Scholarships, fellowships Rwandans can apply before year-end

Rwandan students, researchers and young professionals have several scholarship, fellowship and leadership opportunities to apply for before the end of 2026.

The opportunities cover postgraduate study, research, leadership, climate and health, nuclear science, development and conservation, with deadlines running from September to December.

Climate and Health Catalyst Awards 2026

Deadline: September 30

Early-career researchers working at the intersection of climate change and health can apply for up to $5,000 through the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards.

The funding is intended for researchers who have already collected climate and health data. It can support data analysis, statistical work, scientific papers, policy briefs, evidence reviews, data quality improvements and research dissemination.

PhD candidates must have completed data collection, have an existing climate-and-health dataset and be enrolled in a PhD programme at an eligible institution in an eligible country.

Postdoctoral and other early-career researchers generally need to be within five years of completing their PhD and affiliated with an eligible institution.

The award does not support new primary data collection.

Chevening Scholarships

Deadline: October 6

The Chevening Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities for emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master's degree in the United Kingdom.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that meets the requirements for admission to a UK master's programme. Their undergraduate studies must have been completed at least two years before the application deadline.

Applicants must also apply to three eligible UK master's courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one of them by the required deadline.

Chevening also works with partner organisations that provide additional scholarship opportunities.

Leading for Humanity 2027

Deadline: October 14

The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2027 Leading for Humanity programme.

The programme focuses on values-based leadership, human rights, reconciliation, truth and societal healing.

It will take place in South Africa in April 2027 and is open to South African and international participants who can attend the residential programme in Cape Town and Hermanus.

The Foundation covers programme costs, accommodation and meals, while participants or their sponsors are responsible for travel to and from South Africa.

Both self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted.

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships 2027/28

Deadline: October 20

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship supports postgraduate study in the UK for candidates with academic potential, leadership capacity and a commitment to development.

Funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, the scholarship can cover approved costs including tuition, living and maintenance support, travel and other allowances, depending on the award conditions.

Applicants must complete the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's online application and apply through an approved nominating agency. Some agencies may set earlier internal deadlines.

Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2027-28

Deadline: October 26

Princeton in Africa offers 12-month paid fellowships with organisations working across the African continent.

The programme is open to young professionals and current undergraduates who will graduate by June 2027. Applicants can hold a bachelor's, master's or PhD from a four-year U.S.-accredited university or a four-year locally accredited university in Africa.

Applicants must have professional English proficiency at CEFR C1 level or above and be no older than 35 during the fellowship year.

Fellows work in sectors including health, education, humanitarian aid, agriculture, business and economic development.

Applicants cannot be enrolled in a graduate or doctoral programme during the fellowship year.

IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme

Deadline: October 31

Women from IAEA member states pursuing master's degrees in nuclear-related fields can apply for the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme.

Selected students can receive up to €20,000 for tuition and €20,000 for living costs, for a potential total of €40,000. Some recipients may also receive internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.

Eligible fields include nuclear engineering, nuclear physics and chemistry, nuclear medicine, radiation biology, nuclear safety and security, non-proliferation and nuclear law.

Applicants must have been accepted into, or already be enrolled in, an eligible master's programme at an accredited university.

Rwanda is an IAEA member state.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027

Deadline: November 20

African professionals interested in development policy and high-level institutional decision-making can apply for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank.

The fellowship can place a selected professional at the AfDB in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, for up to 12 months.

Priority areas for the 2027 intake include financing Africa's development, reforming the continent's financial architecture, supporting economic development and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

Applicants must be nationals of an African Development Bank member country, be aged 40 or younger — or 45 or younger for women with children — and hold at least a master's degree.

At least seven years of relevant professional experience are required, making the fellowship primarily suited to experienced professionals.

Cambridge MPhil in Conservation Leadership

Deadline: December 8

The University of Cambridge is accepting applications for its 11-month, full-time MPhil in Conservation Leadership, starting in October 2027.

The programme is designed for professionals working or seeking careers in biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, government, conservation organisations, business and sustainability.

Students combine academic study with leadership and management training, consultancy work, professional mentoring and a professional placement.

The programme normally admits about 20 students each year and targets applicants with at least three years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated leadership potential.

A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. Full scholarships can cover university fees and provide a stipend towards living expenses, although funding is competitive.

By Prince Ruzigana