Victoria university launches 100 Rajiv memorial master’s scholarships

17 July 2026, 6:25 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Victoria University has announced 100 fully funded Master’s scholarships in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia to support outstanding graduates from the University’s Class of 2025.

The Rajiv Memorial Scholarships Programme, funded by the Ruparelia Family Foundation, is intended to honour Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy by investing in the next generation of researchers, innovators and leaders.

According to the university, the scholarships are exclusively available to Victoria University graduates from the Class of 2025 who excelled academically and demonstrated strong leadership during their undergraduate studies.

In a statement, the Office of the Vice Chancellor described the programme as a landmark investment in Uganda’s intellectual future.

“This landmark initiative offers 100 fully funded Master’s scholarships that honour the enduring legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, a legacy defined by excellence, leadership and service,” the university said.

The university said the programme aims to encourage exceptional graduates to undertake research that contributes to Uganda’s knowledge economy.

To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from Victoria University’s Class of 2025 with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.3, equivalent to a Second Class Upper Division or higher. Applicants must also have either secured admission or qualify for admission to a Master’s programme at the university.

Preference will be given to candidates with outstanding final-year research projects, conference presentations, innovation achievements and demonstrated leadership through student governance, entrepreneurship, community service or volunteer work.

Applicants must also submit a recommendation letter from a Dean, Head of Department or academic supervisor as part of their application.

Successful candidates will serve as Research or Tutorial Assistants under the university’s Work Integrated Learning framework throughout their studies. They will also be required to maintain good academic standing, uphold the university’s disciplinary standards and sign a Rajiv Memorial Scholarships Contract outlining the programme’s conditions.

The university said scholarship recipients must attend graduate training sessions, seminars and mentorship programmes, participate in innovation activities and submit trimester progress reports. It warned that scholarships may be withdrawn in cases of poor academic performance, misconduct, plagiarism, criminal behaviour or prolonged absenteeism.

The scholarships will take effect during the July/August 2026 intake, with beneficiaries expected to complete their Master’s degrees within two academic years and produce dissertations of publishable quality.

Victoria University said the programme will be implemented with a focus on transparency, gender balance, inclusion of persons with disabilities and equitable representation across all academic disciplines.

Applications must include a completed application form, a Victoria University admission letter, certified academic transcripts, an updated curriculum vitae, a personal statement and a recommendation letter.

The deadline for applications is July 22, 2026.