KAMPALA The Mastercard Foundation and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) have formally launched applications for the TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships Open in Africa for the 2026/2027 school year.
With twelve partner colleges spread throughout North and Sub-Saharan Africa, TAGDev 2.0 is one of the most geographically varied agricultural scholarship programs on the continent right now.
Purpose of the TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship:
Graduate education in agriculture and rural development remains underfunded across many African countries, especially outside major research institutions.
The TAGDev programme (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Better Contribute to Growth and Development) was created to address this gap by strengthening agricultural education and promoting practical, community-based solutions.
Now in its second phase, TAGDev 2.0 expands its reach and aims to produce highly skilled graduates who can directly contribute to the following:
- Security of food
- Innovation in agriculture
- Economic development in rural areas
- Africa’s sustainable development
Participating Universities:
The 2026/2027 cohort will be hosted by twelve partner universities, including:
- Gulu University and Uganda Martyrs University (Uganda)
- Egerton University and University of Eldoret (Kenya)
- Africa University (Zimbabwe)
- University of the Free State (South Africa)
- Malawi University of Science and Technology (Malawi)
- University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
- University of Cape Coast (Ghana)
- University of Bamenda (Cameroon)
- National University of Agriculture (Benin)
- Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (Morocco)
These institutions represent a wide academic network across West, East, Southern Africa, and North Africa.
Eligibility Criteria and Priority Groups:
With a focus on inclusion and equity, the TAGDev 2.0 grant is available to both male and female applicants.
Candidates from the following are given priority:
- Women
- Those who are refugees
- People who are internally displaced (IDPs)
- Individuals with disabilities
Since eligibility requirements differ by institution and program, applicants must fulfill the particular academic and professional requirements established by the partner university of their choice.
Programme Strength and Funding Support:
RUFORUM has a long history of using institutional cooperation and research to advance agricultural higher education in Africa.
As part of its long-term commitment to increasing access to high-quality postsecondary education throughout Africa, the Mastercard Foundation, a significant global education funder, sponsors TAGDev 2.0.
Successful scholars benefit from:
- Full or partial financial support (depending on university terms)
- Academic mentorship
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to a strong pan-African academic network
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is ideal for African students pursuing postgraduate studies in:
- Agricultural Science
- Agribusiness
- Rural Development
- Environmental and related fields
Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to working in Africa after graduation and contributing to agricultural transformation and community development.
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Benefits of TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships Open in Africa:
- Complete Financial Support for African Students: TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships offer all-inclusive support that may pay for housing, tuition, study materials, and research expenses, allowing students to continue higher education without worrying about money.
- Advanced Agricultural and Development Training: The curriculum provides top-notch instruction in rural development, agriculture, and agribusiness, giving students the cutting-edge skills they need to revolutionize Africa’s food systems.
- Study at 12 Top African Universities: Students have access to a wide range of academic institutions in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, exposing them to various research settings, cultures, and centers of innovation.
- Excellent Career and Leadership Development Opportunities: TAGDev 2.0 focuses on developing future leaders via internships, mentoring, and hands-on training that is in line with actual agricultural and development concerns.
- Inclusive possibilities for Marginalized Groups: The scholarship ensures fair access to higher education possibilities by giving priority to women, refugees, internally displaced people, and those with disabilities.
- Contribution to Food Security and Growth in Africa: Graduates are expected to have a long-term effect on communities throughout the continent by directly supporting agricultural innovation, rural development, and food security programs.
Application Deadline and Process:
The deadline for all TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship 2026 applications is 1 May 2026.
Applicants must apply directly through the respective partner university portals, as there is no single centralized application system.
Each university has its own application requirements and submission procedures.
Potential applicants are encouraged to:
- Examine the requirements for eligibility first.
- Prepare your academic papers ahead of time.
- To prevent last-minute problems, apply before the deadline.
The official RUFORUM website has links to applications and further information.
Which universities are participating in TAGDev 2.0 program?
The scholarship covers twelve universities across Africa, including institutions in Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Malawi, and Morocco. Each university offers different eligible programs focusing on agriculture, development, innovation, and rural transformation studies.
What is TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship program eligibility requirements?
The TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship is open to African postgraduate students meeting specific academic requirements set by partner universities. Priority is given to women, refugees, displaced persons, and candidates committed to agriculture, agribusiness, rural development, and sustainable food systems across Africa.
What is TAGDev 2.0 scholarship application deadline date?
The official deadline for TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship applications is 1 May 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early through partner university portals, as processing times may vary. Late submissions are generally not accepted under any circumstances.
