Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) Master's Scholarship 2026 Under the Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) Project
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has officially announced a call for applications for the Master's Scholarship under the Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) Project, a prestigious initiative funded by the Gates Foundation. This opportunity is designed for highly motivated Rwandan graduates who are passionate about strengthening malaria research, public health, genomics, laboratory science, and health systems in Rwanda.
Successful applicants will receive support to pursue a Master's degree while contributing to nationally significant research that aims to improve malaria surveillance and guide evidence-based health policies.
If you are planning to pursue postgraduate studies in health-related fields, this scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to build your research career while contributing to Rwanda's malaria elimination efforts.
About the Scholarship
Despite significant progress in reducing malaria through interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and improved case management, malaria remains a major public health concern in Rwanda.
To strengthen malaria surveillance, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre has received a three-year grant from the Gates Foundation to establish:
- A National Malaria Molecular Surveillance Platform
- A National Malaria Reference Genomic Laboratory
- Advanced molecular surveillance systems for monitoring drug and diagnostic resistance
As part of this project, RBC will sponsor Master's students whose research will contribute directly to the country's malaria surveillance system.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will have the opportunity to:
- Receive support for Master's studies
- Conduct nationally important research
- Work alongside leading malaria researchers
- Contribute to Rwanda's public health system
- Build expertise in molecular surveillance and genomics
- Publish research in high-impact scientific journals
- Join a national malaria research consortium
Available Research Clusters
Applicants should indicate their preferred research cluster when applying.
The scholarship covers research in the following six thematic areas:
1. Implementation Science
Operational feasibility of integrating malaria molecular surveillance into Rwanda's routine surveillance systems.
2. Health Economics
Cost-effectiveness and sustainability of malaria molecular surveillance strategies.
3. Molecular Diagnostics
Study of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions and their impact on malaria diagnosis.
4. Drug Resistance and Therapeutics
Research on antimalarial drug resistance and treatment effectiveness.
5. Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genomic characterization of malaria parasites to improve surveillance.
6. Capacity Building and Health Systems Strengthening
Assessment of workforce competency and institutional readiness for sustainable surveillance.
Eligible Academic Fields
Applicants should have an academic background in one of the following:
- Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
- Biostatistics
- Health Financing
- Pharmacy
- Other related health disciplines
RBC particularly encourages applications from professionals currently working within Rwanda's health system, including regional hospitals and national health institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a Rwandan citizen
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Be willing to comply with project requirements
- Be willing to enroll in a local or regional university (preferred)
- Have secured admission or be planning to secure admission before the September intake
- Submit proof of admission status
- Provide the fee structure for the proposed Master's programme
- Submit a 500-word concept note outlining the rationale, methodology, and implementation approach for the selected research topic
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Personal Statement
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Concept Note (Maximum 500 words)
- Copy of Bachelor's Degree Certificate
- Copy of National ID
- Two Academic Reference Letters
- Proof of Admission (or admission status)
- Fee Structure of the proposed Master's programme
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit all required documents via email.
- Email Address: dg@rbc.gov.rw
- Email Subject exapmle: Master Scholarship_MMS_Research Cluster Name
Ensure that all required documents are attached before submission. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Application Deadline: 07 August 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship offers far more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to:
- Advance your academic career
- Gain hands-on research experience
- Contribute to national disease surveillance
- Collaborate with leading scientists
- Build expertise in genomics, diagnostics, and public health
- Enhance your future career prospects in research, academia, and health policy
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) Master's Scholarship 2026 under the Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) Project is an outstanding opportunity for ambitious Rwandan graduates seeking to pursue postgraduate education while making a meaningful contribution to national and global malaria control efforts.
If your academic background aligns with the eligible fields and you are passionate about research and public health, don't miss this opportunity. Prepare your application carefully and submit it before 07 August 2026.
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