University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Guide

Imagine getting a fully funded master’s or bachelor’s degree in agriculture-related fields without worrying about tuition or living costs. The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 offers this chance to talented Nigerian students. This program supports young people from tough backgrounds to build skills in farming and business.

Scholarship Summary

The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 is hosted in Nigeria. It targets postgraduate and master’s level studies, but also includes undergraduate options. Only Nigerian nationals or refugees living in Nigeria can apply. The reward package is full: it covers tuition, monthly stipends, housing, a laptop, research funds, internships, and training in entrepreneurship. No IELTS test is needed. The deadline is May 1, 2026.

Program Details

Mastercard Foundation partners with the University of Port Harcourt for this scholarship. It falls under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme, run by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). This 10-year effort (2023-2033) aims to improve African universities. The goal is to train young Africans in agriculture and food systems that resist climate change and promote growth. It focuses on students who are smart but face money issues.

Applicants must show interest in agriculture, agribusiness, or starting businesses. They need leadership skills and a drive to help their communities. Women are encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply

To qualify for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026, meet these main rules:

• Be Nigerian or a refugee in Nigeria.
• Come from poor, marginalized, or conflict-affected areas.
• Under 25 for undergrad (under 30 for masters). Refugees or displaced persons can be up to 30 for undergrad or 35 for masters.
• Finished secondary school or diploma within two years (four for refugees).
• Meet University of Port Harcourt admission standards.
• Commit to agriculture work after studies.

Undergraduate Requirements

For bachelor’s programs:

1. Five O-Level credits (GCE/SSCE/NECO) in Math, English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, and one of Physics, Economics, or Geography. Get them in two sittings max.
2. Pass UTME with Use of English, Chemistry, Math/Physics, and Biology/Agricultural Science.
3. Pick University of Port Harcourt as first choice in UTME.
4. Pass the post-UTME screening.
   Foreigners skip UTME if they meet O-Level rules.

Postgraduate Requirements

For master’s programs:

• Credit in English and Math.
• Second-Class Honours bachelor’s degree (or master’s for PhD, but focus here is MSc).
• Submit degree certificate, NYSC discharge (for Nigerians), O-Level, birth certificate, marriage docs if needed, local ID or passport, and payment receipts.

What You Get

This fully funded scholarship covers everything:

• Tuition fees.
• Research, workshop, and conference costs.
• Monthly living stipend and hostel stay.
• A laptop.
• Internship and field work.
• Community service and entrepreneurship training.

Study Programs Offered

Undergraduate Programs

• BSc. Agricultural Economics
• BSc. Agribusiness Management
• BSc. Agricultural Extension and Development Studies
• BSc. Animal Science
• BSc. Food Science and Nutrition

Postgraduate Programs

• MSc. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• MSc. Agribusiness Management
• MSc. Crop Science

Application Steps

Follow these steps to apply for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026:

1. Go to the RUFORUM website and fill the Google form.
2. Apply for admission to University of Port Harcourt for 2026/27 (undergrad or postgrad).
3. Visit the Mastercard RUFORUM Scholarship page. Go to Calls > Scholarship Calls. Pick Call ID: RU/2026/TAGDev-2.0/001. Click Apply.
4. Save drafts as you fill the form.
5. Download, print, and submit with your university admission form (hard copy or online).
6. Email mcf@ruforum.org for help.

Deadline

Submit by May 1, 2026. Check the official links for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026?

Nigerian nationals or refugees in Nigeria from poor, marginalized, or conflict-affected areas who are under 25 for undergrad or 30 for masters, meet academic standards, and commit to agriculture work.

What does the scholarship cover?

It provides full tuition, monthly living stipends, housing, a laptop, research funds, internships, and entrepreneurship training.

What programs are offered?

Undergraduate options include BSc in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, and Food Science. Postgraduate includes MSc in Fisheries, Agribusiness Management, and Crop Science.

How do I apply and what is the deadline?

Apply via the RUFORUM website Google form, university admission, and Mastercard page with Call ID RU/2026/TAGDev-2.0/001. The deadline is May 1, 2026.