The University of Port Harcourt, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme.
This fully funded scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support to outstanding but economically disadvantaged students in Nigeria.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, available programmes, and step-by-step application procedures.
University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 – Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Institution: University of Port Harcourt
- Category: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Tuition, Accommodation, Monthly Stipend, Laptop, Research Support, Internship, Entrepreneurship Training
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Port Harcourt is part of the TAGDev 2.0 Programme (2023–2033), implemented by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation.
The programme is designed to:
- Strengthen African universities and TVET institutions
- Equip young Africans with practical skills
- Promote inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural transformation
This initiative specifically targets academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them complete their education and contribute to community development.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen or a refugee residing in Nigeria
- Come from economically disadvantaged or marginalized communities
- Be:
- Under 25 years for undergraduate applicants
- Under 30 years for master’s applicants
- Refugees/IDPs:
- Up to 30 years (undergraduate)
- Up to 35 years (master’s)
- Meet the admission requirements of the University of Port Harcourt
- Demonstrate:
- Interest in agriculture or agribusiness
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to community development
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Undergraduate Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have at least five O’Level credits (WAEC/NECO/GCE) including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Agricultural Science
- One of Physics, Economics, or Geography
- Pass UTME with relevant subjects
- Choose University of Port Harcourt as first choice institution
- Pass the university’s Post-UTME screening
Postgraduate Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have credit passes in English and Mathematics
- Hold at least a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant field
- Provide required documents, including:
- Degree certificate(s)
- NYSC discharge certificate (for Nigerians)
- O’Level results
- Birth certificate/age declaration
- Identification documents
Benefits of the Scholarship
The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship is a fully funded programme covering:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation (hostel)
- Monthly living stipend
- Laptop provision
- Research funding
- Conference and workshop costs
- Internship opportunities
- Community engagement programmes
- Entrepreneurship training
Available Programmes
Undergraduate Programmes
- BSc Agricultural Economics
- BSc Agribusiness Management
- BSc Agricultural Extension and Development Studies
- BSc Animal Science
- BSc Food Science and Nutrition
Postgraduate Programmes
- MSc Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- MSc Agribusiness Management
- MSc Crop Science
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
To apply for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship:
- Visit the RUFORUM scholarship portal
- Fill out the online application form
- Apply for admission into the University of Port Harcourt (2026/2027 session)
- Proceed to the Mastercard RUFORUM Scholarship section
- Navigate to Calls → Scholarship Calls
- Select Call ID: RU/2026/TAGDev-2.0/001
- Complete the application form and save progress regularly
- Download and print the completed form
- Submit it alongside your university admission application
- Upload or submit required documents as instructed
For assistance, contact: “mcf@ruforum.org”
Application Deadline
May 1, 2026
