The University of Manchester, a top British varsity, has included Rwanda on the list of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that will benefit from scholarships for students pursuing post graduate degrees in science-related fields.

Joanne Jacobs, the University’s Senior International Officer, said yesterday that the move is in recognition of Rwanda’s admission to the Commonwealth as well as its keen interest in promoting science and technology.

"We felt we had done a lot in other countries and Rwanda was our natural choice given the fact that it is now a member of the Commonwealth,” Jacobs said.

Seven scholarships have been reserved for Rwanda and Uganda for postgraduate Masters Programme in subjects including science and engineering, biomedical and biosciences, law and education.

"Of all the seven scholarships, three or four will go to Rwanda depending on the quality of qualifications that will be submitted by the candidates,” she said.

"These are intended for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and would not otherwise be able to study abroad.”

Jacobs said that the fully paid up scholarships will only go to graduates who have a maximum of two years working experience.

"The students will also be required to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of Rwanda once they return,” Jacobs said.

The University has also reserved five more distance learning scholarships of Masters in Public Health for Rwandan applicants.

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