Whether you are looking to pursue graduate studies, launch a research career, secure funding for a nonprofit or strengthen your leadership skills, several international opportunities are currently accepting applications from Rwanda and across Africa. Below is a guide, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines. ALSO READ: Top funding initiatives available to local startups Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University Students seeking a fully funded master's degree can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. The programme awards about 35 scholarships each year across 13 graduate programmes focused on fields linked to Africa's development, including sustainable agriculture, food security, public health, nutrition, environmental management, biotechnology and public policy. The scholarship covers major tuition and living expenses, leadership training and academic support. ALSO READ: Trade Ministry tips students on job-creating business ventures Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, meet McGill University's graduate admission requirements, be citizens of an African country currently residing in Africa, and be 35 years old or younger. Candidates should also demonstrate academic excellence, leadership experience, community involvement and financial need. Prospective applicants are required to attend one of McGill's virtual information sessions, scheduled between June 23 and July 15, before beginning the application process. Attendance is mandatory. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic PhD positions Researchers interested in doctoral studies can apply for more than 200 fully funded PhD positions at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Morocco. The opportunities span engineering, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, climate science, agriculture, economics, sustainability, environmental sciences and other emerging fields. Applicants should hold a master's degree, an engineering qualification or an equivalent academic background relevant to their chosen research area. Application deadline: July 15. UN Women SIARP 2.0 grants Civil society organizations, women's rights groups, youth-led organizations, research institutions and other nonprofit organizations can apply for funding through UN Women's Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0. The programme supports projects aimed at ending violence against women and girls, strengthening services for survivors, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, supporting women's rights movements and improving public policy across Africa. Successful applicants can receive grants ranging from $110,000 to $548,000 over a 27-month implementation period. Proposal deadline: July 27, at 5 p.m. East Africa Time. UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme Young professionals working in agriculture, climate action, nutrition, sustainability or food systems can apply for the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme. Food systems refer to everything involved in producing, distributing and consuming food, from farming and processing to markets and nutrition. The programme offers leadership training, mentorship, networking opportunities and collaboration with young leaders from around the world. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, come from a low or middle-income country, demonstrate experience in food systems or related fields, and be willing to participate through 2028. Application deadline: July 13. ACET Youth Policy Lab Young Africans interested in public policy and economic development can apply for the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) Youth Policy Lab. Participants work in teams to develop evidence-based policy proposals addressing Africa's development challenges before presenting their ideas to experts during a virtual pitch competition. The programme includes mentorship, leadership training, networking opportunities and the chance to compete for internships, certificates and cash prizes. Applicants must be African citizens aged between 18 and 35, fluent in English or French, and able to commit four to six hours each week throughout the programme. Application deadline: July 7. Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge Young entrepreneurs leading projects with measurable social or environmental impact can apply for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge. The competition offers grants of up to $15,000, alongside mentorship, founder support and international networking opportunities designed to help early-stage ventures grow. Applicants are encouraged to register early and prepare supporting materials before the deadline. Application deadline: Aug. 31, at 5 p.m. UTC. UNHCR Innovation Accelerator The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has launched the 2026 UNHCR Innovation Accelerator, a global initiative aimed at helping promising humanitarian ideas move from pilot stage to large-scale, sustainable impact. The Expression of Interest opened June 1 and closes July 12, at 11:59 p.m. CEST, giving eligible organizations around the world a chance to apply for strategic support, catalytic funding, technical guidance, mentorship and partnerships to scale solutions for forcibly displaced and stateless people. Led by UNHCR Innovation with internal and external partners and backed by the government of Luxembourg, the accelerator is designed to support tested, evidence-driven innovations with strong operational value, helping them grow through collaboration with refugee-led groups, governments, UN agencies, NGOs, researchers and private-sector actors.
