RUFORUM Graduate Scholarships 2026

Overview

The RUFORUM Graduate Scholarships 2026 run through the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a consortium of 175 universities across 40 African countries. RUFORUM was set up to strengthen African universities' capacity to produce strong graduates, generate knowledge, and tackle the development challenges facing agriculture, food systems, and rural livelihoods on the continent. The graduate scholarships help talented African students do Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at RUFORUM member universities.

Working with development agencies, foundations, and governments, RUFORUM channels funding into competitive full or partial scholarships that cover postgraduate study in agriculture and closely related fields. The aim is to build up a body of skilled scientists, researchers, and innovators who can drive agricultural transformation, improve food security, and support inclusive economic growth across Africa.

The specific calls change from year to year depending on the funding partner and the participating universities. Always confirm the exact host university, eligible programmes, funding coverage, and deadlines against the official call documents RUFORUM publishes before you apply.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Provider: Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)
• Network: 175 member universities across 40 African countries
• Study levels: Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Fields: Agriculture, agribusiness, food security, rural development and related sciences
• Host countries: RUFORUM member universities across Africa
• Funding type: Varies by call (full or partial)
• Application platform: RUFORUM Information Management System (RIMS)
• Who can apply: Citizens of African countries

Eligibility Criteria

Each call sets its own eligibility rules, but these general conditions usually apply to RUFORUM graduate scholarships:

• Applicants are generally expected to be citizens of an African country.
• For MSc scholarships, you should hold a relevant bachelor's degree, usually with a strong classification such as an upper-second-class honours (or equivalent).
• For PhD scholarships, you should hold a relevant master's degree in an appropriate field.
• Your intended programme should sit within agriculture, agribusiness, food and nutrition security, natural resource management, or a closely related discipline offered at a RUFORUM member university.
• Some calls give priority to staff of member universities, or to applicants from particular regions or partner countries.
• Age limits, gender-inclusion priorities (encouraging women applicants, for instance), and admission to the host university may apply depending on the call.

Conditions differ between calls, so read the official call document carefully to confirm the exact requirements before submitting.

Scholarship Benefits

The package depends on the funding partner behind each call, but RUFORUM graduate scholarships commonly include some mix of:

• Payment of tuition and other compulsory university fees at the host institution.
• A monthly stipend or living allowance for accommodation and basic costs.
• Research and thesis support funds for fieldwork, data collection, and lab costs.
• Support to attend scientific conferences, workshops, and training events.
• In some fully funded calls, extras like a laptop, internship or attachment support, and travel costs.

Some scholarships are fully funded, others partial. The exact coverage is stated in each call, so check what's included before relying on any single figure.

How to Apply

Applications go in online through the RUFORUM Information Management System (RIMS). The general steps:

• Visit the official RUFORUM website and find an open call that matches your field, study level, and target university.
• Read the full call document to confirm eligibility, the eligible host universities, and the required documents.
• Create a RIMS account, or log in if you already have one.
• Complete the online application form, selecting the relevant call, university, and degree programme.
• Upload all required documents in the formats requested.
• Review your application carefully and submit before the published deadline.

Where a call requires admission to the host university, you may also need to apply separately for academic admission alongside the scholarship application.

Required Documents

Exact requirements vary by call, but you should generally be ready to provide:

• Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• A detailed CV.
• A concept note or research proposal for your intended programme.
• A motivation or personal statement explaining your goals and how the scholarship will help.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees.
• A copy of a valid national ID or passport.
• Proof of admission or application to the host university, where required.

Important Dates & Deadlines

RUFORUM calls open at different times during the year, depending on the funding partner and the academic calendars of the participating universities. There's no single fixed annual deadline that covers every scholarship.

• Calls are typically announced on the RUFORUM website and through partner channels.
• Each call sets its own opening and closing dates.
• Apply well before the stated closing date.

Confirm current deadlines on the official RUFORUM website, since dates change from one funding cycle to the next.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Pick a research topic that tackles a real agricultural or food-system challenge relevant to your country or region.
• Write a clear, focused concept note with well-defined objectives and a workable methodology.
• Line your proposed study up with the priorities the specific call highlights.
• Show a strong academic record and, where relevant, practical experience in agriculture or rural development.
• Ask referees who know your work well to write detailed, specific letters.
• Proofread every document and make sure all files are complete and correctly named before submitting.
• Submit early so you're not fighting the online portal close to the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who funds RUFORUM scholarships? RUFORUM pulls funding from a range of partners, including development agencies, foundations, and governments. The specific funder is named in each call.

Which universities can I study at? Scholarships are tenable at RUFORUM member universities, which span 40 African countries. The eligible institutions for any given scholarship are listed in that call.

Are the scholarships fully funded? Some are fully funded, others partial. It depends on the specific call and funding partner.

Can non-African students apply? These are generally aimed at citizens of African countries. Check each call for the exact nationality rules.

How do I apply? Online through the RUFORUM Information Management System (RIMS), once you've found an open call that fits your profile.

Related Scholarships

• AIMS Structured Master's Scholarship 2026 (mathematical sciences across African campuses).
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African universities.
• African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scholarships.
• DAAD In-Region and In-Country Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Other postgraduate scholarships in agriculture and rural development offered at African universities.