Finding funding is often harder than earning it. To cut through the noise, here are vetted scholarships, fellowships and internships currently open to Rwandans, covering public policy, law, the green economy and emerging tech, with the key deadlines and application notes you need.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships help people from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries study for a part-time master’s degree at a UK university while staying in their home countries.

These awards aim to give candidates the training and skills they need for jobs that are not available locally. Applications for the 2026–27 cycle opened at on February 17, and close at 16:00 BST on Tuesday, March 31. Courses begin in September or October 2026.

Candidates must apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online system, CSC Central.

United Nations ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme

Young innovators interested in using technology to address community challenges can apply for the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme.

The initiative is led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with Huawei and focuses on supporting emerging digital leaders through funding, mentorship and leadership training.

Each year, 30 participants are selected to develop and implement digital projects in their communities. Fellows receive financial support and guidance from industry experts while connecting with a global network of technology and development leaders.

Participants begin with a $5,000 grant to launch a digital development project. Projects that demonstrate strong results may receive an additional $5,000, bringing the potential total funding to $10,000.

The programme also includes virtual mentorship, leadership training and opportunities to present projects to international stakeholders. Selected fellows are invited to attend Global Development Week in Geneva.

Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old and either enrolled in or recently graduated from tertiary education. A background in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or related fields is required.

Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills and propose a practical project that promotes digital inclusion in their communities. Applications for the third cohort close at 23:59 CET on March 31.

Paid FAO Internship Programme 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization offers a paid internship programme for students and recent graduates who want practical experience in fields related to FAO’s work. Interns usually supplement academic study with on-the-job tasks that build their understanding of FAO programmes and priorities while giving the organization access to fresh skills and research.

Interested candidates should submit a Call for Expression of Interest through the FAO Careers Portal and include a motivation letter and proof of university enrolment. The application deadline listed for this intake is August 25.

AI Skills 4 Women, by Founderz and Microsoft

AI Skills 4 Women is a free, fully online short course designed to give women practical, entry-level knowledge of artificial intelligence. The programme covers AI fundamentals and practical applications, prompt engineering and ethics, basic AI cybersecurity and data analytics, plus leadership and mentorship skills.

It runs for about three hours, is delivered entirely online, and issues an official Microsoft certificate on completion. The course is aimed at women who want to enter tech, students exploring digital careers, professionals looking to upskill, entrepreneurs integrating AI into their work, and career switchers.

No prior coding experience is required. The programme is delivered by Founderz in partnership with Microsoft and includes opportunities to apply for further AI scholarships.

Africa CDC Kofi Annan Scholars Programme

The Africa CDC Kofi Annan Scholars Programme is designed for experienced professionals who want to contribute to stronger public health systems across the continent.

The initiative deploys experts to support national health planning, policy development and strategic programmes in African countries. The effort is part of a broader push to strengthen Africa’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats.

Successful applicants join a roster of strategy development experts who may be assigned to work with ministries of health, national public health institutes and other institutions involved in health policy and planning. Candidates are expected to hold a master’s or doctoral degree in public health, health policy, health systems management, strategic planning or a related field.

Applicants should also have at least seven years of professional experience in public health policy or strategic planning, along with familiarity with African health systems. Experience working with ministries, national public health institutes or development partners is considered an advantage.

Applications close on April 2, at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time. The programme is coordinated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Climate Catalysts Mentorship Programme 3.0

Young climate advocates and sustainability leaders can also apply for the Climate Catalysts Mentorship Programme 3.0, an international initiative aimed at helping emerging changemakers strengthen their work in climate action.

The programme connects participants with climate experts and peers while providing training on leadership, advocacy and project development.

The mentorship runs for about one month and includes a series of online boot camps with several sessions each. Participants take part in interactive learning with climate practitioners, peer discussions on a dedicated online platform and informal networking events known as Virtual Climate Cafés.

Outstanding participants may also have the opportunity to attend COP31, where selected youth could present or pitch their climate projects to international stakeholders. To apply click here.

United Nations International Law Fellowship

Law professionals interested in international legal practice may consider the United Nations International Law Fellowship. Organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, the programme offers advanced training in international law at the Peace Palace.

The 2026 fellowship will run from June 29 to July 31 and will be conducted in English. Participants attend lectures and training sessions, including the public international law programme at The Hague Academy of International Law.

The fellowship covers round-trip economy travel to the Netherlands, accommodation, medical insurance and training materials. Fellows also receive a stipend to help cover expenses such as food and transportation.

Applicants must have a legal background, professional experience in international law and the ability to attend the full programme. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. The application deadline is March 30.

Africa CDC Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship

Public health professionals across the continent can also apply for the Africa CDC Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship. The six-month residential programme is designed to strengthen Africa’s ability to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.

The programme is part of the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty agenda, which focuses on building a stronger and more sustainable public health workforce.

Selected fellows take part in technical training, mentorship and field placements related to emergency response. The programme also offers study tours to emergency management centres and opportunities to connect with public health leaders across the region.

Training lasts six months and requires full-time participation. For the 2026 cohort, sessions will be held at the Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and at the Southern Regional Collaborative Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

The fellowship targets mid-career professionals working in areas such as public health, medicine, health policy, health economics, animal health, environmental health and emergency operations.

Applicants must be citizens of an African Union member state, hold a postgraduate degree in public health or a related field, and work full-time in a government public health institution. The application deadline is March 31.

Maximize these opportunities by either applying yourself or sharing them with potential candidates.

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