Joseph kwizera, a 28-year-old secondary school teacher in Kigali will forever be thankful to government for the scholarship they gave him a few years ago.

 "I had always wanted to become a teacher from childhood but I almost lost out on my dream because my family could not afford to pay for me at university,” Kwizera says.

"After sitting home for 3 years, something miraculous happened. I heard an advert on radio calling on students who had completed A’level to apply for government scholarship (SFAR) which I did very fast. Fortunately I was among the few that were selected and that is how I joined university for a degree in education,” he adds.

Kwizera reveals that for three years, government took care of all his tuition and allowances.

Like Kwizera many years ago, many senior six vacists are eyeing university. But not all of them believe they will actually go there come September when most universities open their doors to first-years. And the reason is one: no money. In light of that, the Education Times dug up some information on available scholarship opportunities that you might want to give a shot. Who knows, you could achieve your wish just like Kwizera.

Government scholarships

Janvier Gasana, the director general of Rwanda Education Board (REB), says one must first be admitted to university before they can apply for the scholarship.

"Not all students are supported. In order for one to be considered, they must have high grades and come from vulnerable categories. They are then given tuition fees and allowances, while those that are financially stable receive only tuition fees minus allowances,” he explains.

Gasana says interested students apply online via their (REB’s) website following adverts in the media calling for applications.

"Every year we give a bursary loan of between Rwf500, 000 and Rwf600, 000 to each student, but it varies according to our budget and number of students,” Gasana notes.

 Some students (usually the best), however, are sponsored to study abroad. In order to limit the number, Gasana says students are required to do another exam called mini-test.

"We can’t consider everyone who has passed highly so we subject the students to an exam after which we pick the number that fits into our budget,” Gasana says.

He adds that it is from this category that beneficiaries for the Presidential scholarships are got from.

Genocide survivors

There is another category of scholarships that government gives to genocide survivors through the Genocide Survivors Fund (FARG). The requirements though are different from other scholarships.

According to Vedaste Rutayisire, the director of education at FARG, their selections start as soon as government’s is concluded.

"One is required to produce a document indicating that they are survivors of the genocide, and must have passed with at least 13 points at A’level,” Rutayisire says, adding that they sponsor beneficiaries for only a bachelor’s degree.

"We believe that after university one should be able to cater for themselves,” he adds.

Bridge2Rwanda Scholars Programme

NGOs are also helping students to access scholarships abroad. One such example is Bridge2Rwanda Scholars Programme. According to the organization’s website, Bridge2Rwanda Scholars is a comprehensive programme that focuses on five main areas to prepare students to become outstanding, internationally competitive servant leaders. In order to be competitive, students should have 3 of the following 4 requirements or more: Excellent school reports from Senior 4 to Senior 6, with a high average and high rank in class. They should also have been among the top five in the class consistently. The students must also have excelled in the national exams.

Applicants should also have a good background in English reading, writing, speaking and the ability to listen well.  Although the programme is looking for students who do more than just study, each individual should also be in a position to participate in both school and outside activities.

Kepler

Kepler, also an NGO, offers scholarships to students annually.

According to Chantal Zuba, a beneficiary, Kepler offers scholarships to high school graduates with good grades specifically in the field of Business Administration (BBA).

"Applicants do an exam on which they base to select the best. These students must be high school graduates, with a document indicating one’s ubudehe category (financial status). One is also required to present report cards for senior 5 to 6 and should have self confidence,” Zuba says.

Other scholarships

MasterCard

MasterCard Foundation Scholarships Programme based in Canada offers scholarships to African countries including Rwanda. The programme provides talented young people, especially those that come from communities that are economically disadvantaged, with access to quality and relevant education. 

The scholarship requires outstanding national examination results, preferably an "A” in all the subjects in the national exam.

The beneficiary receives comprehensive financial, academic and social support, as well as opportunities for community service and internships’. Application can be done  online.

Chinese and Korean embassies also offer scholarships annually. All one has to do is visit their websites or look out for their adverts in the media.

One can also visit http://www.scholars4dev.com/tag/scholarships-for-rwandans/  for more scholarship opportunities.