University (Kenya), Africa University (Zimbabwe), and several others.

The primary goal of this scholarship is to strengthen universities and TVET institutions to better serve communities by skilling and empowering Africa’s young people.

The program focuses on driving inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformation of agriculture and agrifood systems.

This scholarship specifically targets young African students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic potential.

The program places special emphasis on supporting females, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

Courses Available

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Food Bioscience and Agribusiness
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Business Education

Postgraduate Programs

• Master of Science in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management
• Master of Science in Agri-Enterprises Development
• Master of Science in Food Security and Community Nutrition
• Master of Science in Agronomy

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship, candidates must:

• Be a national of Uganda or East African countries implementing the common East Africa Higher Education Protocol (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan)
• Be economically disadvantaged, from marginalized communities, and/or from conflict and post-conflict areas in Uganda
• Be under 30 years old for undergraduate studies or under 35 years old for master’s studies at the time of application
• Have completed secondary school and/or diploma for Bachelor’s degree application not more than two years from the time of this call (for refugees and internally displaced persons, within four years)
• Meet Gulu University’s admission criteria for the eligible programs
• Demonstrate interest in agriculture, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship
• Show leadership qualities and commitment to working in agriculture and agricultural value chains
• Have a strong commitment to community transformation
• Not currently hold any other scholarship (double scholarship holders will be disqualified)
• Not be a former beneficiary of TAGDev Scholarships

Who Should Apply

This scholarship opportunity is ideal for:

• Academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Young people passionate about agriculture, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship
• Individuals committed to community transformation and development
• Female candidates, who are highly encouraged to apply
• Refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities

Benefits

The TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship is comprehensive and covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Research costs
• Workshop and conference costs
• Living expenses including monthly stipend
• Hostel accommodation
• Laptop
• Internship and field attachments
• Community engagement activities
• Entrepreneurship training

Additional Support for Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Persons with Disabilities:

• Refugees and displaced persons will receive support with travel documents
• Persons with disabilities will receive assistive devices to support learning and movement during their studies

How to Apply

The application process involves two concurrent stages:

Stage 1: Apply for Admission to Gulu University

1. Visit the Gulu University application portal at http://apply.gu.ac.ug
2. Register by providing your email or mobile number
3. After successful registration, you will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to both your email and phone number
4. Complete the application for your chosen program

Stage 2: Apply for the TAGDev Scholarship through RUFORUM

1. Access the RIMS Web Portal at https://rims2.ruforum.org/
2. Create an account by clicking on “Register Here”
3. Activate your account via the email sent to your address (check spam folder if necessary)
4. Login using your email and password
5. On the Applicant Dashboard, go to Calls → Scholarship Calls
6. Select the Call ID: RU/2025GuluUniv./TAGDEV2.0
7. Click “Apply” to start filling the Application Form
8. Remember to save your progress by clicking “Save Draft”
9. Download and print the completed form
10. Submit the document in hard copy or attach it on the university online portal.

Apply Now

Deadline

The application deadline for the Gulu University Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme is April 1st, 2025.

All applications must be submitted before this date to be considered.

Tips for Successful Application

1. Start Early: Begin your application process well before the deadline to allow time for gathering all required documents and information.
2. Meet All Requirements: Ensure you satisfy all eligibility criteria before applying.
3. Prepare Strong Personal Statements: Clearly articulate your interest in agriculture, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship, as well as your commitment to community transformation.
4. Highlight Leadership Experience: Showcase any leadership roles or experiences that demonstrate your potential.
5. Demonstrate Academic Excellence: While the scholarship targets economically disadvantaged students, academic competence is still a key requirement.
6. Be Honest: Provide truthful information about your background and circumstances. Falsification of information will lead to disqualification.
7. Follow Instructions Carefully: Complete all application steps as directed for both university admission and scholarship application.

Conclusion

The Gulu University Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme represents an exceptional opportunity for young East Africans to access quality higher education and develop into transformative leaders in agriculture and agrifood systems.

For economically disadvantaged students with strong academic potential and a passion for agricultural transformation, this scholarship can be life-changing.

Female candidates, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to seize this opportunity.

Click here to Apply

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is based on the official announcement from Gulu University and RUFORUM regarding the Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme 2025.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, applicants should verify all details and requirements directly from the official sources.

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