African Leadership University (ALU) in Kigali, Rwanda, is accepting applications for its undergraduate degrees. Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU, young Africans who face financial hardship can study on a full, non-repayable scholarship. For the January 2027 intake, applications close on 30 November 2026.
There’s no separate scholarship form. You apply for admission to ALU, and the application then tells you whether you qualify to apply for financial aid. Eligible applicants are considered for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship through that financial aid step.
At a Glance
| University | African Leadership University (ALU), Kigali, Rwanda |
| Level | Undergraduate (BSc Hons) |
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: a full scholarship for the length of your degree, not repayable |
| Open to | Young Africans facing financial hardship, with priority for young women, refugees and displaced youth, and young people with disabilities |
| Next intake | January 2027 (May 2027 is also shown on the application form) |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026 |
About the Programme
ALU and the Mastercard Foundation have worked together since 2020. According to ALU, 768 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from 32 countries have enrolled so far. About 68% are young women and about 19% are refugees or displaced people. The programme supports the Foundation’s goal of helping young Africans into dignified, fulfilling work.
Degree Programmes
- BSc (Hons) Software Engineering: January and May intakes
- BSc (Hons) Entrepreneurial Leadership: January and May intakes
- BSc (Hons) International Business & Trade (IBT): May and September intakes only, so it isn’t available in January 2027
ALU also runs non-degree courses (English Enhancement, English Immersion and a Leadership Bootcamp) that help some students prepare.
Benefits
- A full scholarship for your whole degree, as described by ALU.
- Not repayable: it’s a scholarship, not a loan.
- Membership of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community, with leadership development, mentorship and support moving into work.
- A degree from a university that builds internships, real-world projects and entrepreneurship into its teaching.
- If you’re not chosen for the scholarship, you may still be considered for other ALU grants, such as need-based grants or partial tuition waivers.
Mastercard Foundation scholarships usually cover tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials and living support. Your offer letter will set out exactly what ALU covers in your case.
Eligibility
- You’re a young African with leadership potential, a clear sense of mission and the drive to make an impact.
- You face significant financial need, shown through household income and personal circumstance documents.
- You’ve completed your final national secondary school exams and hold an A-level equivalent certificate.
- You meet your programme’s grade requirements, for example:
- Software Engineering: at least 50% overall and 60% in Mathematics or a computer-related subject. There’s also an indirect route with strong science grades and ALU’s own maths test.
- International Business & Trade: at least 50% overall and 60% in Mathematics, or the indirect route.
- Entrepreneurial Leadership: at least 50% overall.
- English: B2 level for an unconditional offer. Accepted tests include IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72, Duolingo 100, PTE 54 and the ALU English Test (60). If your English is below B2, you may get a conditional offer.
Young women, refugees and displaced young people, and young Africans with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
Documents You Will Need
- Your national exam results or A-level equivalent, in English or French
- Secondary school transcripts for grades 10–12, in English or French
- Proof of identity, such as a passport, national ID or birth certificate
- Financial aid documents showing household income and personal circumstances, in English, French or Kinyarwanda
- Optional but helpful: CV, recommendation letters, test scores, English test results and evidence of achievements
- If you studied outside Rwanda, you’ll need an Equivalence Certificate before enrolment
How to Apply
- Register on the ALU application portal and choose your programme and intake (January 2027).
- Stage 1: “More About You”. Fill in your academic history and guardian details and upload your documents.
- Stage 2: Financial aid. Use the aid calculator, enter household income details and upload your financial documents.
- Stage 3: ALU Fit Challenge. This is a short online task with a timed part of about 8 minutes and an untimed part of 10–12 minutes, done in one sitting. It doesn’t affect your admission decision, but it is part of the financial aid process.
- Submit your full application before 30 November 2026. You can’t edit it after submitting.
ALU shares admission decisions every week, so applying early can get you an answer sooner. Scholarship places are limited in each intake. Possible outcomes are Offered, Waitlisted or Rejected.
Apply to African Leadership University (official)
Official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ALU page
Tips for a Strong Application
- Do the Fit Challenge on a stable connection. It has to be finished in one sitting, so find reliable internet and power first.
- Gather financial documents early. Income letters, affidavits or letters from local leaders can take time to collect.
- Show leadership with examples. Describe something you started, led or changed in your school or community.
- Explain your mission. ALU looks for people with a clear sense of the problem they want to solve in Africa.
- Don’t wait for the deadline. Decisions are made weekly and places are limited.
