Across the African continent, initiatives are blooming to empower the next generation of leaders. Two notable scholarship programs— the Mastercard Foundation TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme and the L'Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents for Women in Science program—aim to enable young African students to access higher education and thrive within their fields.
Applications for the TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship Programme at Gulu University are now open, with the deadline set for April 1, 2025. This program is particularly focused on economically disadvantaged students, including women, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. "The TAGDev 2.0 programme will support young African students economically disadvantaged but academically competent to access university education," according to Gulu University. The scholarship is geared to help farmers transform agriculture and agrifood systems across Africa.
Eligible candidates can pursue various degrees such as Bachelor of Science programs in Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, as well as multiple master’s degrees including Environmental Science and Agronomy, among others. Students from the East African region, particularly those from conflict-affected areas, are encouraged to apply. TAGDev seeks not only to educate but also to create community leaders and change-makers ready to tackle challenges facing agriculture.
Beyond tuition, the scholarship covers living expenses, research costs, and even entrepreneurial training, which is pivotal for graduates to establish impactful enterprises post-education. Successful applicants will have access to workshops, internships, and field attachments, ensuring they emerge as high-achievers capable of contributing significantly to their communities.
Meanwhile, the L'Oréal-UNESCO program celebrates its 15th edition for the Sub-Saharan Africa region, empowering women researchers through its Young Talents initiative. Applications for this program are open until April 7, 2025, aiming to support both doctoral and post-doctoral students with financial awards of €10,000 and €15,000, respectively. The focus is on fostering scientific excellence among women within their home countries or abroad.
To qualify for the L'Oréal program, applicants must have either obtained their Ph.D. or be pursuing one within relevant fields such as life sciences, environmental sciences, and engineering. The initiative emphasizes the importance of quality research and communication skills, ensuring participants can effectively share and advocate for their findings.
Starting from February 24, 2025, applicants can begin the nomination process, culminating with final selections announced on July 7, 2025. This comprehensive support aims not just to alleviate financial burdens but to bolster women’s leadership within the scientific community, recognizing and addressing the glass ceiling many face.
The encouragement of both programs lies not only in the funding provided but also the networks and mentorship opportunities made available to recipients. These scholarships aim to bridge gaps within academia, particularly for those who have historically been underrepresented.
For Gulu University’s TAGDev 2.0 program, the organization preaches commitment to community transformation as students are urged to engage proactively with their local communities. Likewise, L’Oreal strives to empower women, building leaders who can influence future generations.
With the firm belief shared by both organizations—education changes lives—these scholarship programs present ripe opportunities for aspiring students ready to make impactful changes. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and seize the chance for their educational and professional futures.