The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 offers a big chance for Nigerian students to pursue higher education without money worries. This fully funded program supports young people from tough backgrounds in agriculture-related fields. It covers everything from tuition to living costs, making it a top pick for those aiming to build skills in farming and business.
Scholarship Overview
The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 comes from a partnership between Mastercard Foundation and the University of Port Harcourt. It is part of the TAGDev 2.0 Programme, run by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). This 10-year effort, from 2023 to 2033, aims to train African youth to improve agriculture and food systems.
The program targets students who face economic challenges but show strong academic promise. It focuses on Nigeria, with spots for nationals, refugees, and people from conflict areas. No IELTS test is needed, and the deadline is June 1, 2026. Applications are open for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet key rules. These ensure the program helps those who need it most.
General Requirements
- Be a Nigerian national or a refugee living in Nigeria.
- Come from low-income, marginalized, or conflict-affected areas.
- Be under 25 for undergraduate studies or under 30 for masters. Refugees or displaced persons can be up to 30 for undergrad or 35 for masters.
- Finish secondary school or diploma within two years of applying (four years for refugees/displaced).
- Show interest in agriculture, agribusiness, or entrepreneurship.
- Display leadership skills and a drive to improve communities.
- Women are encouraged to apply.
- Meet University of Port Harcourt admission standards.
Undergraduate Requirements
Candidates need:
- Five O-Level credits in GCE/SSCE/NECO or equivalent, including Math, English, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one of Physics, Economics, or Geography. Get these in two sittings max.
- Pass UTME with Use of English, Chemistry, Math or Physics, and Biology or Agricultural Science.
- Pick University of Port Harcourt as first choice in UTME registration.
- Pass the university’s post-UTME screening.
Foreign applicants skip UTME if they meet O-Level rules.
Postgraduate Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Credit passes in English and Math.
- At least a Second-Class Honours bachelor’s degree for masters (from UniPort or another recognized school).
- For PhD, hold a master’s in the field.
Submit forms with degree certificates, NYSC discharge (for Nigerians), O-Level results, birth certificate, marriage certificate if needed, local ID or passport, and payment receipts.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This scholarship provides full support to let students focus on studies. It covers:
- Tuition fees.
- Research costs.
- Workshop and conference expenses.
- Monthly living stipend and hostel accommodation.
- A laptop.
- Internship opportunities.
- Community and field work.
- Entrepreneurship training.
These perks help build real-world skills for careers in agriculture.
Available Programs
The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 funds specific courses tied to agriculture.
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
These options prepare students to tackle food security and farming challenges.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for the University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 takes clear steps. Follow them in order.
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Go to the RUFORUM website and fill the Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAbtZUh-ag0RCNfFGm8m0ihnrczg-1iTkd7zlCbGmjjcbEpA/viewform.
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Apply for admission to University of Port Harcourt for 2026/2027 (undergrad or postgrad).
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Visit the Mastercard RUFORUM Scholarship page: https://rims2.ruforum.org/signup/.
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Go to Calls > Scholarship Calls, pick Call ID: RU/2026/TAGDev-2.0/001, and click Apply.
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Fill the form and save drafts often.
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Download, print, and submit with your UniPort admission application (hard copy or online portal).
For help, email mcf@ruforum.org. Check the full call document here.
Important Deadline
Submit all parts by June 1, 2026. Late applications will not count.
Conclusion
The University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026 opens doors for driven Nigerian youth to gain skills in agriculture. With full funding and hands-on training, it sets recipients up for success in transforming communities. If you meet the criteria, start your application today to seize this opportunity.