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TAGDev Agricultural Scholarship - The Insider Reality Check

RUFORUM / Mastercard Foundation (University)  ·  Updated June 14, 2026

Funded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), the TAGDev (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa's growth and development) program specifically targets students willing to revolutionize African farming and food security.

Quick Overview

Scholarship Name
RUFORUM/Mastercard TAGDev Scholarship
Host Country
Benin, Kenya, Uganda
Eligible Countries
Degree Level
Bachelors, Masters
Financial Coverage
Full
Application Window
February - April (Variable)

Full Requirements & Details

Academic Requirements

Min. CGPA
3.0
Offer Degrees
Bachelors, Masters
Subjects
Agriculture, Business
Seats Available
Hundreds annually
Study Gap Allowed
No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
Research Publication
No
Work Experience
No
Age Range
No Min - 30

Language Requirements

IELTS
No
TOEFL
No
GRE
Not Required
Local Language
English
Local Lang Test
No
Study Languages
English, French

Financial Details

Type
Full
Fund Details
See Description
Monthly Stipend
USD 0/mo
Tuition
Full
Living Costs
Full
Travel & Health
Yes / Yes
Application Fee
Free (No Application Fee)
Spouse Allowed
No

What Matters Most

Statement of Purpose 9/10

Motivation Letter 9/10

Recommendation Letter 8/10

Interview 7/10

Required Documents

CV Passport Transcript Certificate

Why You Should Apply

It is a fully funded powerhouse for agricultural studies. You are placed in specific agricultural universities (like Egerton in Kenya or Gulu in Uganda). The scholarship pays full tuition, living expenses, research funds, and provides intense mentorship on how to turn agricultural research into viable, profit-making rural businesses.

Application Process

You apply centrally through the RUFORUM portal when a specific cohort call is made. You must submit proof of admission to the participating university and a statement heavily detailing your agricultural background.

How to Win This Scholarship

They do not want theoretical agronomists; they want 'agripreneurs.' If your application sounds like you just want to sit in a lab, you will be rejected. You must demonstrate a gritty, practical background (e.g., growing up on a farm, or running a small poultry business). Your essay must detail how your degree will lead directly to job creation for rural youths in your home country.

Benefits After Completing Study

Access to seed funding. TAGDev alumni are routinely granted startup capital by RUFORUM to launch their agricultural ventures post-graduation.

The vetting process heavily prioritizes female applicants and students from deeply marginalized rural or conflict-affected areas. You must be prepared to live and study in very remote, agricultural university campuses, not bustling capital cities.

Official Source

For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.

Visit Official Source