RUFORUM and Mastercard TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships 2026 Across African Universities (Fully Funded Master’s & Graduate Funding)
The TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme 2026–2027, implemented by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is now open for applications. This fully funded initiative supports postgraduate education across 12 African universities, focusing on agriculture, rural development, and food security.
The programme is one of the largest continent-wide scholarship initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s agricultural innovation and development capacity.
Degree Level
- Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)
- Selected institutions may also offer related graduate-level training
- Academic Year: 2026/2027
- Study Location: 12 universities across Africa
Available Subjects
What is TAGDev 2.0?
TAGDev stands for Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Better Contribute to Growth and Development.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen agricultural education in Africa
- Support rural development and food systems
- Build skilled graduates for African development challenges
- Promote innovation in agriculture and agribusiness
TAGDev 2.0 expands on earlier RUFORUM-Mastercard Foundation initiatives by increasing the number of partner universities and scholarship opportunities across the continent.
Benefits
The TAGDev 2.0 scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living stipend for selected students
- Academic and research support
- Access to development-focused training
- Networking opportunities across African universities
- Career development and entrepreneurship support
The programme also provides long-term professional development support through the Mastercard Foundation ecosystem.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to students from African countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the TAGDev 2.0 scholarship, candidates must:
- Be African citizens (or eligible residents as defined by partner universities)
- Apply to one of the participating universities
- Meet academic requirements for the selected programme
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community impact
Priority Groups:
The programme strongly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
- Persons with disabilities
- Students from marginalized communities
Application Procedure
The application process varies slightly by university but generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Choose a University
- Select one of the 12 partner universities
Step 2: Apply for Admission
- Submit application through the university’s official portal
Step 3: Scholarship Consideration
- Eligible applicants are automatically considered for TAGDev funding
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Identification documents
- Motivation statement (where required)
Each university manages its own selection process.
Application Deadline
- Last Date to Apply: 1 May 2026
Applicants are advised to apply early due to multiple institutional deadlines and document verification requirements.
Why TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Matters
This programme is significant because it:
- Strengthens Africa’s agricultural education system
- Supports food security and rural development goals
- Provides equal access to higher education for marginalized groups
- Builds a continent-wide network of skilled agricultural professionals
- Encourages graduates to contribute to Africa’s development
Backed by the Mastercard Foundation, TAGDev 2.0 is one of the most impactful scholarship programmes in African higher education.
About RUFORUM
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is a consortium of African universities focused on improving agricultural education, research, and innovation across the continent.
