University of Manchester - Full-time campus-based master’s scholarships – Rwanda

What you get

You will receive a fully funded one-year master's degree at the University of Manchester in the UK at no cost to you. The scholarship covers your full tuition fees, living costs whilst studying, return flights between Rwanda and Manchester, and your visa costs. It is valid for a period of 12 months of full-time study on campus. The scholarship is part of the University of Manchester’s ‘Equity and Merit Scholarships’, which support professionals from six African countries. Each year, around 20 full-time places are offered in the fields of engineering, environmental sciences, health sciences, global development, education and law.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Rwandan national and live in Rwanda.
• Degree: You hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised Rwandan higher education institution, awarded before September 2025.
• Grades: You have at least 70% or B+ (a GPA of 4 out of 5, or 16 out of 20), usually the top 10% of your class.
• Work experience: You must have at least two years’ paid professional experience in a field related to your intended degree programme. Unpaid work placements and voluntary work are not taken into account.
• Study history: You have not yet studied outside Africa. A study visit lasting no more than six months does not count.
• Financial need: Without this scholarship, you wouldn’t have been able to afford to study in Manchester.
• Field of study: You can choose from a list of suitable Master’s programmes in the fields of engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, global development, education, law and health sciences.
• Commitment: You plan to return to Rwanda after completing your degree and can explain how this will benefit your career and your community.
• Women: The programme especially encourages women to apply.

How to apply

You can apply online between 1 and 31 August. If you meet the entry requirements, you will be invited in October to apply for a place on your chosen degree programme. Please do not apply for a place until the university invites you to do so. Admissions decisions will be announced in June, and the degree programme begins in September.

How realistic are your chances?

The awarding of this scholarship is strictly regulated. You must be a Rwandan citizen, hold a very good university degree, have two years’ relevant paid professional experience, and demonstrate a genuine financial need – which keeps the pool of eligible candidates small. As there are only around 20 full-time places spread across six countries, competition amongst qualified applicants is very fierce. If you clearly meet all the criteria, submit a solid plan for how you intend to use your degree in your home country, and apply within the August application window, your chances are good.