Rajiv Ruparelia’s Legacy Lives On As Victoria University Rolls Out 100 Master’s Scholarships

By Frank Kamuntu

Victoria University has announced 100 fully funded Master’s scholarships under the Rajiv Memorial Scholarships Programme, offering exceptional graduates from the Class of 2025 an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education while honouring the legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.

The scholarships, funded by the Ruparelia Family through the Ruparelia Family Foundation, are exclusively reserved for Victoria University’s top-performing graduates and are intended to nurture the next generation of leaders, researchers and innovators.

In a call for applications issued by the Office of the Vice Chancellor, the university described the initiative as more than just a scholarship programme, saying it is an investment in Uganda’s future through academic excellence, leadership and impactful research.

“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 stated.

The institution noted that the programme is designed to encourage outstanding graduates to undertake meaningful research while contributing to Uganda’s growing knowledge economy.

According to the university, applicants must be bachelor’s degree graduates from Victoria University’s Class of 2025 with an outstanding academic record and demonstrated leadership qualities.

Eligible candidates must either possess an admission letter or qualify for admission into a Victoria University Master’s programme. They are also expected to serve as Research or Tutorial Assistants under the university’s Work Integrated Learning programme each trimester.

Applicants must have maintained a clean disciplinary record and be prepared to meet application, registration, functional and Learning Management System (LMS) fees.

To qualify, candidates must have attained a minimum CGPA of 4.3, equivalent to a Second Class Upper Division or higher. Preference will be given to graduates with strong final-year research projects, conference presentations or innovation initiatives.

The university is also seeking candidates with proven leadership experience through student leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteer work or community service. Applicants are required to submit recommendation letters from their Dean or Head of Department confirming their leadership ability and integrity.

Successful beneficiaries will be expected to maintain a minimum Second Class Upper CGPA throughout their studies, attend seminars, workshops and graduate training sessions, participate in mentorship and innovation programmes, and submit progress reports at the end of every trimester.

They will also be required to sign the Rajiv Memorial Scholarships Contract.

The university warned that scholarships may be terminated in cases of poor academic performance, academic misconduct, plagiarism, criminal behaviour, prolonged absenteeism or breaches of university policies.

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

Victoria University said the programme will be implemented with fairness and transparency while ensuring gender balance, inclusion of students with disabilities and equitable representation across all faculties.

Applicants are required to submit an official application form, a Victoria University admission letter, academic transcripts, an updated curriculum vitae, a personal statement and a recommendation letter.

The application deadline is July 22, 2026.

The Rajiv Memorial Scholarships were established to preserve the legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia by empowering outstanding young Ugandans with advanced education and leadership opportunities, reinforcing Victoria University’s commitment to academic excellence and national development.