UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0 for Africans 2026/2027 — Fully Funded

Scholarship Overview: What Is the UNHCR TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship?

The TAGDev 2.0 stands for Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development, Phase 2.0. It is a collaborative initiative between the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), the Mastercard Foundation, the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA), and 12 African universities.

This is a 10-year program running from 2023 to 2033. Its primary goal is to strengthen universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions so they can produce skilled graduates capable of driving inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformation in agriculture and agri-food systems. The program places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, community engagement, and practical skills development.

Young Africans with a passion for agriculture now have a rare and powerful opportunity. The United Nations UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0 for 2026/2027 is now open, and it offers full financial support to study at one of 12 partner universities across Africa. Whether you are a fresh school leaver hoping to pursue a Bachelor’s degree or a working professional ready for a Master’s program, this scholarship covers everything — tuition, accommodation, stipend, laptop, research support, and more.

Scholarship Summary Table

Detail	Information
Host Organization	United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) / RUFORUM / Mastercard Foundation
Host Country	Multiple African Countries
Scholarship Type	Merit-Based, Fully Funded
Eligible Countries	All African Countries
Category	Undergraduate Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships, Master’s Scholarships
Funding Type	Full Funded
Application Deadline	May 1, 2026
Study Level	Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and Postgraduate (Master’s)
Field of Study	Agriculture and Related Disciplines

Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate

The UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0 supports two levels of academic study:

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree): Open to young Africans under the age of 30 who have completed secondary school or a diploma and are ready to begin a full degree program in agriculture or a related field.

Postgraduate (Master’s Degree): Open to young Africans under the age of 35 who hold a first degree and are ready to advance their academic and professional career in agriculture, agribusiness, food science, or entrepreneurship.

Eligibility for Application: Who Can Apply for the UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0?

The scholarship is open to any young African who meets the following basic qualifications. Both male and female applicants are welcome. However, women, refugees, asylum seekers, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced individuals are strongly encouraged to apply and receive special consideration during selection.

To be eligible, you must:

Be a national of an African country or a refugee or displaced person residing within Africa
Be under 30 years of age for undergraduate programs or under 35 for Master’s programs (refugees and persons with disabilities may have extended age limits in some institutions)
Demonstrate genuine interest in agriculture, agribusiness, food systems, or entrepreneurship
Meet the admission requirements of your chosen partner university and program
Come from an economically disadvantaged background, a marginalized community, or a conflict-affected area
Not currently be holding any other form of scholarship or financial sponsorship

Criteria for Application: What Qualities Are They Looking For?

Beyond the basic eligibility requirements, selection panels assess applicants based on several key criteria:

Academic Performance: You should demonstrate strong academic ability, particularly in science subjects for undergraduate applicants and a relevant first degree for postgraduate applicants.

Leadership and Community Commitment: Evidence of past or present involvement in community work, youth leadership, or social impact activities gives your application a competitive edge.

Commitment to Agriculture: Selection panels are looking for applicants who can clearly articulate why they want to work in agriculture, agribusiness, or food systems and how their studies will benefit their communities.

Financial Need: The scholarship targets students who cannot afford university education without support. Proof of economic disadvantage strengthens your application.

Potential for Transformative Impact: Applicants should show potential to become change-makers in their communities and sectors upon graduation.

Eligible Programs for the UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0

The scholarship covers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in agriculture and closely related disciplines. Programs available vary by university but generally include fields such as:

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
Food Science and Nutrition
Biosystems Engineering
Agronomy and Crop Science
Agricultural Education and Extension
Food Security and Community Nutrition
Agri-Enterprises Development
Environmental and Natural Resource Management

Each partner university publishes its own specific list of eligible programs in its official call for applications. Always visit the university’s dedicated application page to confirm available programs for the current academic year.

Participating Universities for the UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0

The following 12 universities across Africa are participating in the TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship for 2026/2027. Each university manages its own admissions process alongside the RUFORUM scholarship portal application.

Gulu University — Uganda. One of the pioneer partner institutions in East Africa, offering undergraduate programs in agricultural sciences.

Egerton University — Kenya. A leading agricultural university in East Africa offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a long history of research and rural development.

Africa University — Zimbabwe. A Pan-African institution committed to development-focused education and offering programs tied to sustainable agriculture.

University of the Free State — South Africa. A research-intensive university offering advanced postgraduate programs in agricultural and food sciences.

Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) — Malawi. Offering science and technology-based agricultural programs that serve communities across southern Africa.

University of Eldoret — Kenya. Known for its strong agricultural engineering and sciences programs rooted in community-based development.

Uganda Martyrs University — Uganda. A values-based institution offering programs linked to sustainable development and community transformation.

University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) — Nigeria. One of West Africa’s leading research universities, offering programs in agricultural economics, crop science, and agribusiness.

University of Cape Coast — Ghana. A prestigious Ghanaian university with a strong track record in agricultural education and food systems research.

University of Bamenda — Cameroon. A growing institution in Central/West Africa offering programs in agriculture and agri-food systems.

National University of Agriculture — Available in both English and French, this university serves Francophone and Anglophone African students interested in agricultural transformation.

Universite Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P) — Morocco. A world-class polytechnic institution with cutting-edge programs in agricultural innovation, data-driven farming, and agri-food systems.

Required Documents Checklist for the TAGDev Scholarship Application

Before you begin your application, gather the following documents. Having everything ready in advance saves time and reduces errors.

Completed RUFORUM online scholarship application form (downloaded and printed after submission via the RIMS portal)
University admission application form for your chosen institution
Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts (secondary school and any prior university qualifications)
A recent curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
A personal statement or motivation letter explaining your interest in agriculture and community development
At least two academic or professional reference letters
Proof of nationality (national identity card or passport)
For refugees and displaced persons: UNHCR registration documents, asylum documents, or equivalent
Proof of economic disadvantage (where required by the university)
Passport-sized photograph
Any additional documents specified by your chosen university in its call for applications

Benefits: What Does the UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0 Cover?

The TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship is a fully funded package. Successful scholars receive comprehensive support throughout their studies, including:

Full Scholarship: Complete coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the program.

Living Stipend: A monthly stipend to cover day-to-day living expenses so scholars can focus fully on their studies without financial worry.

Accommodation: Hostel or housing support on or near the university campus.

Research and Internship Support: Funding for research activities, conference attendance, academic workshops, and structured internship placements. Scholars get real-world exposure to agricultural value chains and food systems.

Laptop: Each scholar receives a laptop to support academic work and research.

Entrepreneurship Training: A core component of the program that builds business skills, innovation thinking, and self-reliance beyond graduation.

Community Engagement Activities: Scholars participate in structured community outreach programs that help them apply academic learning to real challenges in their localities.

No IELTS Required: The scholarship does not require any English language test scores. Applicants from both Anglophone and Francophone countries are welcome.

Scholarship Application Formatting: How to Structure Your Application

A well-formatted application signals professionalism and attention to detail. Here are key formatting principles:

Use a clean, readable font such as Arial or Times New Roman in size 11 or 12 for all written documents.
Keep your personal statement to one or two pages maximum. Use clear paragraphs and avoid overly long sentences.
Your CV should be no more than two pages. Use consistent formatting, bullet points for responsibilities, and reverse chronological order.
All uploaded documents should be in PDF format unless the portal specifies otherwise.
Make sure scanned documents are clear and legible. Blurry or cropped scans may result in disqualification.
Label all files clearly before uploading (e.g., “Surname_FirstName_TranscriptBSc.pdf”).

Step-by-Step Application Process for the TAGDev Scholarship 2.0

The TAGDev 2.0 application has two stages that must be completed simultaneously. Missing either stage will disqualify your application.

Stage 1: Apply for University Admission

Visit the website of your chosen partner university and complete their standard admissions application for the program you are interested in. Pay close attention to the university’s own deadline, which may differ from the scholarship deadline. Download and keep a copy of your university application confirmation.

Stage 2: Apply for the TAGDev Scholarship Through RUFORUM

Visit the RUFORUM Information Management System (RIMS) portal at rims2.ruforum.org. Create an account using a valid personal email address. Check your spam or junk folder for the account activation email if it does not appear in your inbox. After activating your account, log in and navigate to the scholarship calls section. Search for the current call, fill in the scholarship application form carefully, and click “Save Draft” regularly to avoid losing your progress. Once complete, download and print your application form to attach to your university admissions application.

Stage 3: Submit Both Applications

Submit your university admission application with the printed RUFORUM scholarship form attached. Depending on your chosen university, submission may be done online or by hand delivery. Confirm submission requirements with your chosen university directly.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further information and next steps.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your TAGDev Scholarship Application

Submitting only one of the two required applications. Both must be completed at the same time.
Applying for a program that is not listed as eligible under the TAGDev 2.0 call at your chosen university.
Submitting unclear or expired documents.
Missing the deadline. May 1, 2026 is firm. Do not wait until the last week.
Writing a generic personal statement that does not specifically address why you are interested in agriculture or how your studies will serve your community.
Ignoring the character or word limits on application forms.
Failing to get your reference letters before starting the application. References take time and should be requested weeks in advance.

JOIN OUW WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Tips for Writing Winning Essays for the TAGDev Scholarship

Your personal statement or motivation essay is one of the most important parts of your application. Here is how to make it stand out:

Start with a personal story. Open with a short anecdote about how agriculture has touched your life, your community, or your future plans. This makes your statement memorable and authentic.

Be specific about your goals. Selection panels want to know exactly how you plan to use your degree. Mention specific communities, regions, or problems you want to address.

Connect your past to your future. Describe any relevant experience you already have in farming, agribusiness, or food systems and explain how your degree will build on that foundation.

Highlight community impact. TAGDev prioritizes students who are committed to giving back. Describe how your studies will benefit others, not just yourself.

Keep it clear and direct. Write in plain English. Avoid overly academic or flowery language. Use short paragraphs and be honest and personal throughout.

Proofread carefully. Grammar and spelling errors create a poor impression. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your essay before submission.

Tips for Strong Reference Letters

Your reference letters should come from people who know your academic or professional work well, such as a teacher, lecturer, employer, or community leader.

Ask your referees early, at least three to four weeks before the deadline. Provide them with a copy of the scholarship details and a brief summary of your goals so they can write a targeted and relevant letter.

A strong reference letter is specific. It should describe actual examples of your academic ability, character, leadership, or commitment to agriculture rather than offering general praise.

Request that your referees print the letter on official letterhead, sign it, and where possible, include their official contact details and title.

Scholarship-Friendly CV or Resume for the TAGDev Application

Your CV for a scholarship application is different from a job-seeking resume. Keep it focused on academic achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement.

Structure it as follows: personal details at the top (no photo required), followed by a brief profile or career objective, educational background in reverse chronological order, any academic awards or distinctions, work or volunteer experience, extracurricular and leadership activities, skills, and references.

Keep the language professional but honest. Do not exaggerate qualifications or experience. Scholarship panels verify information.

Post-Application Phase: What to Do After Successful Submission

Once you have submitted both applications, save confirmation emails or printed receipts. These serve as proof of submission if any issue arises.

Follow up with your chosen university’s admissions office to confirm receipt of your application if you do not receive an acknowledgment within two weeks.

Monitor your email inbox regularly, including your spam folder. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by RUFORUM or the university, and missing that email could cost you the opportunity.

Prepare for a possible interview or additional information request. Some universities conduct screening interviews as part of their selection process.

If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter from the university and a scholarship award notification from RUFORUM.

Visa Route for TAGDev Scholarship Recipients

If you are applying to a university in a country different from your own, you will need a student visa. After receiving your official admission and scholarship offer letters, contact the embassy or high commission of your host country in your home country to begin the student visa application process.

Required documents typically include your admission letter, scholarship award letter, valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a completed visa application form. Processing times vary by country, so start the visa process as soon as you receive your award letter.

Refugees and displaced persons should consult with UNHCR or their local refugee coordination office for guidance on travel documents and entry permissions.

Work After Study Options for TAGDev Scholars

Upon completing your degree under the TAGDev 2.0 program, you are well-positioned to pursue meaningful careers in agriculture and agri-food systems. Most African countries allow international graduates to return to their home countries without restrictions. Scholars are also encouraged to seek employment or entrepreneurship opportunities within the agricultural value chains they studied.

Some partner countries may offer graduate work permits or post-study engagement opportunities. Check the immigration rules of your host country and explore alumni networks established through the TAGDev program.

Possible Job Opportunities After the TAGDev Scholarship

TAGDev 2.0 graduates are trained to work across the agricultural value chain. Possible career paths include:

Agricultural Development Officer in national and international development organizations, Agribusiness Manager or Entrepreneur, Food Systems Analyst or Policy Advisor, Agricultural Researcher or Academic, Extension Services Officer working with rural farming communities, Climate-Smart Agriculture Specialist, Food Safety and Quality Control Expert, and Supply Chain Manager in agri-food companies.

Organizations that actively recruit from agricultural university graduates in Africa include national governments, the African Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), international NGOs, private agri-food companies, and development finance institutions.

Alternatives if You Do Not Win the TAGDev Scholarship

Not winning the TAGDev Scholarship does not mean the end of your academic journey. Consider applying for these alternative opportunities:

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at various partner universities across Africa offers full funding for academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The African Development Bank’s Scholarship Program supports graduate studies in fields related to African development. The DAAD In-Country Scholarship Program supports postgraduate studies for African students within their own countries. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan supports Master’s and PhD study in Commonwealth countries. The UM6P Merit Scholarship in Morocco provides support for advanced studies in science, technology, and agri-food systems. National government scholarships in your home country may also fund agriculture-related studies.

Keep applying, stay connected to scholarship alert platforms, and continue building your academic and community profile while you wait for new opportunities.

Conclusion

The UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0 is one of the most comprehensive and inclusive scholarship programs available to young Africans today. It goes far beyond paying school fees — it invests in your entire academic journey, from housing and daily needs to research experience and entrepreneurship training. With 12 universities across the continent, programs available in both English and French, no IELTS required, and strong support for refugees and persons with disabilities, this scholarship opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.

If you are a young African with a passion for transforming agriculture and building better food systems for your community, this is your moment. The application deadline is May 1, 2026. Do not delay.

APPLY NOW via the RUFORUM RIMS Portal

For the official UNHCR scholarship information, visit the UNHCR South Africa Education for Refugees Page.

UNHCR TAGDev Scholarship 2.0 for Africans 2026/2027 — Fully Funded | Apply Now